News Release

Animal Care Program inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture worked in conjunction with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society of Missouri to remove animals from substandard conditions at an unlicensed facility near Garden City, Mo. More than 40 small dogs, including some Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus, were removed from the residence of Aaron Bishop in Johnson County today.

Under the warrant obtained by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, the animals were rescued and transported to St. Louis, where they will be placed with licensed shelters and rescues throughout Missouri, including the Humane Society of Missouri.

This morning's actions came in response to a tip submitted to the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Operation Bark Alert. The tip indicated that animals were housed in substandard conditions inside the residence. An investigation by the Department's Animal Care Program and the Johnson County Sheriff's Department following that tip led to the warrant, which was obtained early this morning.

The residence in Garden City, Mo. was not a state licensed animal care facility.

The Department's Animal Care Program and animal health staff routinely work with local organizations to rescue animals from substandard conditions. Since January 2009, actions taken by the Department have resulted in approximately 6,000 animals 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.