By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis – More than 200 animals were discovered Tuesday in unsanitary conditions on a farm in Franklin County, Missouri.
The Humane Society rescued the dogs, cats, horses and a mule after a search found them in small cages filled with feces, old food and garbage.
The owner of the property, a woman in her 60's, has not been located, but Humane Society President Kathy Warnick says she is likely what is called an "animal hoarder."
"Someone who believes that they are doing a wonderful thing for animals by rescuing them and obviously by this number of animals, the care is just exceptionally extensive and the individual just has not been able to keep up with the proper care."
The rescued dogs and cats will be brought to the Humane Society's headquarters in St. Louis, where they will be treated.
A disposition hearing regarding the custody of the animals will be held in two weeks.