Authorities discover missing dog from raided Bootheel property

HAYTI HEIGHTS, Mo. -- A seventh pit bull dog linked to a search warrant at Hayti Heights on Monday was recently recovered, after it disappeared from the property prior to the warrant's execution.

"When we went on the property the first day, there was a tan female pit bull that was not present during the warrant," said Erma Page, manager of the Caruthersville Humane Society (CHS). "Later we learned from Chris Sharp that he had information that his dog was stolen and it was the same dog that we had seen"

Page said that after being approached by an agent from the Bootheel Drug Task Force, the dog "appeared" back at the owner's property.

"The dog had no injuries when we saw it, and upon its return it has bite marks consistent with a very recent fight," Page said.

The CHS is helping the owner get the dog treated for its wounds and this dog will be part of the ongoing criminal investigation, according to Page.

"Her wounds are non-fatal, but definitely fresh," Page said, "She is acting timid but should be okay."

Of the six dogs seized on Monday, one had to be put down by a veterinarian, due to the severity of its wounds, Page said, adding that the others are receiving medical care.

Page said the owner of the animals has refused to surrender custody and a disposition hearing is set for July 28, 2009, in the Pemiscot County Circuit Court, Division II.

The search warrant was executed at the Hayti Heights residence on Monday, and resulted in the removal of six pit bull dogs in need of serious medical attention, with injuries consistent with being in dog fights.

Four animals were recovered from the residence with information leading officers to two separate locations where more animals were taken, the CHS said.

According to the CHS, the dogs were listed in critical, serious, and poor condition, and were covered in old and new scars, injuries, and infections, with one of the animals having difficulty breathing.

According to the CHS, other evidence was taken from the residence and charges are under consideration.

The Bootheel Drug Task Force, Humane Society of Missouri, Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department, the Wardell Chief of Police, and Hayti Police Officers assisted in the execution of the warrant.