In The News: 2005

11/29/05 Humane Society of Missouri Once Again Receives a Four-Star Rating
for Exceptional Management

11/28/05 Humane Society of Missouri statement regarding William Zobel guilty
plea in Greene County horse rescue case

11/9/05 Dog Injured in Shooting Has New, Loving Home After Surgery to
Remove Bullet

11/7/05 Humane Society of Missouri Rescue Team Called Back to New Orleans
to Assist Shelter in Rebuilding Animal Control Operations

9/28/05 Rescue Team Aids Pets Affected by Hurricane Rita

8/31/05 Rescue Team to Aid Pets Affected by Hurricane Katrina

8/29/05 Bobby and Rover's Post-Hurricane Reunion

7/12/05 Farm Animals Rescued From Sainte Genevieve County

7/12/05 Supreme Court Upholds Trial Decision: Rescued Horses to Humane Society

5/8/05 Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Appear on Weekend Today

2/22/05 Milestone Announced: 250,000 Spay and Neuter Surgeries

For information on past rescue cases, read our Rescue Diaries.

Humane Society of Missouri Once Again Receives Four-Star Rating for Exceptional Management
Givers can feel confident that donations are being used efficiently and effectively 

November 29, 2005 – With the holidays being a big time for giving, donors want to make sure that their money is being put to good use. For the second year in a row the Humane Society of Missouri has earned a four-star rating (the top score possible) in an analysis recently conducted by Charity Navigator, a national non-profit watchdog group that evaluates United States charities.  The shelter is the only four-star rated animal charity in Missouri. The exceptional rating means that the Humane Society exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its category.  The Humane Society shares the four-star rating with three other well-known and respected non-profit institutions in St. Louis:  Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Art Museum Foundation and Washington University.   

The national online source rates charities by evaluating two broad areas of financial health:  organizational efficiency and organizational capacity.  The ratings show givers how efficiently a charity will use their support today and to what extent the charities are growing their programs and services over time. four key indicators to determine how efficiently and responsibly a charity functions day to day: fundraising efficiency, fundraising expenses, program expenses, and administration expenses.

The Humane Society is noted as an organization that spends less than 20 percent of its total budget on overhead, administrative and fundraising expenses, significantly lower than the recommended level required for the four-star rating.  The Humane Society spends more than 80 percent of its total budget on programs and services, significantly higher than the level required for the four-star rating.

Strong ratings are also evident in every category relating to organization capacity – or how well a charity can sustain its efforts over time. Organization capacity is assessed by three key indicators: average annual growth of primary revenue, average annual growth of program expenses, and working capital ratio.

The Charity Navigator bases its evaluations on the financial information each charity provides in its informational tax returns, or IRS Form 990.  The ratings are quantitative designations.  The goal is to help people give to charities with confidence.  At the same time, Charity Navigator aims to help charities by spotlighting truly effective organizations. For more information, visit www.charitynavigator.org.

Humane Society of Missouri statement regarding William Zobel guilty plea in Greene County horse rescue case

November 28, 2005 - William Zobel plead guilty this morning to four Class A misdemeanor counts of animal abuse and one Class A misdemeanor count of failure to dispose of an animal carcass and, further, agreed to forfeit ownership of the approximately 120 horses that Greene County authorities confiscated from his rural Republic ranch in January. He was sentenced to five concurrent one-year jail terms, but the execution of those sentences was suspended. He was given two years of unsupervised probation and will not be allowed to own or possess any animal or engage in any business of animal husbandry.

“The Humane Society of Missouri applauds the diligent efforts of the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s office regarding this egregious case,” stated Kathryn Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri.  “Our goal is to ensure that Mr. Zobel or any individual who abuses animals, large or small, in the state of Missouri is not in a position to again bring harm to another living creature. Because our primary concern is for the welfare of animals, we advocate for the harshest penalties possible as a deterrent to animal abusers.”

The Humane Society is in the process of finding safe, loving homes for the horses that have been in its care. Currently 85 of the horses and resulting foals from this rescue are still available for adoption. Interested individuals may contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch at 636-583-8759 for further information on adopting these animals. 

