93 Neglected Yorkies Seized from Missouri Puppy Mill

Greene County (MO) investigators and the Humane Society of Missouri say they've busted a large puppy mill in Pleasant Hope. Greene County Sheriff’s detectives say a tip helped them shut down the facility just in time. Investigators say someone called them to east Farm Road 26 to check on dozens of dogs inside an unlicensed kennel.

"The odor in the building was so terrible that you can hardly breathe.” Humane Society of Missouri Director of Animal Cruelty Task Force Tim Rickey says," They didn't have food or clean water."

Investigators seized 93 Yorkshire Terriers, 2 birds and 8 Cockatiel eggs. “The dogs have severe matting that shows years of abuse.” Rickey says, “Some dogs' legs are matted to their bodies.” The Humane Society and Greene County detectives say when they seized the dogs it may have been the first time they were ever taken out of their two by two foot cages. Rickey says several dogs have three to four inches of matted feces hanging off their bodies. Humane Society veterinarians will also test the dogs for any genetic problems and malnutrition.

Detectives say each dog is evidence against the couple in their 50’s who own the animals. "Our mission is to make sure the people responsible pay," Rickey says. Rickey says he'd like prosecutors to file one count of animal abuse for each dog. "For somebody to profit without providing care is completely unacceptable," Rickey says. KSPR stopped by hours after the search warrant to ask the owners about the dogs living conditions but they still weren't home. "It’s just disturbing to see people not take care of the animals that they at some point loved and thought they could handle," Greene County Sergeant Ron Killingsworth says."It's our goal to see everyone adopted but we know that may not be possible," Rickey says. A hearing next week may determine the animals' fate. The Humane Society says it will adopt out as many animals as it can if it wins custody. Anyone can call the Humane Society about donating or adopting at (314) 647-4400. The Greene County prosecutor will decide if charges will be filed.

Credit: KSPR.com