Florida authorities were recently tasked with handling an extremely tragic hoarding case in Highlands County. A former animal control officer is being charged with 72 counts of animal cruelty after several pets were found in unsafe, unhealthy conditions in her home.
The animals have been removed, and those that were healthy enough to be adopted have already found new homes!
A few of the dogs have even found families with the rescuers who helped save them from their nightmare. Highlands County Sheriff’s Office employees have adopted a few of the pets and taken them home to live happier lives.
According to a Facebook post made by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office:
“Several of the dogs rescued from the animal hoarding case in Avon Park earlier this month have found new homes with HCSO employees!
“Karrisa Lewis took home a dog she named Khloe, Tom Ouverson (in the black shirt) adopted a dachshund that he named Hope and Stacy Andrews (in the green shirt) also took home a little buddy he named Snoopy.”
Deputies serving a search warrant at the home in Avon Park described the situation as a horrible tragedy. There were 72 pets found in the home, but only 49 of those animals were still alive. Cages were stacked throughout the home, and some were left wandering. Officers said the smell was so bad they needed to take breaks and use respirators to breathe. The home had no running water and the pets were malnourished and dirty. Fortunately, none of them will ever have to live in those conditions again.
The pets have been taken in and are recieving medical care at the Hardee Animal Rescue Team in Wauchula, Florida. You can help by donating, fostering or adopting with HART – learn more about HART at hardeeanimalrescueteam.com.
The woman who owns the home has not been living there since November. She is currently in jail with her bond set at $72,000.
Toledo, United States.
