On Thursday, September 16, the ASPCA assisted the Caruthersville Police Department with the rescue of 20 animals from filthy, unsafe conditions in southeast Missouri.

We are providing support with operational planning and animal removal, evidence collection, legal assistance, forensics exams, medical and behavioral care, and sheltering for the dogs.

Most of the dogs were found closed off in an 80 degree, six-by-eight-foot bathroom that was covered in feces and urine and had dangerous levels of ammonia.

Many of the dogs were underweight and some were suffering from untreated medical issues, including several with flea infestations, as well as at least one dog with an eye infection, one with a suspected untreated foot fracture, and one with a fractured tooth.

The ASPCA’s subject matter experts are helping the local authorities to collect evidence to support their investigation.

The Caruthersville Humane Society is also assisting with this case by providing field assistance as well as sheltering for the cat.

The dogs were relocated to an emergency shelter operated by the ASPCA at an undisclosed location.

In the care of the ASPCA, these dogs will receive the medical treatment and behavioral work they need to aid in their recovery and prepare them for adoption.