Updated 8:40 p.m. with updated numbers from The Humane Society of Missouri.

BONNE TERRE • The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force today rescued 124 dogs, 67 cats and four puppies from a rescue shelter near Bonne Terre, the group said.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture inspected the St. Francois Society last month and recorded numerous violations that jeopardized the health and welfare of the animals, the Humane Society said.

But because little or no progress was made on the multiple recommendations made to the organization, its license was revoked and the sheriff obtained a warrant for removal of the animals.

The breeds of the dogs rescued include mixes of border collies, Irish Wolfhounds, corgis, beagles, shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Dachshunds and chihuahuas, the Humane Society said.

Many suffer from hair loss and coughing. Dozens of cats were found inside trash-strewn rooms filled with cobwebs. Some of the animals appear to have upper respiratory infections and possibly internal and external parasites, the Humane Society said.

Diana Blackwell, who heads the shelter a few miles north of Bonne Terre, disputed that the dogs were not cared for properly.

"This is the most devastating day of my life," she said hours after the animals had been seized.

She said her shelter had become overcrowded in recent months, partly due to the economy, but that she had made plans to move some animals to other states and that officials didn't give her enough time to get them moved.

She said eight cats had suffered from upper respiratory infections — including cats named Susie Snowflake and Buster  —  but that she was treating them with medication.

Blackwell said she sleeps on a cot at the shelter to care for the animals.

"My reputation's in shreds," said Blackwell, who formed the St. Francois Society in 1980. "I won't get that back."

The rescued animals were to be taken to the Humane Society of Missouri's headquarters on Macklind Avenue in St. Louis. A disposition hearing to determine permanent custody of the animals is slated for April 11 in St. Francois County. If custody is awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri, and as soon as they are healthy, as many of the animals as possible will be made available for adoption.

Blackwell said she is examining her legal options.