Background:

The Humane Society of Missouri assisted the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in rescuing 120 horses from a 180-acre property belonging to William Zobel outside of Republic, Missouri on January 8, 2005.  Many of those horses were starving and sick and several dead horses were found.  Zobel was charged with 39 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse, animal neglect and failure to dispose of animal carcasses.  The Humane Society of Missouri and Carthage Humane Society took in the confiscated horses and provided care and shelter.  The case later went to the Missouri Supreme Court and in July, the high court ruled that the seizure was legal and that Greene County Circuit Court Judge Don Burrell had the authority to let the humane societies adopt out the animals.

Dog Injured in Shooting Has New, Loving Home After Surgery to Remove Bullet

November 9, 2005 -Sabrina, a one-year-old, female, Rottweiler-mix is safe with her new family, recovering from a gunshot wound in her hind leg. The Humane Society of Missouri Rescues and Investigations team came to her aid after a North St. Louis City resident reported a wounded dog. a resident discovered Sabrina in an alley; she was bleeding profusely from her wound. Because of the serious nature of the wound, the owner surrendered Sabrina to the Humane Society of Missouri, where she underwent surgery to remove the bullet on Wednesday, November 2.

Just one week after surgery, Sabrina was on her way to recovery and ready for adoption. Kathy Zambruski and her family saw Sabrina on the news and knew she would a perfect companion for their two-year-old dog, Sammy, also a Rottweiler-mix.

We fell in love with her right away,” said Zambruski. “We filled out the adoption application and crossed our fingers.”

The Humane Society of Missouri accepted Zambruski’s application and she, her daughter Arin and Sammy came to pick up Sabrina from the Adoption Center on Wednesday, November 9. “She seems to be getting along well with Sammy and she’s such sweet dog,” said Zambruski.

The Humane Society Rescues and Investigations Department and the St. Louis City Police Department are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Humane Society’s Animal Abuse Hotline at 314-647-4400. If you know of an animal that is being abused or neglected, you also can report it online.

Humane Society of Missouri Rescue Team Called Back to New Orleans
to Assist Shelter in Rebuilding Animal Control Operations
Rescue Team will Reunite Dogs Rescued from Hurricane Katrina with Owners

Rickey and Bailey pause for a photo before they depart from HSMO headquarters.

November 7, 2005 - Two members of the Humane Society of Missouri’s Disaster Response Team, Tim Rickey, Assistant Director of Rescue and Investigations and Christine Bailey, Humane Officer departed for a ten-day trip to New Orleans at the request of the Louisiana SPCA to assist the organization in continuing animal search and rescue operations.

They also have been asked to provide shelter operation expertise to help rebuild the shelter which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. More than 95 percent of the LA/SPCA staff lost everything in the hurricane and 90 percent of the shelter staff have been unable to return to work.

The LA/SPCA currently is working out of a temporary animal shelter in a converted warehouse in Algiers Parish, in New Orleans. In addition to their primary task of helping rebuild the Louisiana animal control operation, the Humane Society of Missouri team also reunited four dogs rescued after Hurricane Katrina with their owners. 

Sparky and Jake, four-year-old male Beagles along with Tank, a three-year-old male English bulldog,and Dawg arrived in St. Louis after the hurricane. After many phone calls, the Humane Society of Missouri staff was able to contact their owners. All four dogs will be reunited with their owners today in New Orleans.

Sparky, Jake, Tank and Dawg are on board and ready to
see their owners again.

The team arrived in New Orleans on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. at a
temporary shelter in Algiers. They made contact with owners of the four dogs, and made arrangements for them to be picked up tomorrow.  They had dinner and then headed to the trailer to sleep and prepare for the next day. Read more about the Humane Society of Missouri's return trip to New Orleans. 

Rescue Team Departs for Texas to Aid Pets Affected by Hurricane Rita

From left: Animal Shelter Manager John Anderson, Assistant Director of Rescues and Investigations Tim Rickey; Director of Rescues and Investigations Debbie Hill, Statewide Investigator Brett Huff (not pictured, Statewide Investigator Kyle Held)

September 28, 2005 - A five-member Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Rescue Team made up of Debbie Hill, director of Rescues and Investigations; Tim Rickey, assistant director of Rescues and Investigations; Statewide Investigators Brett Huff and Kyle Held; and Animal Shelter Manager John Anderson departed St. Louis today for Beaumont, Texas at the request of the Houston SPCA to assist in the rescue of animals in distress as a result of Hurricane Rita. 

