126 dogs, cats removed from Lebanon shelter

LEBANON, Mo. -- The Humane Society of Missouri is taking 126 dogs and cats from the Lebanon Humane Society in southern Missouri, at the request of that facility's newly elected board of directors.

Lebanon Humane Society board president Judith Koch says the new board was shocked at overcrowding and appalled by filthy conditions at the shelter. Plans are in place to bring the facility into compliance and restructure the organization, but Koch says the best alternative for existing animals is to have the Humane Society of Missouri care for them and put them up for adoption.

The animals include 65 cats, 49 medium-to-large dogs and 12 small-breed dogs.

The Humane Society of Missouri says the animals will be spayed and neutered. Some could be available for adoption as early as next week.