55 dogs rescued from ‘horrific conditions’ by humane society

ST. LOUIS (Gray News) - Fifty-five dogs were rescued and 20 deceased animals were recovered from “horrific conditions” by the Human Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force.

The emergency rescue was prompted by calls Friday morning from “concerned residents and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office” due to the animals’ reported conditions and the dangerously cold weather.

When the team arrived, the temperature was only in the teens and dozens of severely malnourished dogs were without food, water or shelter. The remains of the 15 dead dogs and 5 dead goats were among the animals that were alive.

Adult dogs were chained or tied up to fencing or trees and younger dogs were living together in an outdoor pen, according to the humane society.

“The fact that these animals have had to suffer and that so many animals died from living without food or shelter is devastating,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We appreciate the swift action and support of the Stone County authorities in making this rescue possible. Without immediate intervention, I don’t know how many more of these animals would have died.”

Warnick says that now that the dogs are safe, the humane society hopes it can count on the community’s support as they work to give the dogs “a second chance at a happier life.”

The property’s owner surrendered custody of the dogs and was arrested by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office.