PHELPS COUNTY, Mo. — The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (HSMO) rescued 97 Labrador Retrievers from an unlicensed breeder in Phelps County.
The dogs were taken to HSMO's St. Louis headquarters on Macklind Avenue for medical care.
According to a press release, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office sought court relief against an unlicensed breeder for multiple and repeated violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act.
Sandra Kozlowski of Sho-Me Labradors refused inspections and has been operating without a facility license since Jan. 31, 2022, court documents said. In August 2023, state officials conducted an inspection and found around 20 violations, including large dogs that were kept in small, cramped wire crates without consistent access to water.
Kozlowski and Sho-Me Labradors have landed on the national "Horrible 100" list for the past five years, the press release said. HSMO said Kozlowski and Sho-Me Labradors had 83 dogs removed in late 2019 and early 2020.
“Too many helpless animals in Missouri continue to suffer at the hands of repeat offenders like Sandra Kozlowski,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “It’s a horrific situation, and these bad breeders who trap helpless animals in a cycle of abuse and neglect need to be shut down permanently. Until then, HSMO will continue to exhaust our limited resources for repeated rescues. Thankfully, these dogs are safe now and will receive the care and rehabilitation they desperately need and deserve.”
Donations to support the dog's car can be made at hsmo.org/rescue. HSMO is also asking for donations of blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds, and other items that could be of use as the dogs recover.
To report an animal that may be in danger or is suffering from neglect or abuse, call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.
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