Fifty-one animals are rescued from filthy conditions and starvation.

After 14 months of investigations the Caruthersville Humane Society, Missouri Humane Society and Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department seized 51 animals from a residence on county road 437 just north of Steele. Caruthersville Humane Society Director Karol Wilcox says local animal advocates tried to work with the property-owner, bringing the animals food and educating him on the proper way to house animals in an effort to persuade him into relinquishing custody, but none of those efforts worked. Wilcox tells KZIM/KSIM when every other route was exhausted local law enforcement helped get them onto the property to find horrific conditions. She said they discovered starving aniamls crammed into pens with sores and even six kittens trying to suckle from a dead mother. Wilcox says all of the animals were being kept on only an acre-and-a half. She says they are now being treated and evaluated by the Missouri Humane Society at their St. Louis area farm until the June 29^th disposition hearing. Multiple charges of animal abuse and neglect are pending against the homeowner. His name is being withheld until those charges are formally filed.