Tuesday, October 6, 2009

66 animals seized from Sweet Springs home

Seven dogs and 59 cats were removed from a Sweet Springs residence Saturday, Oct. 3.

A Saline County Sheriff's deputy met with members of the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force at the Sweet Springs home Saturday morning to investigate conditions there. The report regarding the animals originated with Saline County Division of Aging, according to the incident report.

While still outside the home, the deputy saw several dogs, one of which was lying down, he reported. He was told that the dog could not move due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

The deputy reported having smelled the strong scent of ammonia when he entered the home and saw a number of cats, including six sitting on the kitchen table.

"Several of these cats had matted eyes, running noses and were sneezing," wrote the deputy.

He also saw feces and scattered cat litter on the kitchen floor.

In the bathroom, he found the tub filled with pots, pans, plastic containers and cat feces.

One cat was found with "a large open wound on its neck." The deputy reported that the resident told investigators none of the animals had been taken to a veterinarian for medical attention.

Investigators worked to remove from the property all animals claimed by the resident, but were unable to catch two dogs. They also allowed the resident to keep one cat on the condition that the animal be kept in a sanitary environment and provided with clean food and water daily..." More