The Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) recently recovered 43 starving Shiba Inus from a former commercial breeder. ACT team members also recovered nine dog carcasses.
Starving Shiba Inus recovered from former commercial breeder’s property
According to PR Newswire, the Douglas County Sheriff obtained a warrant to remove the dogs and transfer their care to HSMO. The Shiba Inus rescued from the breeder’s property were injured, ill, and emaciated. A veterinarian from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, along with the ACT team, assessed the dogs before relocating them to HSMO in South City.
Yesterday, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued 43 starving dogs from a property in Douglas County. Sadly, they also recovered the remains of 9 others while on site.
We are so grateful that these 43 Shiba Inus are being given a second chance pic.twitter.com/SRj0kh8x5u
— Humane Society of Missouri (@hsmo) October 19, 2023
“We’re grateful to the Animal Health Division staff at the Missouri Department of Agriculture for lending assistance with this horrific situation and heart-wrenching rescue,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick.
She continued: “The conditions at this property amount to one of the worst cases of animal neglect we’ve seen this year. The caring citizen who tipped off the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department undoubtedly saved the lives of many of these innocent dogs and gave them a second chance at life. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure these sweet animals receive the care they need to fully recover and find loving forever homes.”
Rescued dogs will eventually be eligible for adoption
On Nov. 9 at 9 a.m., a disposition hearing will take place at the Douglas County Court in Ava, Missouri. The hearing will determine the custody of the dogs. Assuming the court awards custody to HSMO, the dogs will receive health and behavioral evaluations from staff there. Then, after the dogs are medically and behaviorally rehabilitated, they will become eligible for adoption. Potential adopters can visit the HSMO website at hsmo.org/adopt to check for availability.
For now, the HSMO needs donations of items that will help the dogs feel more comfortable during their recovery. Everything from dog beds and blankets to dog toys and newspapers is welcome.
Finally, if you live in Missouri and suspect an animal is experiencing neglect or abuse, speak up! You can report the concern to the local police as well as call the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.
