Authorities Assist Humane Society After Swaths of Dogs Get Rescued from Puppy Mill

Cedarcrest Kennels in Douglas County, Missouri, has been closed for good after authorities and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 42 dogs and puppies from the property.

According to KTVI, over the kennel’s 25 years of existence, it has been the subject of multiple lawsuits.

Marilyn Shepherd, the owner, was given a temporary restraining order in July 2020 for violating the Animal Care Facilities Act. HSMO referred to her as “one of the worst breeders in the country.”

As of Dec. 6, Shepherd’s “hobby or show” breeding license was revoked permanently, and rescuers were on site to remove the animals, some of which were only days old.

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“Cedarcrest Kennel has been featured in national media as an example of why Missouri consistently ranks as the worst state in the country for sub-standard puppy mills,” a statement by HSMO on their website reads.

“Cedarcrest Kennel in Douglas County, Missouri, operated by Marilyn Shepherd, has a long history of being a sub-standard breeder, including being featured on the national ‘Horrible 100’ list that ranks the worst Dog