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Five Mastiffs, several Rottweilers and Akitas, one Labrador and Siberian Husky each were consigned by a USDA & Missouri Department of Agriculture licensed "commercial breeder." The auction was held on or about Saturday, November 7, 1998, at the fairgrounds in Chillicothe, Missouri. |
The dogs were discovered at the fairgrounds on Monday, November 9, 1998, by the Director of the Livingston County Humane Society. There was no evidence of food or  water having been left for the dogs. The water at the fairgrounds had been turned off after the auction.One of the Rottweilers and one of the Mastiffs needed immediate medical attention. The director of the humane society learned later that there apparently had been a dog fight the night before the auction between the Rottweiler and the Mastiff. The auctioneer, or one of his staff, supposedly whacked the dogs with a 2 x 4 to break up the fight, breaking the Rottweiler's jaw. The director of the humane society stated the Rottweiler's jaw was "hanging off to one side, and terribly infected." The dog was unable to eat or drink, and was in very poor condition. The Mastiff had open sores on her legs. |
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The first picture shown here is of "CHILLICOTHE ONE" - AMELIA. Amelia's Emotional description: Introverted, terrified of people, does not seem to respond to human touch and affection, urinates uncontrollably as you approach her, afraid of any thing carried in your hand (pen, paper, dog toy, etc.).Amelia was adopted. Physical description of Amelia is: 2-3 years, 93 pounds, emaciated (ribs, spine, shoulder and hip bones protruding), 3 lesions right front leg (2 on outside of leg, both 3 - 3-1/2 inches long and 1/2" in width one right below the other); 1 lesion left front leg outside (3 inches long 1/2" wide); The other lesion, a very large circular in formation lesion approximately the size of a baseball. |
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The director of the humane society took the two dogs to a veterinarian, and left the remaining dogs at the fairgrounds, until she could locate and contact the owner of the dogs. When the owner was contacted, she stated that she had been taking food and water to the dogs (she lived approximately 50 miles away). The director of the humane society told the owner of the dogs that she had to take the dogs back to her kennel. The dogs were gone by Tuesday afternoon. During conversations between the director of the humane society and the owner of the dogs, the owner stated she would be willing to turn the abandoned dogs over to breed rescue groups.
A member of the Mastiff Club of America, Inc. (MCOA) learned of these dogs while attending an Animal Care Facilities Act Advisory Committee meeting held by the Missouri Department of That meeting was attended by the Missouri State Veterinarian, the ACFA Program Veterinarian, the Animal Health Epidemiologist, and the new ACFA Program Coordinator. A number of people representing various concerned groups (Dealers/Brokers, Commercial Breeders, Cat Breeders, Animal Control Associations, Humane Organizations, etc.) were also on the panel and in attendance. Not one member of the panel asked about the name of the licensee, or the condition of the dogs.
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The picture (above) is of "CHILLICOTHE TWO" - RUSTY. Rusty's physical description is: 3-4 yrs old, 125 lbs, very thin, ribs and hip bones protrouding. Hair coat filthy with dirt, urine and fecal material. Numerous small sores and scabs over entire body. One very large moist dermatitis lesion on left rear hip, approximately 4 inches in diameter. His emotional description: scared, does respond to human voice and touch. Rusty was adopted. |
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Mastiff Club of America, Inc.'s Rescue Organization was contacted. They agreed to take these five dogs. One of the Missouri MCOA Rescue volunteers took possession of "Amelia" on November 25, 1998.
The remaining four dogs were surrendered to the Livingston County Humane Society, and turned over to MCOA Rescue As of January 13, 1999, the owner of the dogs was no longer USDA licensed. Copies of the two pre-inspection and nine USDA inspection reports are available for viewing. A complaint was filed with the Missouri Department of Agriculture on March 26, 1999, requesting the status of the "commercial breeders" Missouri license and if her kennel is in compliance with ACFA requirements. To date, there has been no response from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
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This picture (above) is of "CHILLICOTHE THREE" - SWEETIE. Sweetie's physical description is: 3-4 yrs old, 101.4 lbs, emaciated, skull, shoulder, ribs, and hip bones protrouding. Numerous calluses all over body at pressure points where bone is right next to skin. Looks as if she recently whelped puppies. Her emotional description: cautious, unsure of humans, does warm up to you with affection. Sweetie was adopted |
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The next picture (above) is is "CHILLICOTHE FOUR" - ROSE. Her physical description is: 3 yrs, 104.5 lbs, thin, ribs present, hair coat very dirty (mud, urine and fecal material). Rose's emotional description: scared, but does not seem afraid of people as a whole. Rose was adopted |
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The last one (above) - our "CHILLICOTHE FIVE" - is HONEY. Honey was our heart breaker. Her physical description is: 5-6 yrs, 115 lbs, thin, ribs present, hair coat filthy (urine, fecal material, and dirt), numerous calluses on tops of paws and up and down legs. Honey's physical condition also portrays that she has recently whelped puppies. Honey's emotional description: completely terrified, urinates uncontrollably as you approach her, curls up in a ball and turns head away from you when you show her attention, does not respond at all to human contact. Honey finally found her permanent home in November, 1999. Honey resides with one of our rescuers who is taking the time and offering Honey all the love and patience that are required to try to reach her. |
Agriculture on November 17, 1998. 
representatives on December 7, 1998.