Over 100 animals rescued from Lawrence County property
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More than 100 animals were removed from a Lawrence County, Missouri, property Tuesday, where investigators found animals living among piles of trash, overgrown vegetation, and dilapidated vehicles.
The Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Cruelty Task Force carried out the rescue with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Officials said the operation was ongoing and the final number of animals could be higher.
A Humane Society official described the property as the worst animal hoarding situation she had encountered in more than 40 years in animal welfare.
Investigators reported animals in small wire cages and limited access to water.
The Department of Agriculture is also investigating whether animals were being bred on the property without a license.
It's not the first time that authorities have responded to concerns at the property.
31 dogs were removed under a warrant in 2000, while 27 animals were voluntarily surrendered in 2021.
The rescued animals are being taken to Humane Society facilities for veterinary examinations and treatment.
