You Helped Us Save More Than 200 Animals From a Hoarder
In the final days of July, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) performed its biggest rescue in more than a decade. Nothing could’ve prepared our ACT team for the scene they encountered when they entered the house in Christian County. The space was completely overrun with animals. Dogs were on countertops, hiding in furniture, and crammed into wire cages. Cats peered down from the top of kitchen cabinets. The ammonium levels were off the charts, and animal waste was piled high in every room.
Most of the dogs were fearful and seemed like they had never been handled, so catching them became a challenge for the ACT team. They worked as quickly as they could, trying to get the dogs out of the unair-conditioned house as the temperatures climbed into the 90s. Though the goal had been to get all the animals out of the house in one day, it soon became clear that the ACT team would need to return the following day due to the sheer number.
The following day, the team made the three-and-a-half-hour drive again to rescue the remaining animals. The property owner agreed to surrender the majority of the animals, but a warrant was served by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office for the more than 30 animals that the owner attempted to retain on the second day. As the team finished loading the animals into the rescue trailers, they calculated the total number: 224.
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Main Number 314-647-8800
hsmo.org
Report Animal Abuse and Neglect 314-647-4400 or 800-383-9835
Headquarters 1201 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
Macklind Adoption Center 314-951-1562
Best Buddy Adoption Center 11660 Administration Dr. Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Best Buddy Adoption Center 314-951-1588
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
480 Josephs Rd. Union, MO 63084
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch 636-583-8759
Animal Medical Center of Mid-America
All locations 314-951-1534 or amcma.org Patients seen by appointment.
Donations 314-951-1542
Mission: Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need — large and small — that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs and our shelter pet training program. We further support that bond by making world-class veterinary care available.
The Humane Society of Missouri is an independent, non-profit organization not affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations. We do not receive tax support or United Way funding. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and fees for services.
Dear Friend,
This July, it felt like Christmas came early for more than 200 animals in desperate need. Thanks to your compassion, 212 dogs, 8 cats, 4 birds, and even one rabbit were rescued from unimaginable conditions in Christian County, Missouri. Because of your generosity and the tireless work of our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT), dozens of these animals are already spending their first holiday season in safe, loving forever homes. The rest are on the way to a full recovery.
“This rescue stretched our people, our space, our supplies, and our budget to the limit. Yet, because of you, we met this crisis with strength and compassion.”
From the outside, the small ranch house looked tidy. The lawn was mowed, flowers planted, a little garden near the front. Inside told a far different story. The house was horrifically damaged: holes in the walls, squishy floors soaked through with filth, and feces covering the rooms. The air was stifling as temperatures climbed well into the 90s. Dogs were perched on counters and shelves, with barely an inch of floor space to move. None of the animals had received veterinary care.
What followed was one of the largest rescues in HSMO’s history. The operation demanded 22-hour days, coordinated trailers and transport vehicles, and every available kennel space in our shelters. It stretched our people, our space, our supplies, and our budget to the limit. Yet, because of you, we met this crisis with strength and compassion. The response from the community was overwhelming. Gifts of blankets, sheets, newspapers and toys filled the lobby.
Your generosity turned despair into hope and gave these animals the greatest gift of all, a chance to be loved. As we enter this holiday season, may the joy and warmth you’ve shared with them return to you and your family a thousandfold.
With heartfelt thanks,
Kathy Warnick President Humane Society of Missouri
You Helped Us Save More Than 200 Animals
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This overwhelming number of animals put a strain on HSMO’s shelters, but you stepped up to the plate. We are so incredibly grateful to our generous donors, who come to our aid time and time again, so we can provide second chances to animals in need.
The 211 dogs, 8 cats, 4 birds and 1 rabbit required immediate and extensive care. The dogs needed significant grooming to remove years of matted fur. Many had eye issues due to the environment they were living in, and many needed some (if not all) of their teeth pulled due to poor dental and gum health. All of this was on top of the routine care we provide our rescued animals, including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries. This rescue was truly an “all hands” effort at both Humane Society of Missouri shelters, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Because of your generosity, we were able to mobilize with just a few days’ notice to bring hundreds of animals to safety. Your support means these pets have a safe, warm home for the holidays, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for all you’ve done for us in 2025 and the support you continue to show us year after year!
Second Chances
A Whole New World for Abu
and Aladdin
Last fall, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 14 horses from a dilapidated barn in Hazelwood. After months of failed negotiations with the property owner, the ACT team recovered stallions, mares and geldings in varying states of neglect with the help of Hazelwood law enforcement. Many had overgrown and broken hooves, most were of advanced age, and all had gone without veterinary (or general) care for years. They were living in their own waste and had no access to fresh water.
Celeste’s Future Is Bright, Thanks To You
Many will remember the harrowing photos from our Cedar County rescue in April, where our Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 42 dogs and cats from a formerly licensed breeder. There was evidence of several dead animals onsite, and the living animals were in dire condition.
Two of those horses, Abu and Aladdin, quickly became Longmeadow staff favorites and settled nicely into life at the ranch, knowing they were finally safe and cared for.
Longmeadow volunteer Cynthia had been taking lessons and waiting for the right horse to come along. It wasn’t long before she met Abu and realized he was the perfect match! She decided to adopt both Abu and his buddy Aladdin and give them their happily ever after.
With your generous support, we are able to grant these horses’ wishes and give them the love and care they deserve!
The rescued animals included a 6-monthold malamute puppy named Celeste. With her happy-go-lucky attitude and typical puppy antics, Celeste was a true testament to the resiliency of animals who come from horrendous circumstances. She greeted her rescuers with hope in her eyes, and we knew her future was bright.
