HICKORY COUNTY, Mo.- A task force with the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 97 dogs from a former breeder in Hickory County Tuesday.

According to the Humane Society, the rescue included puppies as young as 10-weeks-old.

The Humane Society has converted one of their meeting rooms into a temporary shelter for the dogs, but the need for supplies such as newspaper, blankets, and towels is still high.

You can donate to the humane society through their amazon wishlist or their website.

“This is very significant, 97 dogs as you can imagine, on top of the other dogs we have here at the shelter, and as we continue to monitor them, and provide medical care, it will be all hands on deck for caring for them and feeding and walking every single day but we are excited and thankful these animals are in our care now and safe for us and ready for their forever homes,” says Courtney Ravenfeld, the Humane Society of Missouri Communication Manager.

The veterinarians, volunteers, and staff are eager to help rehabilitate the dogs and find homes for them after they have been taken care of.

“As soon as they arrive from a rescue location, it’s medical triage, we have veterinarians and staff there as well, they receive a full body check as far as if they’re malnourished, checking ears for ticks, remove them immediately, clip nails, typically neglected paws addressed immediately — after a full body check they go to a kennel with bed, blanket, food water, traumatic and overwhelming – get a closer look the next day,” says Ravenfeld.

The rescue took place at a facility of a formerly licensed breeder in Urbana, Missouri. The breeder operated as Cridder Creek Kennel and later Little Miracles Kennel and was ordered to close for violating a consent judgment entered in the Hickory County Circuit Court in June 2021.

According to a press release, the original lawsuit was filed after Ms. Lund had been cited for multiple violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act and for operating without a license since January 2021.

Breeds of the dogs rescued include Collies, Standard Poodles, Shelties, Yorkies, and more, varying in different ages.

“The severe neglect that these poor animals suffered is abhorrent and inexcusable,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We will do everything in our power to ensure the rescued dogs are rehabilitated and given a second chance at a happier life.”

The Humane Society says this is its biggest rescue of the year and is asking for public help in caring for the dogs, whether by donations of dog necessities or financial support.