State humane society rescues more than 60 dogs

GIPSY, Mo. -- A Humane Society of Missouri team rescued more than 60 dogs believed to be endangered from a 33-acre property near Gipsy early Monday morning and Monday afternoon.

The Bollinger County Sheriff's Department issued a warrant allowing for removal of the animals from the breeding facility, which a humane society official said is unlicensed. Three deputies accompanied the humane society on the raid.

The breeds included Pomeranians, French bulldogs, Maltese, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, a Yorkie Maltese mix and a Scottish terrier. Also removed was a litter of 6-week-old Chihuahuas.

Blindness, dental problems, overgrown toenails and severe matting were some of the conditions rescuers found in the dogs, according to the humane society. The dogs were living in unsanitary conditions in elevated pens with wire bottoms. They had to balance on thin wires to stand up, the organization said.

The rescue team includes 19 animal rescue professionals and animal handlers and an independent veterinarian. Members of the same team responded in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The dogs were taken to the humane society headquarters on Macklind Avenue in St. Louis. They will remain in the organization's custody pending a disposition hearing.

An anonymous complaint to the sheriff's department prompted the raid, said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. She said the sheriff's department inspected the property before issuing the warrant.

No charges have been filed against the occupants of the buildings, said Leo McElrath, chief deputy for the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department. He said the department is still investigating the operation and waiting to receive more information from the humane society about what was found.