Humane Society rescues 170 animals from Lawrence County property near Ash Grove

Over 170 animals were rescued from a Lawrence County property near Ash Grove on Sept. 29. The residence sits approximately one mile northwest of Halltown at 4028 Lawrence 1225, Ash Grove.
 
The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) called it the largest rescue operation their Animal Cruelty Task Force has undertaken this year.
 
According to the HSMO, an individual contacted them, concerned about a large number of animals in unsuitable conditions. Another individual posted a video to social media depicting multiple animals kept in small wire cages.
 
The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office worked in coordination with the task force to act on this information, eventually rescuing 101 puppies and dogs, five cats, 11 horses, three goats, three ducks and 47 chickens. All animals were suffering from neglect according to the HSMO.
 
Debbie Hill, Vice President of Operations for HSMO said it was the worst hoard she had experienced in over 40 years in the animal welfare industry. She said that the animals were found among large piles of trash and overgrown vegetation. The task force reportedly encountered a dilapidated school bus, among other cars in a state of disrepair. The only sources of water was from a single well and what appeared to be rainwater collection areas. 
 
Probable cause
A probable cause statement filed in connection with this case maintains that a deputy sheriff personally witnessed horses and dogs on the property to have matted fur and manes. The officer also reportedly witnessed dogs confined to cages that are suitable for nothing longer than a brief, temporary stay.
 
According to the HSMO, this is the third time the organization has responded to improper animal conditions at the property. In the year 2000, they removed 31 dogs from the property and responded to the property again in 2021, rescuing 27 animals.
 
“Returning to a property where we have previously removed animals is deeply concerning, particularly when we are once again faced with animals who appeared to be living in dangerous conditions,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “We are grateful to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Department of Agriculture for their partnership and commitment to protecting animals in need.”
 
After the animals were rescued, they were transported to HSMO facilities, where they received medical examinations and treatment along with food, clean water and other necessary care.
 
A disposition with the goal of determining permanent custody for the rescued animals is scheduled for Oct. 26. Until the matter of custody is determined, the animals will stay under the care of the Humane Society of Missouri.
 
The property owner, Susan Berry, faces a charge of animal neglect or abandonment, a misdemeanor. Berry also faces a charge of stealing an animal in a case filed on Sept. 28, a class E felony. The probable cause statement attached to the case alleges that Berry stole a Catahoula Leopard Dog and kept it at her residence.
 
The original owner of the dog was able to identify it by its bark in a video that was shared on Facebook. The victim said that the dog went missing from her home earlier this year.
 
HSMO said that while the case is ongoing, details may be limited, but updates will be provided on the condition of the animals and their recovery.
 
Those who wish to help provide medical care, food and shelter for the animals can donate at the Humane Society of Missouri’s website.