Case Details

Hoarding - 137 dogs
Senath, MO (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 14, 2006
County: Dunklin
Local Map: available

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Margie S. Chandler

Case ID: 7675
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Nearly 140 dogs were rescued from a rural residence on March 14, Humane Society of Missouri officials said at the scene. It was the second time the organization traveled from St. Louis to the home of Margie Chandler, who attempted to care for all the animals at her own expense, said Humane Society lead investigator Kyle Held.

Despite the large number of dogs housed on Chandler's property, Held said he would not call it an abusive situation.

"Whether it is intentional or not, this is a neglectful situation," Held said. "They were not treated for mange.

"They were not vaccinated," he continued. "They did not necessarily have adequate food, water and shelter. They come from fairly unsanitary conditions. I would lean more toward neglect here."

Held was quick to say that Chandler was not breeding dogs to sell for medical testing, nor was she operating a puppy mill.

"This was a rescue type situation that just got a little out of control," he said. "It was just a little bit more than she could handle."

Five statewide investigators, two Rescue and Investigations officers, two Dunklin County deputies, two triage personnel, two public relations officers and two photographers accompanied Held Tuesday, he said.

Director of Communications Jeane Jae said she saw the same things as Held.

"Dogs running throughout the property in need of some attention," she said. "It's impossible right now to determine exactly their needs, but they are abundant."

Held agreed.

"[The animals] have every range of medical need," Held said. "From overgrown toenails to extreme hair loss.

"We've seen some that are limping, which raises the possibility of broken bones," he continued. "This is the second time I've been here removing animals. The last time we took right at 200."

Held said Chandler's explanation was simple enough -- she was doing her best for animals in need.

"It's basically the same story I got last time," he said. "People keep dropping them off, she's doing the best she can, she can't say no, that kind of thing.

"People mean well," he added. "They think in their hearts they are doing what's best for the animals."

The animals were transferred to St. Louis, where Held said they will undergo an evaluation and treatment.

"They'll be triaged this evening by a team of receiving people and a team of doctors," Held said. "Each animal will have a hands-on medical evaluation.

"They'll be started on treatment probably Wednesday as far as their medical needs," the investigator continued. "Then next week or so, after they settle in and settle down a little bit, they'll start to be mentally evaluated as far as aggression and socialization."

Held said the society's investigation included all the buildings on Chandler's property.

"There are four machine shops and a house," he said. "We found animals in two of the buildings, the home and outside the premises."

The investigator said the St. Louis headquarters was notified of the situation by "one of the area Humane Societies because it was just kind of a larger thing" than that organization could address.

"They made us aware of the situation," he noted. "I was here before, so we were familiar with what we might run in to here."

Tuesday's rescue involved seven vehicles, two horse trailers and an additional sophisticated rescue trailer capable of housing up to 100 animals, Held said.

"It has a veterinary station, it's all electric, air-conditioned and heated," Held noted. "It has the capability to roll up on a property and taking large numbers of animals."

Held said he was unsure if any of the dogs were examined by area veterinarians.

Kennett Veterinarian T. Everett Mobley evaluated the scene Tuesday, and wrote a letter for officials regarding his findings.

His report stated many plastic "igloo"-type houses were provided for the dogs, as well as clothing for bedding.

"Fecal material was present in large amounts throughout the property, the home included," Mobley wrote. "A marginal diet was being provided ... The dogs' nutritional status varied from dogs who in reasonably good flesh to dogs who were quite thin ... The sheer filth present would contribute to Staphylococcal proderma."

Held said most Missouri counties, have no animal ordinance in place.

"They don't have a limit on the number of animals you can have," he said. "But Missouri state statute doesn't have a limit on the number of animals you can have.

"As long as you are maintaining them with adequate food, water and shelter, you can have as many as you want," he added. "Only two counties of the 20-odd in my territory do, Jefferson and St. Genevieve."

Senath Mayor Bill Anderson said Wednesday although the city has an animal ordinance in place, it does not apply to those who live outside the city limits, like Chandler.

Dunklin County Presiding Commissioner Don Collins said Wednesday that there is no animal ordinance in place in the county, and that even if one existed, the problem of enforcement becomes obvious.

"We don't want our sheriff or deputies out chasing dogs," he said.

Held said those who see animal negligence or cruelty should take the time to offer a report.

"I would say to people in the surrounding areas, don't hesitate to call when you see a problem like this," he said. "This is an obvious situation.

"These dogs were on this county road every day," he added. "It was evident to see. These are hairless dogs with open sores. Make the phone call."

Jae said those who witness animal neglect or abuse may call the Humane Society at 314-647-4400.

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References

Daily Dunklin Democrat - March 15, 2006

« MO State Animal Cruelty Map

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