Arrests could be immenent in animal abuse case

MISSOURI -- Investigators in Morgan County are seeking arrest warrants against the owner of a house near Barnett from which 152 neglected and abused animals were rescued on May 6.

Officials with the Humane Society and the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, acting on a tip, discovered over 150 animals, including horses, dogs, and cats, in various states of neglect. The animals were underfed, and many had skin legions, matted hair, and respiratory diseases.

Lt. Mike Nienhuis says the Sheriff's department fully expects more arrests to follow. He says reports have been received from the Humane Society of Missouri regarding the dispostition of the animals.

Now, Nienhuis says investigators have to find out "who knew what, and when."

Nienhuis says if it is determined that if owners who kept animals at the Barnett property knew they were being abused or neglected, or if they saw evidence of other animals being abused and did not report it, they are subject to possible arrest.

He says more arrest warrants are likely.

According to Jeane Jae of the Humane Society of Missouri, most of the rescued animals are improving, and many have been adopted.

(ConnectMissouri - May 28, 2014)