APA Missouri

The shelter has flourished under the purview of the Animal Protective Association, but now that the county is taking back control, advocates are concerned that the animals will suffer. The shelter had previously come under fire for improper care.

The Animal Protective Association took over at the Olivette facility in late 2022, following an independent audit that faulted the county for its handling of the shelter, including controversial euthanasia practices. St. Louis County officials say the shelter is back up to standards and will return to county control.

Several shelters in the St. Louis area are at capacity because of the high number of animals being turned in.

The county's animal shelter in Olivette had been a source of controversy for years. The APA of Missouri took over its operations in December as part of a five-year, $16 million contract.

Missouri is home to 22 of the 100 puppy mills on the Humane Society of the United States’ most recent list of known problem dealers, topping the list for…