Humane Society, Gasconade County Sheriff’s deputies rescue 22 dogs from unlicensed breeder

HERMANN, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Human Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office rescued 22 dogs from an unlicensed breeder, according to a Humane Society press release and sheriff’s office Facebook post.

There were 22 dogs rescued from the property and taken to the Humane Society’s Macklind headquarters in St. Louis, according to the release and post. Another dog was rescued from the property in the 1700 block of Route H near Hermann earlier this week, the release says. The release says the removal occurred Thursday morning, while the Sheriff's Office post says it occurred Wednesday.

“The sheriff had also witnessed a dead puppy on the property prior to executing today’s warrant, but the remains had been removed prior to today’s rescue,” the release says.

All of the dogs recovered are malnourished and experiencing a range of conditions from wounds to respiratory issues, according to the release.

“These dogs lived in horrific conditions, and had we not intervened, many more may not have survived,” HSMO President Kathy Warnick said in the release. “We are grateful for the alert actions of the Gasconade County Sheriff and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals from such a dangerous and heart-breaking situation. 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.”

A date for a disposition hearing to determine whether the Humane Society will assume legal custody of the dogs will take place Monday, June 10.