The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) announced that its Animal Cruelty Task Force removed 211 dogs from a private home on Wednesday, July 30, according to a post on its website.
Among those rescued were numerous puppies, all belonging to small breeds such as Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas, the organization said.
The intervention was prompted by a report from local law enforcement. HSMO staff were able to negotiate with the property owner for the voluntary surrender of the animals.
“It is clear that many of the dogs are malnourished and are suffering from infestations and skin issues due to neglect,” the organization stated in its release.
All 211 dogs were transported to HSMO’s St. Louis headquarters for urgent care and medical treatment.
“These dogs lived in horrific conditions, and had we not intervened, it is clear that they would have continued to suffer,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are relieved that through careful negotiations we were able to rescue these animals from such a dangerous and heart-breaking situation.”
The case came to light after a concerned citizen reached out to authorities, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
The rescue operation extended into Thursday, July 31, when additional animals—including cats and birds—were discovered at the property, Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole told the outlet.
Ella Frank, a representative from HSMO, described the overwhelming scale of the mission to Fox 2 Now:
“It started with 50, then 100, and the numbers kept growing. By late afternoon, 80 dogs filled one of our big rescue trailers, with another 60 brought in after.”
Frank also noted the house had “extremely high ammonia levels, intense heat, and was filled with feces.”
HSMO told Fox 2 Now this was the largest rescue operation the organization has undertaken in more than ten years.
In response to the overwhelming need, HSMO is now calling on the public for support. They are requesting donations of towels, blankets, and newspapers to help care for the rescued animals. Additionally, the organization is waiving adoption fees for dogs over 35 pounds to free up space for the incoming animals.
“The size of the rescue will put a strain on the already crowded shelter, and we are asking for help from the public through donations of towels, blankets and newspapers,” HSMO said. “We are also waiving adoption fees for all dogs over 35 pounds to make room for the rescued pups.”
The Springfield News-Leader reported that adoption for the rescued dogs will be handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the animals’ medical and behavioral evaluations.
