Dozens of “severely emaciated” Shiba Inus rescued by breeder

According to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), more than three dozen Shiba Inus were rescued from a Missouri breeder in “one of the worst cases of animal neglect.”

At the request of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force, one of the largest animal rescue and disaster response teams in the country, led a rescue of 43 “starving” dogs from the premises of a former commercial breeder through Douglas County, Missouri, last week HSMO said in a statement on October 19.

“The live animals were extremely emaciated and suffered from various injuries and health problems. Additionally, the remains of nine deceased dogs were found and recovered on the property,” the Humane Society said.

According to HSMO, the rescued dogs are all Shiba Inus of different ages and health conditions. You will receive emergency veterinary treatment and a health examination.

HSMO President Kathy Warnick called the case “a terrible and heartbreaking rescue.”

“The conditions on this property represent one of the worst cases of animal neglect we have seen this year,” Warnick said in an online statement. “The caring citizen who brought this to the attention of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department undoubtedly saved the lives of many of these innocent dogs and gave them a second chance at life.”

The rescue came after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department issued a warrant to seize the dogs and place them temporarily in the care of the HSMO. A custody hearing will be held Nov. 9 in Douglas County Court in Ava, Missouri, the humane society said. Details about the dog’s breeder were not available and it was unclear at the time of publication whether charges would be filed against the breeder or the property owner where the dogs were found.

Newsweek reached out to HSMO and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department for comment via email and Facebook on Sunday.

After receiving a tip about dogs living in terrible conditions from the “caring citizen” who sent photos of “sick and extremely emaciated dogs,” HSMO quickly worked to round up all the animals and remove them from the property.

According to the Humane Society, at least one of the dogs photographed at the concerned citizen’s shelter died when authorities arrived to rescue the Shiba Inus.

Veterinarians from the Missouri Department of Agriculture joined the Animal Cruelty Task Force to assist in the rescue and examine the dogs’ conditions before transporting them to HSMO headquarters for specialized medical care.

HSMO posted a video on Facebook showing some of the rescued Shiba Inus getting some much-needed cuddles.

“These 43 Shiba Inus are receiving the veterinary care and love they deserve,” the shelter said said in the post.

In another post, HSMO said the dogs still have a long road to recovery but will continue to receive the love and care they need.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure these sweet animals receive the care they need to make a full recovery and find loving forever homes,” Warnick said.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says the Shiba Inu breed, which originated in Japan and dates back to 300 B.C. Can be traced back to 400 BC, is spirited and good-natured. The ancient breed is named for its history as hunters in the harsh mountains of Japan, according to the AKC, which describes its appearance as “almost fox-like.”

The dogs, whose prices vary but can cost more than $3,000 for a purebred puppy, are also known for being curious and playful, according to the AKC.

In order to care for the 43 Shiba Inus until they are ready for adoption, HSMO is also requesting care for the 43 Shiba Inus public for help by donating blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds or “anything else that can make the recovery of these animals more comfortable.”