The Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Cruelty Task Force, in cooperation with the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, is rescuing more than 150 cats, dogs, horses and goats from a property outside of Barnett in Morgan County.
Many of the cats were living in a filthy, trash-strewn trailer on the property and are suffering from upper respiratory disease, eye infections, severely matted coats and other maladies. The dogs, of various mixed breeds including terriers, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, are thin and suffering from parasites. Two two-week-old puppies and two eight-week-old puppies are included in the group. The horses, ranging from new foals and pregnant mares to adult horses and ponies, also are underweight and suffering from parasites. One dead foal was found in a barrel on the property. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office has stated they will pursue animal abuse charges in this case.
The owner of the property and a tenant have voluntarily surrendered all of the animals to the Humane Society of Missouri. The dogs and cats will be taken to HSMO Headquarters on Macklind Avenue in St. Louis, Mo. for evaluation and treatment. The horses and goats will be taken to HSMO's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Mo. for evaluation and treatment. Due to their poor condition, it may be several weeks before many of these animals will be available for adoption.