Dog Rescue: Hoarding in Ripley County Missouri

Photo credit: HSMO 

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force is working in cooperation with the Ripley County, MO, Sheriff's Department to rescue 90 dogs from a hoarding situation near Doniphan.  Most of the dogs are medium size, mixed breeds ranging in age from elderly to a litter of one week old puppies.  Because of the severity of mange and hair loss, rescuers could not immediately identify the exact breeds of the dogs.

Yesterday, August 24, the Ripley County Sheriff obtained a warrant for possible removal of the animals and, subsequently, an independent veterinarian determined that all of them should be removed.  Once removed, the animals will be taken to the Humane Society of Missouri's Headquarters in St Louis.  A disposition hearing to determine permanent custody of the dogs will be held September 7 in Doniphan.  If custody is awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri the dogs will be made available for adoption as soon as they are healthy.

Rescuers found these dogs in outside pens, a barn, and an abandoned house trailer.  Many are extremely thin, with severe hair loss and are suffering from skin infections, eye injuries, and internal and external parasites.  It is believed that the dogs have had little or no veterinary care.  Several decomposing dog carcasses and scattered dog remains also were found on the property.