Columbia woman charged with 29 counts of animal abuse sued by dog owners nationwide, abroad
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia woman who was charged with 29 counts of animal abuse has now been sued by more than a dozen dog owners from across the United States and abroad.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Boone County, names Magnum Opus German Shepherds LLC and its owner, Melissa Sanders, 26, and alleges widespread neglect, fraud, and abuse that led to the deaths and severe mistreatment of numerous dogs.
The plaintiffs, including 15 individuals and a couple from Nebraska, Virginia, Minnesota, California and Ohio, as well as Northern Ireland, claim they entrusted their dogs to Sanders for breeding, boarding, training or purchase, believing she was a professional breeder operating a high-quality kennel.
According to court documents, Sanders marketed Magnum Opus as an elite breeding operation focused on health, temperament and proper care; selling puppies for as much as $4,000 and charging for training and boarding services. Plaintiffs allege those representations were false and dogs in Sanders’ care were routinely starved, denied veterinary treatment, kept in filthy conditions and, in some cases, physically abused.
The lawsuit details multiple dogs that died while in Sanders’ custody, including trained and service dogs, breeding dogs and puppies. Necropsy reports cited in the filing describe dogs suffering extreme weight loss, dehydration and starvation, with some dogs reportedly losing nearly half their body weight. Plaintiffs also allege Sanders provided false explanations for the deaths, including accidental strangulation or sudden collapse, and attempted to conceal the true conditions from the owners.
After receiving multiple complaints, Animal Control executed a search warrant at Sanders’ property in November 2025. Authorities allegedly found 16 living dogs in emaciated condition, at least nine dead dogs in various stages of decomposition, dog remains in trash bags, empty food and water containers, and feces throughout the home. Several dog skulls were found by authorities at the scene. Necropsies reportedly concluded that several dogs died of starvation.
In addition to deaths, plaintiffs allege some dogs were returned severely malnourished, injured, or bred without owners’ consent. Several dogs were never returned and are presumed dead, the lawsuit says. Owners also claim financial losses from veterinary bills, necropsies, boarding fees, lost breeding income, and the loss of service dogs.
Elizabeth Van Erem, the attorney representing the dog owners, told ABC 17 News in a statement:
"I will say on behalf of my clients that there is no amount of money that could ever compensate them for the cruel and barbaric actions of Ms. Sanders, who continues to lack remorse for what she has done. My clients' lives will never be the same."
The petition brings multiple claims, including breach of contract, fraud, negligence, conversion, breach of bailment, violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Plaintiffs are seeking actual and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and other relief, and have requested a jury trial.