The first priority is to ensure that any affected animals are safe and have access to food and water. If necessary, the team will transport animals to local shelters where they will hopefully be reunited with their families.  At this point, it is unknown if the rescue team will bring any animals back to St. Louis.

The Humane Society of Missouri’s help was requested because of team’s recent Hurricane Katrina experience. The team members are adept at working in a variety of situations including flood water, downed trees and building debris. They are also experienced in handling all types of animals including pets, farm animals and wildlife.

Read their online rescue diary.

Rescue Team to Aid Pets Affected by Hurricane Katrina

August 31, 2005 - The Humane Society of Missouri today sent a Disaster Response Team to a staging area in Jackson, Mississippi to assist national and local animal welfare and emergency management organizations in the rescue of animals in distress as a result of Hurricane Katrina. 

Read more.

From left: Fran Alberti, Adoption Center Supervisor Pam Whitcraft, Bobby Alberti and Rover leave St. Louis

Bobby and Rover's Story
On August 29, 2005, Robert "Bobby" Alberti and his best friend Rover, an 80-pound black Lab-Dalmatian mix, survived Hurricane Katrina. They weathered out the storm in the home Bobby had shared with his mother until she died two years ago. Rover, Bobby's only daily companion, never
left his side during the storm. It was the quickly rising flood waters of Lake Pontchartrain that forced Bobby, Rover and two of their neighbors onto the roof of Bobby's house.

As the water started to rise, Bobby and Rover swam to help rescue the neighbors. Bobby, who doesn't know how to swim, wore a life preserver and Rover paddled by his side. "I could tell Rover was getting tired from all the swimming and it was hard getting him up the ladder and on the roof," says Bobby. "But we did it. There was no way I was going to leave him in the water."

After a short time on the roof, a helicopter rescued the three neighbors and Rover, taking them to the University of New Orleans campus. "I decided to sleep outside with Rover because I wanted to stay with him," says Bobby. "We met up with another person and his dog and they shared their dog food with us."

From there Bobby was airlifted again, this time to Interstate 10. However, he was forced to leave without Rover. "I didn't want to leave him behind, but they made me. I wasn't sure what would happen to him and I was really upset."

Rover's Journey to St. Louis
Fortunately, Rover was rescued and taken to a temporary shelter at the Lamar Dixon Equestrian center. The Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team was making multiple trips each day to this shelter to drop off homeless animals they were rescuing from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

On September, 24, in an effort to relieve over-crowding at the shelter in Gonzales, the Humane Society of Missouri loaded 45 dogs into their Animal Rescue Trailer and brought them back to St. Louis. Rover was one of the dogs brought back to the Humane Society of Missouri headquarters on Macklind Ave. No one knew Rover's family was desperately trying to find him.

Bobby's Journey
Bobby finally made his way to a civic center in Houma, Louisiana where he was able to make contact with his sister. Fran Alberti was already on her way to Louisiana to find her brother when he made the call. After taking her brother to her home in Houston, Texas, Fran was determined to find Bobby's lost dog.

"Rover is all Bobby has left in the world," says Fran. "We just had to find him." Fran made two trips to the Lamar Dixon Shelter looking for Rover because they were told that was where he was taken. It was during the second trip that Rover's records were located and she learned he had
been rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri. Fran immediately contacted Pam Whitcraft, Adoption Center Supervisor for the Humane Society of Missouri and the reunion process began.

The Humane Society of Missouri jumped into action to reunite Bobby and Rover. "We are thrilled to be able to reunite Mr. Alberti with Rover," says Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. "Taking care of the animals brought back from the Gulf Coast area has been a very emotional process for all of our staff. This is the first of many reunions we hope to make."

The Humane Society of Missouri arranged for airfare and a hotel room at the Sheraton Inn in Clayton for Bobby and his sister. The shelter is also providing a rental car for the reunited family to drive back to Fran's home in Houston.

