March 15, 2011

Department of Agriculture Removes Animals from Property in St. Francois County

Animal care inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture worked with the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department to remove more than 120 dogs and 60 cats from a Bonne Terre, Mo. facility. The dogs removed were primarily mixed-breeds of varying sizes and ages.

The Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) license for the St. Francois Society to operate as an animal rescue facility was revoked prior to the rescue as a result of violations identified during an inspection conducted Mar. 14, 2011. The facility was previously inspected Feb. 18, 2011.

Violations of ACFA identified during the inspection directly impact animal welfare. Rescued animals will be placed with licensed shelters and rescues in Missouri, including the Humane Society of Missouri.

ACFA inspectors routinely work with local organizations to rescue animals. Since January 2009, actions taken by the Department of Agriculture have resulted in over 4,500 dogs being rescued.

For more information regarding the Department of Agriculture's animal programs, visit mda.mo.gov.