By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Investigators seized 200 animals from a defunct animal sanctuary in St. Francois County Thursday.
Most of the animals are large-breed dogs. Twenty cats were housed in the basement.
Investigators say the animals were kept in filthy, rat-infested conditions. They found dead rats on the floor, in the bathtub, and one in a food bowl.
An anonymous tip led investigators to the scene. Animals were suffering from heartworms and infections.
A woman in her 80s, along with her son, ran a defunct animal sanctuary. State records say the license lapsed in 2001.