An Oklahoma man has been charged with multiple counts of animal abuse after a tragic discovery in St. Louis, Missouri. Robert Peters, 38, was found with 16 dogs in a box truck, several of which were deceased or in critical condition. According to court documents obtained by KOCO, Peters arrived at a St. Louis cremation business last Friday intending to have four dogs cremated.
Police, having detained Peters, learned that he operated an animal transportation service with his wife. The couple ran this business out of their home in Oklahoma. Peters, when questioned by officers about the distressing state of the animals, revealed trying to run a transportation business from his truck, where the dogs appeared lethargic due to sweltering temperatures, according to a report by KFOR. St. Louis Animal Control has since taken custody of the dogs, promised to complete a status report for each of them.
Further investigation revealed that the dogs were living in unsanitary conditions, covered in their own waste. While five dogs were fortunately in stable condition, seven others were near death. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Peters with nine counts of felony animal abuse and seven counts of misdemeanor animal abuse, as FOX2now reports. Peters remains incarcerated without bond and is expected in court today, July 15.
Among the dogs was Captain, awaiting reception by the Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in New Jersey. The rescue organization was expecting the arrival of the dog being transported, only to find themselves entangled in this unforeseen tragedy. The custody of the remaining animals is with St. Louis Animal Control, working closely to monitor and assess their condition following the alleged abuse. Notwithstanding this rescue, the futures of these animals remain uncertain, as told to KFOR by the authorities involved.
