ST. LOUIS – This past Tuesday, the Humane Society of Missouri participated in one of its biggest rescue missions, saving 50 dogs and puppies and 25 cats.

Since Tuesday’s transport, the Humane Society has assessed each dog’s medical needs. They’ve informed FOX 2 News that most of the dogs range in age from 3 months to 7 years old. Despite their young age, half of the dogs require dental treatment, while others are dealing with ear infections and eye injuries. Out of the 75 animals, 40 of them were rescued through the National Mill Dog Rescue.

“Normally, you see these dogs and think, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re so happy and wiggly! They’re bouncing their little tail and yapping all the time!’’ These dogs are silent. They have not lived a normal life; they are terrified right now,” Debbie Hill, the HSMO’s vice president of operations, said. “In a puppy mill, typically, the animals that get life are the offsprings. The parents stay behind and live in a cage the rest of their lives. But luckily [they don’t] have to face that anymore, so we’re very glad they’re here.”

The dogs will go up for adoption as soon as they receive a clean bill of health from staff veterinarians and are evaluated by the HSMO’s animal behavior team. In the meantime, the HSMO is accepting donations to help care for abused and neglected animals.

As one of the nation’s largest animal-welfare organizations, HSMO partners with the National Mill Dog Rescue to provide the necessary shelter, medical care, and adoption services for rescued dogs. 

Concerned citizens can report animals that may be in danger or suffering from abuse and neglect to the HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.