Dogs, puppies taken from Fenton breeder

FENTON, Mo. -- Nearly 100 dogs and puppies were removed Tuesday from a commercial breeding operation in suburban St. Louis, where authorities said they were neglected and living in unhealthy conditions.

The dogs -- 71 adults and 23 puppies -- appeared to be suffering from severe neglect, skin diseases, infected eyes, ears and teeth, said Katherine McGowan of the Human Society of Missouri. Many of the animals had matted hair and appeared to have both internal and external parasites, she said.

Many of the dogs will require surgery, said Dr. Jerry Eber, veterinarian for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which joined the Humane Society and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in the rescue. If dogs respond to treatment, they will not be euthanized, McGowan said.