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Abandoned Dogs In Need Of Rescue

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Broward County Animal Care & Control officials say nearly two dozen dogs still need a home after being abandoned at a Fort Lauderdale home last week. County animal officials say if these dogs aren't adopted out soon they will likely be euthanized.

CBS4 News first showed you the conditions these animals were living in, where 44 dogs and puppies were taken to the county's animal shelter last week. Broward County Animal Care and Control officials say there are four or five dogs who are social and have yet to be adopted.

"They're gonna have to go to an experienced pet parent, somebody that's had pets in the past," said County Animal Spokesperson Lisa Mendheim. "Somebody that has a lot of patience and time. This is not the type of dog that you adopt and you go to work and leave it alone all day."

Other dogs are scared, hiding in the back of their kennels. Animal care and control officials say this behavior is indicative of a hoarding situation where the animals are not given proper love and attention.

"They had no socialization skills," Mendheim said. "They're not housebroken. We think there's some inbreeding going on."

The landlord at the home where the animals were recovered says her tenant was this woman -- Ann Centofanti. State prison records show she is on probation for crimes involving animals. CBS 4 News has reported in the past that she has kept animals in filthy conditions while doing major damage to homes. County officials hope a rescue organization steps up to take the animals because a rescue group might have the time to train these dogs in hopes of making them someone's lifelong pet.

"Hopefully we can get the rescue groups to come and take them because we can't hold them here forever unfortunately," Mendheim said.

Animal Care officials say they don't know where Centofanti is and they have had limited contact with her since these animals were found. Fort Lauderdale Police say they are actively investigating to see if any charges should be filed.

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