Supreme Court Upholds Trial Court Decision

In a unanimous decision on July 12, 2005, the Supreme Court of Missouri ruled that the trial court, Judge Don E. Burrell, acted within its jurisdiction in ordering the disposition of more than 100 neglected horses rescued from a Republic, Missouri property on January 9, 2005, pursuant to a search warrant. 

At the request of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of Missouri and its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch assisted in taking custody of the horses and transporting them to a safe haven.

The owner of the 180-acre property outside of Republic, Missouri, has been charged with 38 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse and neglect. The charges are merely allegations; the property owner is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The scope of this rescue was monumental. Authorities found six dead animals on the property. Many of the rescued horses were thin to emaciated, with open, oozing wounds and other conditions requiring veterinary attention. There was little to no available pasture and no other sources of food; the only source of water was from melting snow in a small pond. The majority of horses have been cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri.  The Carthage Humane Society has been caring for about 30 of the horses. Read the Supreme Court's decision. Explicit photos contained; viewer discretion advised.)

If you are interested in adopting or sponsoring these or any of the many animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, call (636) 583-8759.