Animal Cruelty Case Investigated in Benton County

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office was recently notified by the Missouri Humane Society Animal Cruelty Task Force about a possible case of animal abuse/neglect within Benton County.

The Benton County Sheriff's Department says the Task Force stated they were contacted by the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, where 55-year old Steven C. Woodington, of South Padre Island, and another unidentified male were arrested for animal cruelty.

Steven and his wife, 49-year old Tiffany L. Woodington, of Cole Camp have reportedly been operating a not-for-profit animal rescue called “All Accounted For” in Benton County.

According to a press release from the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Steven Woodington was housing 278 dogs in unfit and severely inhumane conditions in Texas and transporting the animals to the Cole Camp location.

Authorities estimated that over half of the animals would not survive due to health conditions where euthanasia would be required.

The survivors were rescued and treated by a veterinarian to help insure the animals would be healthy enough for adoption.

Law enforcement, sided by Animal Task Force Officers, contacted Tiffany Woodington. She reportedly led authorities to an old school bus, a barn and a house where 38 dogs and one cat were discovered alive but in "unimaginable" condition.

It was also discovered that approximately 120 dogs and one cat had perished. The animals were in various stages of decay, some were just bones, according to the press release.

The Missouri Humane Society Task Force removed the living animals for treatment and returned the following day to collect the remains of the deceased animals for further forensic examination.

Tiffany Woodington has been charged with 10 Class “E” Felonies and 2 Class “A” misdemeanors resulting in a $100,000 cash or surety bond.

For inquiries about the animals, call the Missouri Humane Society at 314-647-4400.