PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – The elderly owner of the nearly 200 dogs that were found at an Interlachen residence on Wednesday won’t face criminal charges, according to Putnam County officials.
Putnam County Board of County Commissioners held a news conference Thursday to provide an update on the discovery and removal of the small-mix breed dogs.
So far, deputies and Animal Services personnel have removed around 124 dogs from the home. Officials said they went back to the home Thursday to collect more dogs, and that they “won’t leave the scene until every animal is collected.”
Watch full update from Putnam County officials in the video below:
Officials said they were notified about the case earlier in the week about possible neglect.
Officials met with the elderly owner and determined that the dogs were being fed and taken care of, but the situation spiraled out of control because of the number of dogs not spayed or neutered. Officials said since the woman did not have criminal intent, she won’t be facing any criminal charges.
The dogs will be taken to the Animal Control facility at 174 Landfill Road in Palatka to be temporarily housed. The dogs are available to 501c3 designated rescues.
About 100 dogs were removed from a Putnam County residence by deputies and Animal Control. Officials have requested help from rescue agencies for long-term homes.
“We want to ensure these animals are taken care of and vetted to the appropriate homes, so we are calling on rescues to help due to the sheer number of animals we received at intake,” Deputy County Administrator Julianne Young said. “This is something that the facilities at Animal Control cannot handle long-term for adoption purposes.”
Officials said the dogs were fed, but they will need help from rescues to keep them updated on vetting and grooming.
“I’m not sure that it’s going to be any type of evil or criminal intent here, what it more so looks like as a situation that got out of control, that has resulted in these animals not being vaccinated, being very dirty, covered in fleas, and that type of stuff,” Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Col. Joseph Wells said.
Donations can be brought to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office headquarters at 130 Orie Griffin Boulevard.
Donations are also welcome at any of the local fire stations.
Here are some of the items needed:
- Hygiene products (dog shampoo, laundry detergent to wash linens, sheets, towels and blankets)
- Food for small breeds, puppies
- Leashes, collars, harnesses
- Toys
The Putnam County Animal Services site also has an Amazon wish list with specific items that are needed.
Animal Services will hold an adoption event for the dogs removed on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2509 Crill Avenue in Palatka. All adoption fees are waived. However, there are waivers to be signed. A veterinarian will be on-site for preliminary vaccines, but follow-up will have to occur with the adoptees’ chosen veterinarian.