Man charged with animal cruelty after rescuing 20 dogs from home

On October 24, 2024By Yukito

ST. LOUIS – A disturbing animal hoarding case in the Baden neighborhood led to the rescue of more than 20 dogs and the confiscation of several firearms.

Members of the St. Metropolitan Police Department Louis joined the St. County SWAT team. Louis during the execution of a search warrant in the 8700 block of Riverview Boulevard at 6:20 a.m

David B. Sanders, 69, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and illegal use of a weapon. Members of the St. Animal Rescue and Enrichment Center. Louis said authorities found a dead dog and 22 surviving dogs, frightened and malnourished.

“It’s definitely crawling with fleas; how they lived inside and outside the house. In a large stool, a lot of urine. Yesterday we managed to vaccinate most of them. Take advantage of this preventive health care. I am monitoring several injuries and several types of wounds in the future,” said Care STL manager Abbey Ayala.

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The dogs were so traumatized that Care STL had to administer anti-anxiety medication to calm them down. Care STL is working on rehabilitating these dogs, teaching them to walk on a leash and preparing them for adoption.

“There are animals in our population that are severely underweight, have obvious neglect or abuse, and have injuries and trauma that they have suffered,” Ayala said. “It’s very rare for it to happen on this scale. “It’s really special that a shelter that usually houses about 60 animals now has over 20 animals.”

Conditions at the house were described as “deplorable”. Court documents reveal a years-long history of abuse, with witnesses saying Sanders hit the dogs with objects such as wooden boards and baseball bats.

Sanders remains in custody and is being held without bond. Neighbors were relieved to see Sanders gone. And now Care STL is dealing with overpopulation and encouraging the community to come and adopt dogs.

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