253 animals rescued from Howell County property

ST. LOUIS -- The Humane Society of Missouri said Wednesday it has rescued the largest number of animals in the history of its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

The group said it rescued 253 animals from a Howell County property Tuesday.

The animals were living in poor conditions on a property in Pomona, despite the group's attempts to educate the owner on the proper care of animals, the Humane Society said.

Rescued from the property were five horses, 61 goats, 53 ducks, 99 chickens, 11 turkeys, five dogs, one cat, eight exotic birds and 10 doves.

The Humane Society said all were living in deplorable, overcrowded conditions and lacked adequate food, water, shelter and medical care.

Most of the animals were taken to the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch for triage.

The animals will remain in the custody of the Humane Society until a disposition hearing Monday in Howell County.