Cabool, Mo. — Authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged case of severe animal neglect after multiple deceased dogs were discovered at a residence near Cabool earlier this month.
According to Ozarks Pet Rescue (OPR), their team responded to a report on Monday, June 16, at approximately 5:15 p.m., regarding concerns of possible abandonment and mistreatment of several dogs. The reporting party alleged that numerous animals had died at the location and that some surviving dogs were in distressing conditions.
Upon arriving at the property, rescue personnel and the reporting party observed signs of animal remains in and around the residence, which is described as a recreational vehicle (RV) home. A small outdoor kennel reportedly contained multiple deceased animals, and at least one live dog was located inside the RV. The responding OPR team stated that the interior also contained additional deceased dogs.
The Texas County Sheriff’s Office was contacted immediately and authorized Ozarks Pet Rescue to enter the premises for a full search and recovery of surviving animals. At least one dog was found alive inside the home, and another was reported to have left the property and made its way to a neighboring residence.
According to messages reviewed by those involved in the investigation, the owner of the animals is believed to have left the property before Mother’s Day, allegedly leaving food and water for the dogs before departing. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the individual involved.
On June 21, OPR confirmed that the Texas County Sheriff’s Office had moved forward with submitting animal abuse charges to the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Community members and animal welfare advocates are urging the public to contact the prosecutor’s office to ensure the case receives appropriate legal attention.
No formal charges had been announced at the time of publication. The investigation remains active.
If you would like to see pictures and videos of the full extent of the case, visit Ozarks Pet Rescues’ Facebook page. We will warn you that the pictures and the videos are extremely graphic.
Authorities are also looking into possible child neglect and bad living conditions after multiple concerned calls from various community members and evidence from the home.
