Over 250 Rabbits Goats Cats Dogs Chickens Rescued in MO

In 2010, 158 rabbits, dogs, cats, goats and fowl were rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in Franklin County, Missouri.  

In a stipulated agreement with that County's prosecutor, the owner of the animals agreed that for a period of 2 years she would not acquire more animals than her 2 personal dogs, goats left on the property and 20 new rabbits.  That period ended February 2012.

This year, after being alerted by a concerned citizen about the possibility of a neglect situation, the HSMO Animal Cruelty Task Force contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.  After investigating, the Sheriff's Office served a warrant to remove the animals on November 12, 2013.

Over 250 animals were rescued this time.  The animals include:  192 domestic rabbits, 25 goats, 10 cats, 21 chickens, 4 dogs, 1 duck.  

According to the HSMO all of the animals were living in filthy conditions.  

The rabbits were housed in raised wire-bottom cages with feces piled in the cages as well as more than a foot under the cages.

Many of the cages were encrusted with dirt and hair, plus have little to no shelter from the weather.  

Water for many of the animals was frozen, dirty and contaminated with feces.

Most cages held multiple rabbits with as many as 10 rabbits crammed in each of multiple cages.

The goats appear to be suffering from an upper respiratory illness.  None of the animals appear to have received any veterinary care.

The rescued rabbits, dogs, and cats were taken to the HSMO shelter in St. Louis City for veterinary care.  The goats, chickens and duck were taken to the HSMO Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.  A disposition hearing will be held December 4.  If custody of the animals is awarded to the HSMO, as many as possible will be made available for adoption.

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Starving Horses, Dogs, Goats, Rabbits Rescued in Missouri

Photo: HSMO 

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force was stunned by the condition of the animals they rescued recently.  

It seemed as though desperate, emaciated animals were everywhere on the property just north of Vienna, Missouri.  for some, it was already too late.  Multiple horses and other animals had already died from neglect.

Working in cooperation with the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), they rescued 40 dogs, rabbits, horses and goats.  Many of the animals are severely underweight and have had little access to food, fresh water, adequate shelter or veterinary care.  The water available to the dogs was contaminated with urine and feces.  A recently deceased horse and multiple carcasses were found on the property.  The animals were removed at the recommendation of a veterinarian for the MDA.

Mango, a white mare, was so thin every rib and hip bone can be seen.  Her sunken body was covered in rain rot, a skin infection that had become severe from lack of veterinary care.  And she wasn't alone.  She had a foal who was also starving to death.  Too malnourished to produce milk, Mango was unable to care for her baby.  

Mango and foal, along with the other rescued horses and goats were transported to the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO.  There they are receiving emergency veterinary care.

The rescued rabbits and dogs, which include adult and newborn Beagles, Terriers, and Great Pyrenees have been taken to the HSMO headquarters in St Louis City.  They are being treated for parasites, eye infections, and malnutrition.  

If custody is awarded to the HSMO, as many of these animals as possible will be made available for adoption. A disposition hearing is scheduled for October 2 in Vienna, MO.  The HSMO will be recommending animal abuse charges in this case.

Conway Missouri Puppy Mill A-Lick-A-Hope Kennels Closed

Another Missouri puppy mill has been shut down.  Lori Gross, owner and operator of A-Lick-A-Hope Kennels in Conway, Missouri is now prohibited from operating any dog breeding facility in the state for ten years.

Located just a few miles from us, we're dog-goned glad to see it closed.  Conditions reported in our local newspaper were shocking.  We're equally bothered by the number of locals who seemingly knew all about it, yet turned a blind eye and did not report the abuse.  Until now.

Missouri Department of Agriculture inspections of her operation revealed numerous violations of state animal welfare laws including:

• Failure to provide clean, dry bedding
• Failure to provide wind and rain breaks to protect the dogs from the elements
• Failure to keep food receptacles clean and sanitized
• Failure to provide clean drinking water
• Failure to collect and remove animal waste
• Faiture to clean and sanitize the facility
• Failure to provide housing that protected the animals from injury
• Failure to provide adequate veterinary care to animals obviously in medical distress.

In addition to being prohibited from doing business in Missouri, Gross has also been assessed a $1,000 civil penalty, $100 for inspection fees, and assessed all costs associated with the court case that resulted in these penalties.

Since the passage of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, there's been a real crackdown thanks to the dedication of Missouri Attorney General Chris Kostner and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler.   A Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit was established, more inspectors were added and we've seen many dog breeding operations closed.  The Missouri Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit reports over 5,500 dogs have been rescued from substandard facilities since January 2009.

