ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Two and possibly three people face dozens of counts of animal neglect and two counts of child neglect after 49 animals were removed from a home Tuesday, according to the St. Lucie County sheriff.
There were 48 dogs and one cat taken from a home on Amy Lane, located just west of the Treasure Coast International Airport.
The animals were taken to the St. Lucie County's Animal Safety shelter where veterinarians checked on the vital signs of the animals. Some had skin issues while others appeared emaciated.
Some of the 48 dogs removed from a home off Amy Road in St. Lucie County in hoarding/breeding case. Two arrests so far. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/vLj6m1WFj9
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) October 3, 2023
"We noticed there was a foul smell from outside the home," Animal Safety Manager Maria Valencia said. "As well, we could see the conditions through the sliding glass door."
As part of an ongoing court case where the homeowners did not show up to a recent hearing, animal control officers were asked to do a welfare check Tuesday and count the number of animals at the home. However, the occupants would not let them in, prompting the sheriff's office to get involved.
"Not many things surprise me. This was very, very shocking to me," Sheriff Ken Mascara said. "The conditions inside there were absolutely deplorable."
The animal safety department said they had been to the home in May and found 12 animals at the time.
Residents are allowed five cats or dogs but no more.
"We offered spay/neuter for five of the animals and to also place the remainder of the animals in the rescue," Valencia said. "That way they would be in compliance with the county ordinance for how many animals are allowed in a home."
Two sisters were arrested and taken from the scene Tuesday. A third adult was still being questioned.
There were also two children living in the home.
James Adler lives next door and reported suspicious activity in the past. He said he usually saw traffic at the home and heard barking dogs in the middle of the night.
As the owner of his own rescue pet, this case makes him mad.
"Things like this, people need to say something," Adler said. "These dogs can't defend themselves."
WPTV spoke off camera with the brother of the people arrested who said he never thought the conditions would have been this bad and wished his siblings had contacted him.
Many of the dogs are chihuahuas or terrier mixes.
The goal for animal safety officers is to go to court to get custody of the animals and get them adopted in the coming weeks.
