The animals were living in their own filth, most with no access to food or water
Forty five dogs and one rabbit were taken Tuesday from an unlicensed breeding facility in rural southwest Johnson County.
The Humane Society of Missouri, Johnson County Sheriff's Office and Missouri Department of Agriculture worked together to rescue the Chihuahuas, Chihuahua-mixes, Shih Tzus and lone rabbit.
The dogs, 42 adults and three 2-3 week old puppies, were found living inside a residence in unsanitary conditions. Many were housed in stacked wire crates, with two to three animals per crate, living in piles of their own waste.
No food or water was available to most of the dogs. Several of the dogs are underweight and many are infested with parasites, have eye infections and are encrusted with feces on paws and legs.
The rabbit had inadequate shelter and no food or water.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office served a warrant Tuesday morning to inspect, care for or impound neglected or abused animals found on the property.
The dogs and rabbit were removed at the recommendation of a veterinarian for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The rescued dogs and rabbit are being transported to the Humane Society of Missouri’s headquarters in St. Louis.
A disposition hearing is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16, in Warrensburg to determine custody of the animals.
If custody is awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri, as many of the animals as possible will be made available for adoption.
The Humane Society of Missouri will be recommending animal abuse charges in this case.
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