Animal Control Removes 200+ Dogs From Hoarder In Putnam County

Photo by Flagler Humane Society Inc. | Facebook

Sometimes, there is such a thing as too many puppies. On Wednesday, March 13, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office first reported that it removed around 100 dogs from a residence in Interlachen, Florida, and from the start, the sheriff’s office knew that it was going to be a multi-day operation. 

According to the sheriff’s office, this case was originally brought to its attention, as well as the attention of Putnam County Animal Control, as a possible matter of neglect. Upon contact, officials learned that the owner of the dogs was an elderly woman and that she was feeding and caring for the animals. However, many of them were unspayed and unneutered, which directly led to their population spiraling out of control.

Initially, all of the captured dogs were taken to Putnam County Animal Control’s temporary animal housing facilities while 501(c)(3) designated rescues stepped in to take them in and help get them adopted. In a statement, Deputy County Administrator Julianne Young discussed that she and the county “are calling on rescues to help due to the sheer number of animals we received at intake…This is something that the facilities at Animal Control cannot handle long-term for adoption purposes.”

In fact, the magnitude of the work required for this rescue operation was so great that Putnam County Jail inmates were enlisted to help with making the temporary housing arrangements for all of the dogs at Animal Control’s Palatka location. 

Just 48 hours after officials were first contacted about this case, 208 mostly small, mixed-breed dogs had been caught with several pregnant females and other outdoor dogs still on the loose. The captured dogs were fed upon intake, but they also still had to be vetted and groomed. One groomer offered pro bono trimming services and one vet gave examinations and administered shots on Friday, March 15.

A total of 70 of the rescued dogs had been placed in shelters by Thursday, March 14. By Friday, that number grew to 170. As of Saturday, March 16, Flagler Humane Society had taken 12 for medical care and sterilization, Clay County Animal Services had taken at least seven of the small dogs under the age of 1, Honor Animal Rescue had taken 50,  K9 Resque had taken seven of the “most fearful dogs”, while Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida had taken 30 of the pregnant and sickest dogs.

In addition, 41 of the adult dogs and puppies were able to be adopted at a pet adoption event held by Putnam County Animal Services on March 15 in Palatka, where adoption fees were waived. More than 100 people attended the event in support.

The sheriff’s office’s Colonel Joe Wells says that officials are continuing “to work with the owner in this situation as she remains cooperative” and that “this is a reminder as to the importance of spaying and neutering pets”. Thankfully, the owner’s cooperation and willingness to release the dogs to officials helped expedite the dogs’ release to get them up for adoption faster.

As of publication, this case is still under investigation. Contact Deputy County Administrator Julianne Young at [email protected] or 386-329-0370 for further information.

If you want to help, all of the above-mentioned rescues are currently accepting donations, some need foster families to support this high influx of dogs, and many of these adult dogs and puppies are currently available for adoption. For more information on these rescues, visit their websites through the links below:

• Flagler Humane Society 
• Clay County Animal Services 
• Honor Animal Rescue
• K9 Resque
• Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida

Article by Ema Tibbetts