The 4th Annual John VanAusdall Memorial River Run 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk

Area Pit Bull News

The Caruthersville Humane Society has been working in conjunction with several law enforcement agencies and the Humane Society of Missouri on the issue of pit bull fighting in our area. The Animal Shelter has handled over 130 pit bulls in a the last year, forty of which had major injuries indicative of pit bull fighting. The CHS is aware that pit bull fighting is a major issue in the tri state area, and is working to bring an end to it.

A search warrant was issued in Steele, Missouri on a residence that was suspected of raising pit bulls to fight or fighting pit bulls. Five pit bulls were removed from the residence, one that showed extensive scarring and injuries. Those dogs were awarded to the Caruthersville Humane Society in a court proceeding and criminal charges are being pursued against the owner. Also seized in the warrant was a gun, money and drug paraphernalia.

As a result of that warrant and other complaints, an investigation was launched into the former Steele Animal Control officer. 23 pit bulls, 11 that were mixed breed were removed from his custody and charges are being considered.

Yet a third warrant in Steele resulted in the removal of four more pit bulls with neglect charges in process. The investigation into pit bull fighting is ongoing and a tip line was established in cooperation with Caruthersville Police Department. A $5,000 reward has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction. The tip line is also used to report animal abuse. The number for the tip line is 877-920-0101.

Pet Abandonment

Tough economic times have hit everyone, but animal welfare agencies are being hit with a double whammy. Prices for animal care have risen to buy supplies and pay medical costs, and more and more people are unable to care for their animals. The result is animals being dumped out in the rural areas or surrendered in large numbers.

The Caruthersville Humane Society handled several horse rescues last year. Two horses were taken off a residence in Pasacola. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the owner for animal abuse. “Angel” became a spokes horse for the Society. She required extensive medical care and unfortunately succumbed to her neglect and passed away. “Flicka” has since recovered and been adopted.

Two weeks after Angel and Flicka, the Investigations Department was called to a residence in Micohla. There one animal was so emaciated that she died on the scene. A second horse “Silver” was removed utilizing a search warrant and has since recovered and been adopted. The owner pled guilty to animal abuse.

Several animals have been taken into custody after being abandoned in homes when the owners moved out. In the last month, 21 puppies have been taken in because of abandonment. Seven puppies were left in a duffel bag, seven puppies were left in a box, two adult dogs were abandoned in a trailer, two chihuahuas, one Savannah monitor, and one Burmese python were left in a house, and five puppies were abandoned in an apartment. The CHS expects this trend to continue and is working with state agencies to find a protocol on how to deal with the issues of economy and the animals.

The CHS also offers a feed in place program. During a disaster and in tough times, when donations permit, food is distributed to needy animals. During the ice storm of 2009, 47 animals were housed temporarily, over 100 animals were sent to the Humane Society of Missouri, and 39 animals were fed in place for weeks. The CHS is nervously eyeing the Mississippi River as last year over 400 animals moved through the shelter during the flood.