No arrests have been made following a seizure of more than 100 dogs removed from a breeder outside of Tuscumbia Monday.
Miller County Sheriff Bill Abbott said Tuesday that no charges have been filed, as the investigation is still pending. When asked if the sheriff's office expects any charges to be filed, Abbott declined comment.
The animals include a mix of small breed dogs, including cocker spaniels, poodles, Pekingese, beagles, shih tzus, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and mixes.
The Humane Society of Missouri reports that an independent, on-site veterinarian, who recommended the removal of all the dogs, cited many of the animals were underweight, have feces-encrusted paws and legs, severely overgrown toenails, matted hair and eye infections.
Several of the dog housing units were also overrun with cobwebs, dust and insects, and they were overcrowded, with exposed wires and jagged edges. The veterinarian also noted a large ammonia odor coming from one of the kennel areas.
The Miller County Sheriff's Department worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Agriculture on the case.
MDA Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler said the situation was first brought to the agency's attention after an annual inspection in December, after which, he said the MDA denied the breeder a 2010 license.
"We had refused to issue a 2010 license to them until they brought up the standards of their facility," Hagler said.
At that time, Hagler said, the agency believed the condition of the animals themselves was not at high risk, just that the facilities needed improving.
"Our veterinarian didn't believe (the welfare of the animals was at risk) at the time," he said.
It was after being contacted by the USDA recently that officials from both agencies and the Miller County Sheriff's department visited the facility and determined the welfare of the dogs indeed was in danger, prompting the measures that were eventually taken.
"The reason why we went in was inadequate ventilation and unsanitary conditions," Hagler said.
He added while it is illegal to sell dogs without a MDA license, it is not illegal to own them.
The dogs have been taken to the Humane Society of Missouri's headquarters in St. Louis and will remain in the organization's custody until a disposition hearing June 28 in Tuscumbia.
Jeane Jae, vice president of communications for the Humane Society of Missouri said at first indication, most of the dogs are expected to recover from their ailments.
"(The dogs) are all recovering," she said. "They're getting the recovery treatment as per our veterinarian."
Jae added if the Humane Society is granted custody of the dogs after the June 28 hearing, they will likely be put up for adoption.
Contact this reporter at jennifer.hollis@lakemediaonline.com.
Editor's note: Names of the breeding facility and it's owner have not been released, as no charges have been filed.
