The Caruthersville Humane Society’s Rescue and Investigations Department took off in 2007 as 499 complaints were handled.  These complaints ranged from minor where corrective action could be taken to several search warrants and criminal prosecutions.  23 cases were filed through court systems resulting in 22 convictions for animal abuse, neglect, cruelty, or abandonment. Local law enforcement officials in the Pemiscot County work closely with the Humane Society and Humane Society of Missouri investigators assist on larger cases.

 

     A warrant was served on a residence in Denton Missouri, resulting in 18 dogs that were held in deplorable conditions being removed and saved.  One dog was housed in a box for its life and three were locked in a burned out trailer.  The others were chained with wire hangers to various tie outs.  All were emaciated and dehydrated with various medical problems.

 

     A warrant was served in October on a Pascola resident where 178 animals, mostly chickens were removed and at least 58 dead animals were found.  Charges are pending on that residence.

 

     In February, 2008 a warrant was served on two properties owned by a local police officer and his wife.  23 dogs and eight horses all in various states of malnutrition were removed.  The horses were sent to various rescues and the dogs were treated and sent to out of the county for adoption.  The dogs were housed inside of kennels too small for them and kept in up to a foot of feces through out the house.

 

     Caruthersville Humane Society investigators also cooperate with New Madrid County and Dunklin County.  While the Humane Society of Missouri handles the 11 southern counties, our investigative team will usually do the initial call and handle it if necessary.  The Caruthersville Humane Society has the only cruelty investigative team south of Cape Girardeau available 24 hours a day.

 

     The flood of 2008 has resulted in displaced animals and animals needing housed until flood waters come down.  As of April 5th, 257 animals have been worked through the shelter.  166 were sent to St. Louis for adoption and the staff at the shelter expects a larger influx of animals as severe weather continues and the waters rise.

 

     The Rescue and Investigation department utilizes donations for medical care, vaccinations, printing and preparing cases.  Our investigators assist law enforcement with animals if a person is arrested and the person has animals that need housed or cared for. 

 

     We are also involved in an ongoing investigation into pit bull fighting.  There has been a great influx of injured pit bulls in the county; these animals being dumped after losing a fight.  Their injuries are most often serious and this investigation reaches into many counties and two states.

 

     The Caruthersville Humane Society posts a 24 hour a day emergency number for animal calls and responds to every call as soon as possible.  Each call is followed through the court system and each animal is treated medically and every attempt is made to adopt the animal to a good home or send it to a rescue.