- Nearly 100 Labradors were rescued Tuesday from an unlicensed breeder in St. James, Missouri
- Adult dogs and puppies were found crowded in cages and without water at Sho-Me Labrador breeding sites
- Another 80 dogs were removed from the same breeder in 2020 and 2019
Nearly a hundred Labradors were rescued from a ‘terrible’ Missouri breeder who crammed the beautiful pups into tiny wire cages and left them without water.
A total of 97 dogs were rescued Tuesday by the Humane Society of Missouri from an unlicensed breeder, Sho-Me Labradors in Phelps County.
Sandra Kozlowski, the owner of the breeding company, has had more than 80 dogs removed from their care in 2020 and 2019 and has been placed on the US Humane Society’s ‘Horrible 100’ list, a ranking of the worst dog breeders in the US.
The rescue was coordinated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General’s office.
“Too many helpless animals in Missouri continue to suffer at the hands of repeat offenders like Sandra Kozlowski,” HSMO President Kathy Warnick said Fox 2 Now.
A total of 97 dogs were rescued Tuesday by the Human Society of Missouri from an unlicensed breeder, Sho-Me Labradors in Phelps County.
Sandra Kozlowski and her sons own Sho-Me Labradors and have been in business since 1982
The rescued dogs are currently being triaged and will be available for adoption once their health is determined and they are properly cared for.
The HSMO said the adult dogs and puppies that were rescued “will need all the medical care and love we can give them.”
Sho-Me Labradors is a family-owned business known for their “top quality Labradors since 1982” and is located in St. James, Missouri.
The breeder was last inspected in August and during that visit dogs were found in the same disastrous condition, with officials finding around 20 violations.
Kozlowski has also been regularly caught refusing inspections of her breeding facility, which she manages with her sons.
According to the owner’s Facebook, her company recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in April, when she said Sho-Me Labradors breeds the “best quality Labradors.”
In addition to breeding, Kozlowski has also opened a resort for dogs called Lakeside K-9 Camp and a dog grooming and supply store called The Dog Depot.
A mix of adult Labradors and puppies were found at the site as rescuers from the Humane Society of Missouri tended to the dogs
Kozlowski has also been regularly cited for refusing inspections of her breeding grounds, and about 20 violations were found during an inspection in August.
‘I stay very busy with all 3 dog companies, but I still enjoy what I do. “What I love most is the expression of happiness a family has when they choose a puppy to become their new family member,” she said on her website.
The rescued dogs are currently being triaged and will be available for adoption once their health is determined and they are properly cared for.
“It’s a horrific situation, and these evil breeders who capture helpless animals in a cycle of abuse and neglect should be permanently shut down,” Warnick said.
“Until then, HSMO will continue to deplete our limited resources for repeated rescues. Fortunately, these dogs are now safe and receiving the care and rehabilitation they desperately need and deserve.”
The Animal Care Program, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, “regulates individuals and entities that market dogs or cats as defined in state law.”
Commercial breeders are subject to inspection once a year by animal care inspectors located throughout the state.
The fifteen inspectors “carefully” conduct routine inspections, handle complaints, investigate unlicensed facilities and educate others on proper animal care.
As for the rescued dogs, the Human Society has asked for several donations in the form of blankets, newspapers, dog toys and dog beds.
DailyMail.com contacted the Sho-Me Labradors for comment but did not hear back in time for this report.