Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force Rescues 39 Chihuahuas

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 39 Chihuahuas and other small mixed breed dogs from an owner in Carter County. Responding to a call from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office yesterday, a Humane Society of Missouri animal cruelty investigator visited the property and found the dogs’ owner putting all of the dogs into one crate and stating she intended to load them in a truck and dump them at the side of the highway. Subsequently, the owner voluntarily surrendered the animals to the Humane Society of Missouri. The Cape Girardeau Humane Society agreed to house the dogs overnight. A Humane Society of Missouri transport team is bringing the dogs to the Humane Society of Missouri headquarters today.

Some of the dogs have severe matting and hair loss; many have overgrown nails and external parasites. Among the group are three newborn and four 6-week-old puppies. Upon arrival at the Humane Society of Missouri, each dog will be examined by Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Alarmed by the actions of this dog owner, the Humane Society of Missouri will continue to investigate this case with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the well-being of other animals that might remain on the property and to provide information pursuant to possible prosecution.

The Humane Society of Missouri is requesting donations of toys for small dogs, bed sheets and towels to help care for these rescued dogs. Donations may be brought to the Humane Society of Missouri’s St. Louis City Adoption Center, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110.