More than 80 Farm Animals Rescued from Sainte Genevieve County; Eleven Dogs Rescued from Same Owner, Different Property Earlier this Year

July 12, 2005 - The Humane Society of Missouri and its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, working in cooperation with the Sainte Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, today is rescuing approximately 80 animals from an 80-acre property near the Sainte Genevieve City limits. Among the animals are approximately 45 potbellied pigs, 14 goats, eight sheep, three donkeys, three burros, two llamas, a dog and numerous peacocks, chickens and geese.  The animals were living in unsanitary conditions with no adequate shelter. They had little to no appropriate feed and many had no access to grazing areas, causing them to appear underweight. The hooves of many of the animals appear to have been unattended for some time. 

This is the second time in the last three months that law enforcement authorities have obtained a warrant for animals in the care of this owner. In April, 11 dogs belonging to the same owner were rescued from a separate property within the City of Sainte Genevieve. The residence was condemned by the city and Sainte Genevieve officials asked Humane Society of Missouri staff to assist in the removal of the dogs which were living in deplorable conditions.

At the scene, Debbie Hill, director of Rescues and Investigations, Humane Society of Missouri reported, "Because these pigs have been kept in a large group outside in pens, they are not very social. They will
be difficult to corral, catch and load. Also, though it is hard to predict weather conditions, the needs and best interests of the animals dictate the timing of our rescues. We are taking every precaution to protect all involved."

The rescued animals will be brought to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri, where they will receive immediate medical attention and proper nutrition. 

The owner of the animals was served with a warrant by
law enforcement; a disposition hearing for the animals has been scheduled for July 27, 2005. At the disposition hearing, the judge will determine if the rescued animals
will be placed with the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch or be returned to the owner. Until the hearing, the animals will be in the care of Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. 

See more photos from rescue.

Important Contact Information:

• Report animal abuse/neglect: Phone (314) 647-4400 or e-mail.
• Apply for adoption of the rescued farm animals once they are rehabilitated:
  Phone (314) 802-5712 or e-mail.
• Make a financial donation to help offset the rescue costs: Phone (314) 951-1542
  or donate securely online.

Thank you.

###

Missouri Supreme Court Upholds Trial Court Decision:
Disposition of Rescued Horses to Humane Society of Missouri

July 12, 2005 - In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Missouri upheld the state's animal statutes. The justices ruled that the trial court, Judge Don E. Burrell, acted within its jurisdiction in ordering the disposition of the more than 100 neglected horses rescued from a Republic, Missouri property on January 9, 2005, pursuant to a search warrant.  At the request of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of Missouri and its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch assisted in taking custody of the horses and transporting them to a safe haven.

"We are pleased with the court’s decision and relieved that these horses will finally have the chance to find caring adoptive situations," said Debbie Hill, Director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri.  "We are also very thankful for the commitment of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Greene County Prosecutor who have given much time and effort to ensure the welfare of these animals."

"Today’s unanimous ruling is very welcome and is of vital importance for both these horses and all abused and neglected animals rescued in the future," said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri.  "We are gratified that animal laws in the state of Missouri are being upheld and animals are being protected from abuse."

The owner of the 180-acre property outside of Republic, Missouri, has been charged with 38 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse and neglect. These charges are merely allegations and the owner is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The scope of this rescue was monumental.  Authorities found six dead animals on the property.  Many of the rescued horses were thin to emaciated, with open, oozing wounds and other conditions requiring veterinary attention.  There was little to no available pasture and no other sources of food; the only source of water was from melting snow in a small pond.  The majority of horses have been cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri.  The Carthage Humane Society has been caring for about 30 of the horses. 

The Humane Society of Missouri hopes to make all healthy animals available for adoption as soon as possible. Persons interested in adopting these or any of the many animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch should visit www.longmeadowrescueranch.org or call (636) 583-8759.  

Read the Supreme Court's decision.
(Explicit photos contained; viewer discretion advised.)

Read the rescue diary of the Greene County horses.

______________________________________________________

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Barn Buddies Make New York City Debut

Several of our Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Barn Buddies were featured on NBC’s Weekend Today on Sunday, May 8, 2005.

Renowned animal ambassador, Joan Embery, a long-time supporter of the Humane Society of Missouri and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, was our spokesperson. Wyatt, a rescued potbellied pig, demonstrated his favorite pastime: playing on his toy slide. Mama Llama, a rescued llama, was the hit of the television appearance. When she determined the segment was too short, Mama Llama displayed her disappointment by hip-checking Weekend Today Anchor Lester Holt!

