News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today the Missouri Department of Agriculture assisted in the recovery of 91 dogs believed to have been moved from a Daviess County property earlier this week. In cooperation with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department and the Humane Society of Missouri, the dogs were recovered and turned over to the Humane Society for shelter and care. The Kansas City Animal Control offered assistance in the transfer of the dogs.

“We remain vigilant in cracking down on unlicensed dog breeders in this state. We are pleased that these dogs have been located and have been removed from deplorable conditions,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Department of Agriculture. “Missouri has led the nation in licensing professional breeders; now we will lead the nation in cracking down on unlicensed breeders.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture seized 15 dogs and 2 cats that were being kept by an unlicensed breeder in unsuitable living conditions in Daviess County.

Prior to the seizure, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call about an aggressive chimpanzee. The Sheriff’s Department contacted the Missouri Department of Agriculture after subsequently finding approximately 100-200 dogs and three additional primates on the property. With a search warrant, the Department of Agriculture and the Sheriff’s Department revisited the location to find all but 15 dogs and 2 cats had been removed from the property. The primates have been located and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are investigating their condition.

The breeder, located in Winston, MO, has never been licensed with the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Since January, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has rescued over 1300 dogs across the state. To report an unlicensed breeder, contact barkalert@mda.mo.gov.