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Missouri Puppy Mills: New Canine Cruelty Prevention Web Site

The Missouri Attorney General Office website now includes a Canine Cruelty web page where Missourians can learn more about the laws regulating animal care facilities and can file a complaint against substandard facilities.

Attorney General Chris Koster said legislation enacted by the General Assembly in April gives his office expanded enforcement authority for commercial breeders who fail to abide by the tougher standards imposed by the newly enacted Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. He has since established a Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit with an attorney dedicated to enforcing the new laws.

The new web page can be accessed at www.ago.mo.gov/CanineCruelty/. The site includes a canine cruelty complaint form where consumers can lodge a complaint against unlicensed breeders or breeders against whom they have animal cruelty or consumer complaints. The Canine Cruelty Prevention Unit will investigate all complaints. 

Also included is an information chart that explains the revisions to Missouri’s animal welfare laws, as well as a copy of the newly enacted legislation. There is also a list of frequently asked questions and access to the Attorney General’s Hotline, where individuals can call with complaints. Koster said hotline operators have been trained on the Animal Care Facilities Act and the new Canine Cruelty Prevention Act.

“We have an obligation to protect the wellbeing of animals, and Missouri has recognized that obligation by passing laws outlining acceptable standards for pet breeders and commercial pet dealers,” Koster said. “For too long, Missouri has had a reputation as a safe harbor for ‘puppy mills.’ We intend to change that reputation so that Missouri sets the standard for animal care facilities.”

The Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, aka the Missouri Solution, was approved by the Missouri legislature and signed into law by Governor Jay Nixon on April 27, 2011. The Act, the result of an agreement between the Missouri Department of Agriculture, commercial dog breeding and farming interests and Missouri-based animal welfare organizations, strengthens standards for veterinary care and living conditions for dogs in commercial breeding facilities. The Act also gives the Attorney General’s Office the authority to file criminal charges for “canine cruelty,” the authority to seek civil penalties for offenders and to seek enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

Dog Song Saturday: Choose Me by The Song Trust

Here it is, Saturday again.  Time for a Dog Song at Talking Dogs!  Today's dog song is Choose Me by The Song Trust.  The video that accompanies this ode to stray and rescued dogs was created to honor the dogs of The Heart Rescue.


WARNING:  There are some disturbing photos of dogs who have been injured and abused.  However, please know that these are before and after photos of these dogs.  They were lucky pups who all found their forever homes.  Try a few and if they bother you too much, close your eyes.  The song alone will still require tissues, however it should not be missed.


Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Listen to Choose Me by The Song Trust.  Then scroll down below the video and visit some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.

Dogs Tortured: Test of Susie's Law Underway in North Carolina

Susie
Photo courtesty WRAL news  

Last year North Carolina enacted Susie's Law.  Susie's Law makes any malicious abuse, torture or killing of animals a Class H felony, punishable by up to 10 months in jail.  Now the first prosecution under the new law is underway in Caswell County.

According to the Animal Law Coalition, Jimmy Lee Spears, Jr. has been charged with 3 felony counts under Susie's Law.  Spears is alleged to have starved 3 dogs to death while they were left chained.  That doesn't begin to describe the intense suffering of these animals as they slowly died.  Animal lovers throughout the country will be watching to see what happens as Susie's Law is put into practice.

Susie's Law is named after a dog who survived incredibly wicked abuse.  Susie was just an 8 week old puppy when she was tortured, burned and left to die in Greensboro, NC.  According to the Greensboro News & Record, her ears were burned off and she was covered in maggots by the time she was found, about two weeks later.  the perpetrator of the abuse was caught, charged, convicted, and sentenced to probation.  Susie's new owner, Donna Lawrence, was one of the leaders of the movement to create Susie's Law.  Lawrence wanted to make sure that anyone who tortured a dog would have to face jail time.

Cavalier King Charles Named 2011 Bark in the Park Mascot

Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has been selected to serve as the 2011 Bark in the Park Mascot.  Voters selected Charlie after reading the inspirational story of how he helped his owner, Bob, through his battle with leukemia. 

Bob and Charlie will receive a years supply of Purina ONE and lead the Walk for Animals on May 21 at Cricket Field in forest Park, Missouri.

Bark in the Park is the largest dog-walk in the Midwest and an annual event of the Humane Society of Missouri. All proceeds from the event benefit their Animal Cruelty fund which is dedicated to investigating, healing, and preventing animal abuse.