Celeste was just 24 pounds when she arrived in our care, with a protruding spine and ribs. Though it was hidden under her fluffy malamute coat, it was clear she was extremely malnourished. Your support ensures we can help animals like Celeste, who need weeks (even months!) of care before they can be ready to find their forever homes.
Weeks later, Celeste met a pair of humans who told her they were going to take her home! She was so excited to leave with them and start her new life.
Your support makes wagging tails like Celeste’s possible!
Made Possible by YOU!
Cinnabun’s Sugar-Sweet Happily Ever After
Cinnabun came to us as a stray in December last year. She waited day in and day out for a forever family, but didn’t have much luck. In March, she got a break from the shelter environment and headed to a foster home.
While in foster, she learned what it was like to live in a loving home. After months of waiting in foster, she got the lucky call that someone was interested in adopting her!
When they came to meet Cinnabun, her adopters knew she was the one for them.
We’re so grateful you helped us give Cinnabun the forever family she deserves!
Together For Life
When an EF3 tornado swept through the St. Louis region in May, thousands of people and their pets were displaced from their homes and communities. Two of those pets were Stormfly and Lugnut, who came to us when their people could no longer care for them following the tornado. This bonded pair quickly captured the hearts of staff, volunteers and all who walked by their shared kennel. They curled up together day after day, hanging onto each other in their confusing new environment.
We knew looking for an adopter to take both big dogs was a big ask, but we were hopeful. Because of your support of our mission, we never gave up on finding the perfect home. A few months later, a volunteer realized she had fallen head over heels for these two, and needed to bring them home.
We’re so happy that they’re getting the second chance they deserve!
A Second Chance for Kelvin
Kelvin came to us as a stray, covered in mats and suffering from an injury to one of his eyes. Despite his poor condition, we knew this pup’s future was bright! Thanks to your dedicated support, our veterinary team at the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America was able to safely remove his eye. Once he recovered from the surgery, he enjoyed a spa day at Kennelwood Pet Resorts, where they got him looking his best and ready for the spotlight. His road to recovery continued with a visit to the KSDK TV studio, and he met the whole news team before going live and showing the St. Louis community how cute he was! Shortly after his TV appearance, he met his forever mom, and she whisked him away to his happily ever after.
Thank you for making stories like Kelvin’s possible!
Ways to Support HSMO This Holiday Season
Shop our Amazon and in-kind wish lists! Visit HSMO hsmo.org/wishlist to directly support shelter pets in need.
Buy your holiday greeting cards from HSMO! All proceeds benefit our shelter animals. Visit either of our shelter gift shops in person, or shop online at hsmo.org/shop.
Volunteer! Rain or shine, laundry or litter boxes, HSMO’s volunteers help provide second chances for abused and neglected animals in a variety of ways, including dog walking, humane education, fostering and more. Visit hsmo.org/volunteer to get involved.
Sponsor a Barn Buddy from Longmeadow Rescue Ranch! This meaningful gift supports animals at Longmeadow and includes a plush animal replica. Visit longmeadowrescueranch.org/ barnbuddies to learn more.
35 Degrees and Lower? Protect Rover!
Freezing temperatures and winter weather have arrived! It’s tempting to think your pet’s fur will keep them warm while they’re outside. But remember — if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet!
Here are a few tips to ensure that your pet is safe during the cold winter months:
• Bring Your Pet Inside. Wind chill makes the air colder than the actual temperature reading. Limit your pet’s time outdoors to prevent frostbite on ears, tail and paws.
• Beware of Antifreeze. Antifreeze collects on pavement. It can smell and taste good to pets, but is highly poisonous and lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, don’t wait to contact your veterinarian!
• Dry off Wet Pets. Dry your pet after it’s been in the rain or snow, and clean your pet’s paws. Rock salt, sand and chemicals used to melt ice can become embedded in paws, causing pain.
• Provide Adequate Shelter. This means a doghouse that is insulated and draft-free. The opening should face south and have a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy wind from entering. Insulate doghouses with cedar chips instead of towels or blankets, which easily dampen and make the space colder.
• Watch for Hypothermia. Warning signs include strong shivering, trembling, rapid or labored breathing and lethargy. Ears, paws and skin may be extremely cold to the touch. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring them inside right away! Dry pets off with a towel and warm them with a blanket. If they continue to show signs of stress, call your veterinarian or our Animal Medical Center of MidAmerica immediately at 314-951-1534.
February 10, 2026 Mark Your Calendars
HSMO’s 5th Annual Day of Giving returns! Donations from this vital fundraiser will give second chances to needy animals throughout Missouri. Hear incredible rescue stories and make your gift by visiting our website on the Day of Giving – February 10, 2026!
hsmo.org/dog
Saturday,
April 18
Join us for family fun at Spring Fling! Spend time with rescued horses and farm animals, meet the Barn Buddies and enjoy a wagon ride through the countryside!
longmeadowrescueranch.org/springfling
Thursday, June 18
Sip cocktails and sample hors d’oeuvres at our annual raffle and auction. Purchase a chance to win designer items from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and more! All proceeds benefit our Animal Cruelty Task Force.
hsmo.org/purses
Saturday,
May 16
The Midwest’s largest pet walk and festival returns! Join us for Bark in the Park in Tower Grove Park. Activities include shows by the Purina Pro Plan Performance team, guest appearances by the Barn Buddies and a 5K run!
hsmo.org/bark
Unleash the Power of Your Donor-Advised Fund
Make a charitable contribution through a donoradvised fund and receive an immediate tax break for your full donation. The funds can then be granted to your favorite charities, like HSMO!
plannedgiving.hsmo.org 314-951-1519
