Influx of dogs from breeder abuse case puts CMHS at capacity
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Central Missouri Humane Society is out of space to take in new dogs after it saw an influx of canines from a Columbia animal abuse case.
Last week, dog breeder Melissa Sanders, 26, was charged with three counts of felony animal abuse and 15 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse. Sanders runs Magnum Opus German Shepherds and a large number of dogs were found either dead or in poor condition when officers served a search warrant.
CMHS wrote on its social media that it is out of space to take in new dogs and that they are holding several of the dogs until the case is over. A CMHS spokesperson wrote in an email that the dogs were saved from Sanders’ business.
“Recently, we took in a large group of dogs that have to be held until their court case is over. This has significantly reduced the number of open kennels at CMHS, and we now need your help. We are out of space, and we desperately need dogs to leave so we can continue helping the pups of Boone County!” the social media post says.
Michelle Casey, of CMHS, wrote in an email that the shelter has more than 30 dogs available for foster care, including four from Sanders’ case. Some other dogs from the case have been placed in foster homes, Casey wrote.
Information about fostering or adoption can be found on CMHS’ website and social media.
Sanders is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A confined docket hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday and a preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30.