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Too many dogs suffer at the hands of cruel and neglectful breeders. It’s heartbreaking to think how many spend their lives suffering in terrible conditions and cramped cages.
Thankfully, there are kind people in the world willing to step up and save these dogs, saving them from squalor and giving them a chance at a new life.
Recently, 57 dogs were saved from “horrific conditions” from a horrific breeding operation, but are now in safe hands.
On February 1, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force had their first large-scale rescue of the year, saving dozens of dogs in Newton County. The dogs include popular designer breeds like Corgis, German Shepherds and Border Collies, according to an HSMO press release.
The HSMO was acting off a call from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. They had to act fast because a winter storm was coming, and because the dogs were being kept in such terrible condition.
While dog breeding operations and “puppy mills” are notorious for treating their animals poorly in favor of maximizing profits, this seems to be a particularly grim situation, described by the rescue as “disturbing and inhumane.”
Some of the details are particularly distressing: the task force reportedly found a burn pile, with the carcasses of cats, “non-indigenous foxes and other unidentifiable animals” nearby.
“Seeing animals trying to live in such horrific conditions amidst such unspeakable cruelty is heartbreaking,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick in the press release.
“We are thankful for the help from local Newton County authorities in making this rescue possible, which will give the animals we were able to recover a chance to not only survive but find the loving home they deserve.”
After the rescue, the 57 dogs were rushed to HSMO’s Macklind headquarters in St. Louis for emergency medical treatment and evaluations.
They said the dogs would be put up for adoption “in the upcoming weeks.” They might need some time: according to the Columbia Daily Tribune, the rescue said they have understandably exhibited “fearful behavior” and will undergo “socialization procedures” in addition to their medical treatment.
The important thing is that they’re in safe hands, and will hopefully all find the good, loving homes they deserve in the near future — a happy ending to a disturbing case.
“This [is] the best outcome possible for these poor dogs,” Kathy Warnick said, according to the Tribune. “These abused animals have been through so much and lived in absolutely horrible conditions. We’re thankful that we can provide them with compassionate, state-of-the-art veterinary care and give them a second chance at a brighter future.”
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the horrific conditions these dogs have had to live through, but we’re so glad they’ve been rescued.
Thank you to everyone who helped these dogs — we hope they find homes and get the second chance they deserve soon.
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