A shocking case of animal hoarding has been uncovered in Florida, with dozens of cats and dogs rescued from a property in squalor conditions.
A 77-year-old woman, Gail Giustino, faces two counts of animal cruelty and one count of confinement of animals without sufficient exercise after authorities discovered the distressing scene.
The investigation began after a report was made about a mail carrier collecting cats along her route, and officials from the Martin County Sheriff's Office Animal Services division, along with members of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, worked tirelessly to assess each animal and provide immediate care.
Upon entering the property, rescuers were met with an "extreme stench" and found a foot of animal feces in some areas, with no air conditioning and stifling hot air.
The sheriff described the conditions as the worst case of animal hoarding he has seen in Martin County, and noted that while the animals were fed, they were never walked or taken outside.
The animals, including 80 cats and 12 dogs, were removed from the property and are currently being cared for by officials, with five owners identified so far.
The sheriff's office believes Giustino was collecting feral cats along her route, rather than stealing pets, and described her as a mentally ill woman who believes she is doing the right thing, but in the wrong way.
Giustino was charged with two misdemeanours and had her bond set at $50,000.
The sheriff noted that bringing criminal charges was the only way to get into the property, as Giustino initially refused to cooperate with their investigation.
The goal of arresting her was to seize the animals and save them from death, and the sheriff hopes that Giustino will not get the animals back, or will only be allowed to have one or two, and will undergo a mental health court evaluation.
The sheriff also noted that Giustino had previously been issued civil citations for confining animals in her house, but had since slipped back into her old habits.
