SPRINGFIELD -- A new partnership in Jefferson City aims to shut down Missouri's puppy mills.

"For the first time, the Missouri Attorney General's office and Department of Agriculture are going to team together to use the state's top law enforcement to stop unlicensed and substandard breeders from operating in our state," Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said at a news conference on Monday, the first in a series of news conference around the state.

Koster brought his message about the crackdown to Springfield on Tuesday.  The video report is from his news conference in Springfield.

The state calls the crackdown 'Operation Bark Alert.' The first phase began in February of this year, and the Ozarks saw its effect soon afterwards.

On Feb. 13, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued nearly 100 Yorkshire terriers from a property near Pleasant Hope.

On Feb 19, 400 dogs and a Bengal tiger were saved from an unlicensed kennel in Seneca.

On Feb. 20, it was back to Greene County, north of Springfield, where a raid found cattle, horses and pit bulls in terrible health.

Finally, on Feb. 25, law officers say an unlicensed breeder in Tecumseh set his puppy mill on fire.  He later surrendered 200 dogs.

"We plan to file suit against all illegal breeders and require that they either comply with city hall or shut their doors," said Koster.

It's a message that the state hopes resonates stronger once breeders have their day in court.

The Attorney General says investigations of other unlicensed breeders continues, and if you suspect a breeder near you may not be licensed or is operating filthy conditions, you can report them at www.barkalert.mo.gov.