Humane Society of Missouri rescue 36 Chihuahuas from Missouri Hoarder Property

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) – one of the nation’s largest animal-rescue and disaster-response teams – says they have rescued 36 chihuahuas from the property of a hoarder in Franklin County, Missouri.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, the organization's ACT office received an anonymous report. After working with local county authorities to gain access to the property and confirming the report, the Franklin County sheriff’s office contacted the owner who agreed to surrender the animals to the Humane Society of Missouri's care.

"We’re grateful to the concerned citizen who contacted us on behalf of these poor animals, who can’t speak for themselves," said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. "The conditions at this property were horrible for any living creature to have to endure. The caring citizen who contacted us and the members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department undoubtably saved the lives of these innocent dogs and gave them a second chance at life. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure these animals receive the care they need to fully recover and find loving forever homes."

The Humane Society of Missouri says rescuing chihuahuas was 'challenging' as the dogs were allowed to roam free on the property and are fearful of human interaction.

Eventually, however, working with extra care to prevent injury to themselves or the dogs, all 36 chihuahuas of various ages were safely rescued and are on their way to care and recovery.

The Humane Society says all 36 chihuahuas will be made available for adoption on a case-by-case basis pending the recovery of the animals medically and behaviorally.

There is no current timeline for when these dogs will be ready for their forever homes, but interested adopters can check the HSMO website at hsmo.org/adopt to see when they become available.

Donations to help support the care of these dogs can be made on the HSMO website at hsmo.org/rescue. To help care for the animals, HSMO is also asking the public for assistance through donations of blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds or anything else that can make these animals’ recovery more comfortable.