JACKSONVILLE, FLa. – For the past two years, a wife and husband who own a home in the community of the Lackawanna neighborhood have been renting their place out.
When the owners stopped receiving their rental check, they went to the residence on Wednesday, only to find out that the tenant had vacated it and left 130 chihuahuas inside.
The homeowners, who asked to remain anonymous, talked about the shocking experience.
“When we arrived, the renters were long gone, but the house was filled with dogs running around. I believe the dogs may have gone a couple of days without food, and we decided to feed them, and then they called the authorities,” the homeowners said.
When authorities arrived at the residence, they found the dogs needed medical attention. They were carried out and placed into a van or bus.
The dogs arrived at the shelter and were immediately treated, along with microchipping.
The odor was horrific, which required rescuers to wear protective masks every time they entered the home.
The shelter is now in desperate need of adopters and foster homes. Currently, it is at capacity.
“Fosters. Adopters. We already have 300 dogs at the shelter so these 130 that we will be adding, we‘ll definitely need the public’s support when it comes to fostering or adopting. We will make it so easy,” Chief Michael Bricker from the Animal Care and Protective Services said.
The couple must gut the home entirely due to pet urine, feces, and the smell. The
“This happened at the worst time because he was just laid off from his job, and his wife is currently battling cancer,” the husband said.
Anyone who wants to adopt a chihuahua can call 904-630-2489 or visit 2020 Forest Street.
The shelter opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday.