Animals rescued from Pemiscot County residence

Steele Animal Control Officer Anthony Campbell carries a dog during the execution of a warrant for animal neglect at a Steele residence. (Photo provided)

According to a release from the Caruthersville Humane Society, the animals were taken during the execution of a warrant on Monday, after Steele Animal Control Officer Anthony Campbell, along with members of the Steele Police Department, contacted the Caruthersville Humane Society about animals that were being improperly cared for.

"These animals are in some of the worst conditions that we have seen," said Caruthersville Humane Society Manager Erma Page. "Two were fighting for their life and the rest are in serious condition."

Investigators said that the four dogs and two cats that taken were not being cared for.

"One dog was chained in the heat where it could only stand or sit, not lay down," Page said. "One dog was shoved in a kennel too small for it out in the heat."

Page said one of the cats had no eyes due to a serious eye infection and the other cat was "extremely malnourished and weak." One of the dogs was reported to have serious skin conditions and was severely anemic from flea infestation.

"All of the animals had the worst flea infestation that we have ever seen," Page said, "They were very dehydrated, malnourished and ill. We were surprised that two of them made it through the night."

The animals are currently being cared for at the Caruthersville Humane Society and a disposition hearing is set for later this week.