Charges have been filed against a Russellville woman in connection with the rescue of 32 dogs from her property in September.
The Moniteau County Prosecutor's Office filed three counts of misdemeanor animal abuse against Sheila Pevehouse, 56.
The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force picked up 32 dogs at the request of the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office at Pevehouse's property on Morris Road.
The rescued dogs include five 4-week-old beagle-mix puppies and three 8-week-old puppies of unknown breed. The other dogs appeared to be mixed-breed dachshunds, border collies, chihuahuas, pit bulls and pointers.
Citing "horrendous, filthy conditions," Humane Society officials said the dogs had been living in a waste-filled, trash-strewn double-wide trailer.
Most had severe hair loss and exhibited constant scratching from skin irritation. They also had external and internal parasites and other veterinary problems such as eye, ear and respiratory infections.
Following discussion with the Humane Society officials and authorities, Pevehouse agreed to voluntarily surrender the dogs to the Humane Society.
The society's animal cruelty task force recommended animal abuse charges be filed against Pevehouse, and the charges were filed this week.
The dogs were taken to the society's headquarters in St. Louis, where they were treated for their infections and parasites. As of Thursday, Humane Society officials said a couple of the dogs could be ready for adoption by this weekend, but most still need more time to recover.