28 Dogs Freed From Chains Overjoyed To See Rescuers

When investigators with Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT)’s repeated warnings and attempts to improve the welfare of the dogs living on a property in Polk County went unheeded by the dogs’ owner, they took action. On November 8th, they launched an emergency mission to rescue 28 dogs.

They found chained dogs everywhere – mama dogs huddled in plastic bins with newborn puppies, starving dogs, dogs with injuries and one dog with wounds and bite marks on her face.

“Many of the dogs had only rainwater collected in trash in the yard to drink and are severely underweight,” HSMO wrote of what they found.

“Several have injured legs, and one dog has an injury to its face. All were chained to random items on the property including furniture and trees. The ACT team also found several deceased dogs on the property.”

They explained that an ACT investigator repeatedly tried to work with the property owner to improve the care of the dogs and warned that the animals may be removed if their health and environment didn’t improve. “Despite the warnings, when the ACT investigator returned to check on the welfare of the dogs, it was clear that their health, safety and well being had continued to deteriorate, and a warrant was sought to remove the animals,” they shared.

The Polk County Sheriff removed the dogs under a warrant and placed them in the care of HSMO.

“These dogs lived in horrific conditions, and had we not intervened, many more may not have survived,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are grateful for the cooperation of the Polk County Sheriff and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals from such dangerous neglect before their conditions worsened or they died. Now that they are safe, community support is critical to ensure these dogs receive the care and treatment they deserve and a new chance for a better life with a loving family.”

Many of the dogs were very happy to see their rescuers, wagging their tails and cuddling with the HSMO task force members.

When the dogs arrived at the shelter later that day they were excited to get inside and engage with the team. HSMO shared a live stream of the dogs getting off the transport and being checked over an evaluated. The poor dog with the bite marks happily approached people and was eager for attention.

HSMO shared that there will be a disposition hearing in early December to determine whether HSMO will assume legal custody of the dogs. They wrote, “If awarded custody, HSMO will make the dogs available for adoption after they have been given a clean bill of health by the veterinarians and evaluated by the animal behavior team. As the animals recover – medically and behaviorally – they will be made available for adoption on a case-by-case basis. There is no current timeline for when these dogs will be ready for their forever homes, but interested adopters can check our adoptable animals page to see when they become available.”

The rescue added that their organization is completely supported by private donations. To help them care for these dogs please visit their website at: HSMO.org/rescue