Puppy Mills and Prop B - The Shame of Living in Missouri



Photo courtesy of the HSUS
Beverly Fields / B & B Kennel

 I've said it before and I'll say it again:  I am ashamed to live in Missouri, the puppy mill capitol of America.  With the November elections looming on the horizon and Prop B on the ballot, I'm bombarded from all sides about the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.

Sunday brought the (nearest city) editorial from the Springfield News Leader:  Proposition B well-intentioned but not in the state's best interests.  Their bottom line:  Prop B would "burden ethical breeders."

Huh?   Give me a minute while I try to compose myself.  Ethical dog breeders already comply with the proposed regulations of Prop B and, in fact, do much more than Prop B would require of them.

Ethical dog breeders already make sure their dogs have food and water, shelter from the elements, vet care, space to turn around and stretch in, exercise, and rest between breeding cycles.  That's what Prop B would require.  Does it seem unreasonable to you?  Does it seem like it would place any burden on a dog breeder?  Would you want to adopt a puppy from anyone who does less?

Furthermore,  ethical dog breeders make sure their dogs and puppies are socialized with humans.  Ethical dog breeders keep health records and do not breed dogs which do not contribute to an improvement to the breed.  Ethical dog breeders throroughly screen potential puppy adopters and frequently follow those puppies throughout their lifetimes.  Ethical dog breeders are more than willing to have potential puppy adopters visit their breeding kennels, in fact they encourage it.

Planning to adopt a puppy?  Visit your local shelter, develop a relationship with a responsible, ethical dog breeder.  And if you live in Missouri, vote Yes on Prop B.

Puppy Mills in Missouri - Who Opposes Prop B the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act

Who are the groups and individuals opposing Prop B? Some of the worst of the worst in the puppy mill industry, with a track record of being knee-deep in animal cruelty.

The leading opponent of the ballot measure is the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners (MoFed), a special interest lobbying corporation that benefits from Missouri's multi-million dollar puppy mill industry. The group has never met an animal welfare measure it liked. They not only oppose reasonable regulations on large-scale puppy mills, but in recent years have also:


Opposed legislation that would require people to have their pets vaccinated against deadly rabies by a licensed veterinarian.



Opposed a bill that would create a specialty license plate with proceeds going to spaying and neutering programs and emergency animal care. MoFed's president Karen Strange wrote that "this does nothing but further the animal rights movement" and "anytime the government gets involved it sends the wrong message to the public."


Opposed legislation that would crack down on cockfighting and bear baiting.


Opposed legislation designed to crack down on dog fighting, including provisions that would require a disposition hearing within 30 days of a dog fighting raid to decide what should happen to the dogs seized. With regards to charging a two-time spectator at a dogfight with a felony, MoFed's president, Karen Strange, told the St. Louis Beacon: "Our prison systems are full now. There are things we think are of much greater importance." MoFed's lobbyist and board member, Kim Krohn, said it was a "waste of tax dollars" to crack down on dog fighting
 
MoFed formed a political action committee (MoFed PAC) in December 2009 and its earliest contributors include some of Missouri's worst puppy mill operations. Many puppy mill operators associated with MoFed have been cited repeatedly for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide the most basic protections for up to hundreds of dogs in their care.
 
Information courtesy of Yes! on Prop B, a coalition of individuals, venterinarians, dog breeders and animal welfare organiations individuals and animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, Animal Rescue Foundation, and The Humane Society of the United States.

Reward Offered in Rottweiler Dog Cruelty Case

The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for severe injuries to a four-year-old male Rottweiler on June 15, 2010.


The dog, named Desperado by his Humane Society rescuers, had a rusted, dirty chain link collar deeply imbedded around its neck. The gaping wound measured 1 ½” deep and 10” long circling the dog’s neck. The chain link collar, which had to be cut with a bolt cutter, was only 6” in diameter. Animal Cruelty Investigators stated the collar should have been at least 10” in diameter to properly fit a dog of Desperado’s size.


Humane Society of Missouri veterinary staff examined the dog, cleaned the wound and have administered medication to alleviate pain and prevent infection. The dog will receive continuing treatment to allow the wound to heal. Humane Society veterinarians are cautiously optimistic the dog will make a full recovery.

Desperado was discovered on the property of a Baden, Missouri, business, his chain tangled in equipment on the property. Realizing the dog was injured, the owner of the business contacted the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force which brought Desperado to Humane Society of Missouri headquarters in St. Louis City.

TO REPORT INFORMATION IN THIS CASE:

Anyone with information about this crime should contact: Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Abuse Hotline 314-647-4400