Accompanying the animals on their adventure to the Big Apple and Rockefeller Center were Earlene Cole, director of Longmeadow Rescue Ranch and Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Having these animals in front of a national audience illustrates the importance of the work we do at Longmeadow and the fact that this is one of the very few large scale horse and farm-animal rehabilitation centers in the country," said Warnick. 

 “We are so proud of our dedicated staff and the brand new, state-of-the art facilities that our generous donors made possible,” said Cole. “These animals now have a great chance to survive, thrive and find loving, forever homes.”

See more photos of the Barn Buddies making their national TV appearance on Weekend Today.

Need a gift for someone special? Sponsor Mama Llama, Wyatt or another Barn Buddy!
From our website you can print a biography of your Barn Buddy and certificate ready to present! Learn more about Barn Buddies!

Humane Society of Missouri President Kathy Warnick announces milestone with Melinda, a Cocker Spaniel mix

Humane Society of Missouri Tackles Pet Overpopulation; Hits Spay/Neuter Milestone of 250,000 Cats and Dogs

Efforts result in 26 percent decline in the total number of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens received by animal shelter

Feb. 22, 2005 – The Humane Society of Missouri announced an amazing milestone – more 250,000 dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered by the organization. It is an amazing number of animals and a huge step in curbing the pet overpopulation problem in St. Louis.

As a direct result of the spaying and neutering efforts, the Humane Society of Missouri has seen a 26 percent decline in the total numbers of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens brought into the shelter during the past five years. That equals a 59 percent decline in puppy intake, 26 percent decline in dog intake and 30 percent decline in kitten intake.

"This is a very important achievement for the Humane Society of Missouri and the St. Louis metro area,” said Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. "We've worked very hard to reach this goal and will continue to do everything we can to help control the pet population in St. Louis.”

To continue these successful spay/neuter efforts, the Humane Society of Missouri announced a $250,000 fundraising campaign to expand low-cost spaying and neutering through its Operation SNIP Program. Operation SNIP enables pet owners, regardless of income, the opportunity to spay or neuter their pet. Operation SNIP surgeries are performed every Thursday at the Humane Society of Missouri for only $19.95 per pet. The ongoing program is designed to help curb pet overpopulation and, at the same time, keep pets healthy. Also, in celebration of the milestone reached, all spay or neuter surgeries for the week of February 22, 2005 will be performed free of charge for people with existing surgery appointments.

One of the fundraising efforts to support Operation SNIP
is the new, green Humane Society of Missouri Fix ‘em! wristband.

The Fix ‘em! wristbands are available at all Humane Society of Missouri locations including Adopt & Shop.  The Fix ‘em! bands can also purchased by phone at (314) 951-1542 or securely online.  The wristbands sell for $5 and benefit the Operation SNIP campaign.

In celebration of the milestone, the Masseys toss out the first Fix ‘Em! wristbands to the Adams School students.

Announcing the kick-off of the fundraising campaign was St. Louis Ram's long snapper, Chris Massey, and his wife, Sarah, along with fifth graders from Adams School.

"Sarah and I are proud to join the Humane Society of Missouri's Operation SNIP team to help tackle the problem of pet overpopulation," said Massey. "We challenge St. Louisans to raise a quarter million dollars to help fund more low-cost spay and neuter surgeries."

Fifth-graders from Adams School show off their new Fix 'em! wristbands.

The Humane Society of Missouri also announced
the launch of an elementary school educational curriculum designed to teach children the benefits
of spaying and neutering pets.

"Educating our children to be kind, responsible pet owners is the first line of defense against pet overpopulation in the future," said Sue Gassner,
director of Humane Education, Humane Society of Missouri.

Dr. Donald Bridges explains to students how spaying and neutering saves lives.

Spay/Neuter Facts:

•  One cat and her mate and all of their kittens,
if none of them are ever spayed or neutered,
will add up to 73,000 kittens in just 6 years.

•  One dog and his mate and all of their puppies,
if none of them are ever spayed or neutered,
will add up to 67,000 puppies in just 6 years.

•  The Humane Society of Missouri's
Operation SNIP low-cost spay/neuter program
is available to all pet owners regardless of income.

•  The Humane Society of Missouri spays
or neuters all dogs, cats, puppies, kittens
and rabbits prior to adoption

Read more about the effects of this amazing achievement.