The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office got a call from concerned citizens that animals were living in deplorable conditions in their neighbor’s home. Even from afar, they could smell a horrible stench emanating from the house, and there was constant barking coming from it.
After making an initial investigation, the deputies were able to secure a search warrant for the home located in Avon Park. When they finally got inside the house, what they saw was unimaginable. The situation before them broke the officers’ hearts.
Neglected animals
Deputies who served the warrant said that the situation was tragic. They found a total of 72 animals living inside the house, all kept in cramped cages that were stacked everywhere. Some of the poor creatures were already dead, only 49 were still alive.
The whole home was dirty and filled with waste. The smell was so horrible that some officers had to go out repeatedly to get some fresh air. They eventually had to use respirators to go in and retrieve the neglected animals.
Their inspection of the home showed that it had no running water. It wouldn’t have made any difference. The lady owner had no intention of cleaning up after her pets.
Adopted
The rescued animals were brought to the facilities of the Hardee Animal Rescue Team. There they received medical attention and proper lodgings. Vets said that all of the dogs were severely malnourished and most of them had an illness. It will most certainly take a lot of time for them to get treated and recover.
But even while they were getting back to a good condition, some of the staff members of the sheriff’s office had already shown their interest in adopting. And when the dogs were finally healthy to find their forever homes, three of them found a new family with the employees who helped rescue them. It’s nice to know that they will never live a life of neglect ever again.
Source: Highlands County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
