Douglas County, Missouri – Multiple dogs are getting a second chance after being rescued from an infamous breeder who has been on the “Horrible 100” list that ranks the worst dog breeders in the nation. On October 11, the Humane Society of Missouri’s animal cruelty task force helped save seven dogs who were being held at the breeder’s Douglas County property.
A release from the animal welfare agency details how the rescue came about:
The rescue came immediately after Marilyn Shepherd (aka Marilyn Williams), who operated breeding businesses in Missouri under the names Cedarcrest Kennel, Williams Kennel, PuppyFind and Pups4U, was found guilty of criminal contempt for violating a 2021 consent agreement put in place by the Missouri Attorney General’s office.
Tuesday’s rescue marks the second time in less than a year that the Animal Cruelty Task Force has been called to Shepherd’s property to rescue animals. The dogs, five males and two female terrier breeds, are suffering from a variety of health issues that will be addressed by the shelter’s veterinary team. After being treated and brought back to health, the dogs will be made available for adoption.
In December 2021, the task force rescued 42 dogs from Shepherd’s Cedarcrest Kennel. HSMO President Kathy Warnick commented on the notorious breeder:
Marilyn Shepherd is a repeat offender who has a long history of animal mistreatment and breeding violations that stretches back decades. We are grateful to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Attorney General Schmitt’s office for their persistent work to stay on top of bad breeders who violate the law and trap helpless animals in a cycle of abuse and neglect. The animals rescued today were kept in conditions that caused them great emotional stress and physical suffering. Now that these animals are safe, our focus turns to providing them with the care and rehabilitation they need so they can find loving, forever homes.”
To help support the care of these poor animals, financial donations can be made at hsmo.org/douglas.
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