Humane Society investigates report of animal neglect in Kennett

KENNETT, Mo. -- Members of the Humane Society of Missouri along with local officers rescued eight dogs Thursday morning that were reported as neglected.

At about 8 a.m., Kyle Held and Brian Thomas of Humane Society of Missouri and local officers Tina Petix and Paul Vandeventer executed a search warrant at 1705 Russell St. in Kennett.

According to Petix, the search warrant was issued following complaints by neighbors that there were several animals were being neglected, two of which had recently died.

Petix said the neighbors had been feeding the animals and had buried the two that died.

Of the eight dogs, seven were Chihuahuas, four adults and three puppies. The eighth was an adult dachshund.

It is believed that the dogs were being bred as American Kennel Club registered and being sold, according to Petix, who also noted that the dogs were mixed together, making it nearly impossible to be sure they are purebred.

"How do you know who is breeding with who?" Petix said. "You don't have a clue."

Held said that according to the neighbors, the owner, whose name has yet to be released, came to the property periodically and threw food over the fence for the animals.

A disposition hearing has been scheduled in Dunklin County for June 26.

Dunklin County assistant prosecuting attorney Jonce Chidister said the prosecutor's office is reviewing the matter.