26 animals rescued from Missouri home where owner was dead for 'more than 1 week'

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Humane Society of Missouri in St. Louis City is caring for 25 small breed dogs and a cat rescued from a hoarding situation in Hickory County. 

The HSMO's Animal Cruelty Task Force needed to use respirators and hazmat suits to rescue the animals for their own safety.

That's because the owner of the animals was found dead inside the home and had been deceased for longer than a week. 

In a statement, the HSMO did not say when the rescue happened, but says the dogs will be available for adoption once they have been fully treated from the St. Louis City location.

Hickory County is located in southwestern Missouri, about 60 miles north of Springfield. 

To report an animal who may be in danger or is suffering from neglect or abuse, call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400.