ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Humane Society of Missouri says their Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) Tuesday morning rescued 15 dogs who were living in uninhabitable conditions at a property in Polk County.
According to the Humane Society, a concerned neighbor contacted the Polk County Sheriff's Office about the property. When law enforcement decided to conduct a welfare check last week, they found the owner of the property was dead and several dogs were loose on the property with no access to food or water.
The Humane Society said most of the dogs on the property were roaming, with others tethered or confined to cramped cages. Most of the dogs are malnourished and experiencing a range of health issues that will need further treatment.
The ACT team also found the remains of several deceased dogs on the property.
"These dogs faced unimaginable hardship, and with freezing temperatures arriving later this week, it was critical that we get them to safety," said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. "We are so appreciative of the Polk County Sheriff and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals before winter sets in. The dogs are receiving the care and love they deserve, and we are grateful to the HSMO community for their support and generosity in helping give them their second chance."
It is the second time in two weeks the ACT has visited Polk County to remove dozens of dogs from deplorable conditions, according to the Humane Society.
The Humane Society says the dogs, which are medium and large in size and of various breeds, were transported to Humane Society of Missouri's Macklind headquarters in St. Louis Tuesday afternoon to receive health evaluations and emergency veterinary treatment.
A date for a disposition hearing to determine whether Humane Society of Missouri will assume legal custody of the dogs will take place on Dec. 9, If awarded custody, the Humane Society 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.