Update: Dozens of Animals Rescued from Squalor in Howell County

Updated at 4:30 p.m.
Original copy 11:05 a.m.

WEST PLAINS, Mo. -- Dozens of animals were removed from a Howell County home Thursday morning.

Animal rescue groups, along with Missouri Department of Agriculture and Texas County Animal Shelter volunteers, took part in the rescue on County Road 6069.

KOLR10's Laurie Patton reports the stench from the home was so bad upon arriving on scene that you could smell it from the road.

Animal rescue workers and members of law enforcement say the animals were living in cages in the home.

"Stacked on top of each other with no water bowls, no food," says H.D. Reid with the Howell County Sheriff's Department. "The house reeked of feces and urine."

Dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, goats, a skunk, a horse, a chinchilla, and a donkey were rescued. About 100-150 animals were taken in all.

"We did a walkthrough with the vet," adds Reid. "Determined that the animals in there were below standards. I went back and requested the search warrant to remove the animals and was granted that."

The homeowner was there Thursday morning. She was very agitated and said she has essentially been forced into this position taking in other people's animals.

"They're either dead or in this condition. I'd rather have them in this temporary condition and relief was already there."

The homeowner gave our crews the name S. Tara, but law enforcement say she's known for having multiple aliases and has been in similar situations before.

Rescue crews were aided by a shelter from Cabool, an air-conditioned trailer from Diana's Grove Dog Rescue, a St. Louis animal rescue agency, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The Texas County Animal Shelter is taking in and caring for some of the animals and will be putting them up for adoption.

If you are interested in adopting or donating, click here.

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