The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) recently rescued 106 neglected dogs and puppies from various puppy mill breeders across the state, the World Animal News reported.
According to the news release, officials from the Humane Society, one of the biggest animal welfare organizations in the U.S., expect to receive more neglected canines as rescue operations are still ongoing.
Over the past several days, rescue teams from HSMO conducted multiple rescue operations targeting puppy mills from several counties, including Ripley, Pettis, Perry, and Harrison, where these mills are more prevalent.
Several neglected dogs rescued and transported to HSMO
Earlier this week, Humane Society rescuers came to the aid of another 33 neglected dogs from commercial breeding facilities in the Midwestern region of the state.
HSMO, at the request of the National Mill Dog Rescue, transported the canines to its headquarters in Macklind. The BISSELL Pet Foundation oversaw and funded this lifesaving transport operation.
Additionally, rescuers from HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force, together with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, recently raided an unlicensed breeding facility in Harrison County, Missouri. A total of 38 dogs, ranging from Poodle Mixes to Boston Terriers, Yorkies, Labrador Retrievers, and Cairn Terriers, were among those recused from the unlicensed breeder.
Kathy Warnick, President of HSMO, in a statement, commended the organization’s Animal Cruelty Task Force. “The heroic efforts of our Animal Cruelty Task Force this week were necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of so many helpless animals,” she said.
Some of the rescued canines had skin conditions and appeared malnourished. Nevertheless, all the rescued dogs — including those that seemed visibly okay — are receiving emergency veterinary treatment and undergoing various health assessments from veterinary professionals at the Humane Society.
Commenting further, President Warnick said: “Our teams are always ready to respond to dire situations, and their life-saving work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.” She hopes that “friends and neighbors will once again step up during this extraordinary time and help us provide the care these animals so desperately need and deserve.”
HSMO appeals for donations, plans to adopt out rescued dogs
HSMO has turned to public support for pet supplies, as the high number of rescued dogs under their care means a higher demand for resources that are vital for the canines’ recovery.
For this reason, the organization is asking the public for help through donations of pet supplies such as dog beds, blankets, dog toys, newspapers, and anything else that will aid in the dogs’ recovery and comfort.
HSMO plans to eventually put the rescued dogs up for adoption on a case-by-case basis, depending on how long it will take each dog to recover fully.
According to the Humane Society, the organization’s animal behavior team will evaluate every dog before adopting them out. Additionally, each dog will also have to first receive a clean bill of health from the veterinary professionals before being made available for adoption.
Once the veterinarian team deems a dog is healthy, both medically and behaviorally, that’s when HSMO will adopt them out. To keep up with the rescued canines’ progress, find adoption updates, or donate to their recovery, visit the HSMO website.
