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Neighbors Claim Animal Abuse Inside Hibiscus Island Home

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A rundown home on ritzy Hibiscus Island has become a nuisance for neighbors who claim several dogs there are being neglected.

"They bark all day and all night, they're hungry," said a neighbor Ana Pagan.

Neighbors said behind the boarded up door and spider webs at 77 N. Hibiscus Drive there are abandoned animals desperate to get out.

"They're all day with no food, he comes in like once a week to feed them, which there's about maybe 5,6,7,8 dogs there," said Pagan.

The rundown property is registered to the non-profit organization Have a Heart Dog and Cat Rescue.

Neighbors allege animal abuse. They said the dogs are malnourished and aggressive. They took pictures inside the home that show several dogs living in filth; the floor covered in garbage, rotting furniture and dog feces.

"They're skinny, they're not taken care of," said neighbor Cindee Zobac. "They get out once in a while and it gets scary. It's not safe to be out with the kids and the dog."

"It's just not the way you're supposed to care for pets," said Brenda Chemtov, a neighbor who added that the dogs have gotten loose and defecated on her property on the past.

Miami-Dade animal services said they have received numerous allegations of abuse since 2010. They've checked on the dogs and found them "in good physical condition."

The department posted standard animal abandonment warnings to which the homeowner, Terrence Rosenberg, responded within 12 hours on every occasion.

"He visits the property daily to feed and water the dogs and has allowed access to the grounds for inspection purposes," according to animal services.

CBS4 reporter Gaby Fleischman caught up with Rosenberg at his home to ask about his neighbors allegations.

"They're just terrible neighbors, what can I tell you?"

Rosenberg said he only has four fogs, which is legal. Animal services allows rescue homes to have between four and eight animals. Rosenberg also said he walks and feeds the dogs daily.

"I come here every day," said Rosenberg. "It is nonsense. My dogs are well taken care of. They're in excellent shape."

Animal service is investigating the most recent abandonment complaint, but can not release any details until the investigation is complete.

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