Nearly 60 dogs rescued from home

ST. LOUIS -- Fifty-seven dogs were rescued Wednesday from a home in the Ozarks and taken to the Humane Society of Missouri's headquarters in St. Louis, Humane Society officials said.

The dogs were taken from a home near Ozark, Mo., in Christian County, thin and suffering from poor nutrition, Humane Society spokeswoman Kris Brill said. Many suffered from fleas and ticks, and some puppies appeared anemic from parasite infestation. The dogs -- including 25 puppies -- were found at the home of an animal hoarder, or someone who takes in more animals than he is capable of handling, Brill said. Some were running loose; others were tethered to tires or cable spools with chains less than two feet long.

The owner, whose name was not released, will not face criminal charges in this case but has one animal abuse charge pending from a previous case.

He voluntarily surrendered the animals.

The dogs will be examined and treated by a veterinarian. Humane Society officials were hopeful most or all of the dogs will be treatable and able to be put up for adoption.