Dozens of Border Collies found coated in feces inside what officials described as a severely neglected home are getting a fresh start at a Florida animal shelter, where staff say the dogs are already beginning to show “signs of joy and healing.”
“We’re seeing signs of joy and healing as the weight is literally lifted off their shoulders,” the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast said Friday in a Facebook post, alongside photos of the dogs looking brighter and freshly groomed.
“We’re so proud of their bravery and resilience and are loving every moment watching them learn how to be dogs again,” the shelter added.
Authorities said 36 dogs were removed from the Palm City home of Paige O’Donnell, an alleged hoarder and former American Kennel Club breeder, after deputies raided the property on Aug. 10.
O’Donnell, 62, was taken into custody and charged with 36 felony counts of animal cruelty, along with 36 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide proper exercise or air, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators had been monitoring O’Donnell after repeated complaints from neighbors, and officials said they are concerned dead animals may still be discovered on the property.
RELATED: Nancy Mace Reveals All Nine Tattoos—and Trump’s Reaction
“The conditions were so deplorable that deputies and Animal Services officers had to wear Tyvek protective clothing while working inside the home,” the sheriff’s office said in an Aug. 11 statement.
“Feces, urine-soaked materials, boxes and debris throughout the residence made the process of locating and safely removing the animals extremely challenging,” the statement said.
By the time deputies executed the search warrant, they found “feces over every square inch in the house,” Sheriff John Budensiek said.
“The dogs were unrecognizable as they pulled them out,” Budensiek told reporters.
“That’s how poorly they are groomed. These are beautiful dogs, naturally, and now with the matted hair and the poor condition they’re in, it’s pretty tough to see.”
“The house is so deteriorated that about a foot and a half of drywall’s gone, the furniture is destroyed, and the animals are in a deplorable condition.”
