Dozens of feces-covered Border Collies rescued from a house of horrors are starting anew at a Florida animal shelter — where caretakers say the animals have already shown “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 wrote in a Facebook post on Friday, sharing photos of cheery, freshly groomed pups.
“We’re so proud of their bravery and resilience and are loving every moment watching them learn how to be dogs again.”
Local authorities recovered 36 dogs in total from the severely neglected home of Paige O’Donnell, an alleged hoarder and former American Kennel Club breeder, when deputies raided her Palm City home on Aug. 10.
O’Donnell, 62, was arrested and charged with 36 felony counts of animal cruelty and 36 misdemeanor counts for failing to provide proper exercise or air, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives had placed O’Donnell under surveillance following a series of neighbor complaints, and authorities fear they may still find dead animals on the property.
“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.”
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.”
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