November 30, 2011

Department of Agriculture, Local Officials Remove Dogs from Rescue Group in Taney County

Animal care inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture worked in conjunction with the Taney County Health Department, Taney County Sheriff's Office and the Humane Society of Missouri to remove dogs from an unlicensed facility operating as an animal rescue in Taney County today.

Approximately 90 animals, including birds, cats, rabbits, ferrets and chinchillas, as well as 40 dogs, were removed from the facility near Branson. The animals were found living in inadequate housing, unsanitary conditions and without food.

The animals will be placed with licensed shelters and rescues in Missouri, including the Humane Society of Missouri, which transported the animals from the Taney County property to St. Louis today.

The Department's Animal Care Program and animal health officers routinely work with local organizations to rescue animals. Since January 2009, actions taken by the Department of Agriculture have resulted in over 5,400 dogs being removed from substandard conditions and placed with licensed shelters and rescue organizations.

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