More Than 100 Dogs, Cats Rescued From Deplorable Conditions In South Miami-Dade
DORAL (CBSMiami) – More than 100 animals are now in the care of Miami-Dade Animal Services after being rescued from a South Miami-Dade home in deplorable conditions.
According to officials from Miami-Dade Animal Services, 99 dogs and 5 cats were "victims of neglect and rescued from inhumane conditions on Thursday from a property in South Miami-Dade."
The dogs are small to medium size Shih Tzu, Basset Hound and terrier mixes.
Veterinarians at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center clinic in Doral are examining the animals and providing medical care.
Many of the dogs are being shaved since their fur was caked in urine and feces.
The previous owner explains why she wants some of them back.
"I got them from the road and if they were hurt, I nursed them back to health," Alice James told CBS4's Ty Russell.
James says she spent $1,000 a month on her pets. She admits she only believed roughly 40 lived inside her house and 8 were outside.
"They were well taken care of. They had enough food. They were spoon fed. Always. At night, they needed to have their scrambled eggs," explained James.
The animals were discovered following a Good Samaritan's call to 311 to report abuse.
James and other people who live at the home invited County workers inside to see the dogs. After an inspection, workers say all of the animals were taken away because of inhumane conditions.
"That's what they say. You get all kind of hearsay," said Robert Lanza, Alice James' roommate.
Many of the dogs are battling respiratory problems.
"I can't describe it anyway other than a living hell for these animals," said Kathy Labrada from Miami-Dade County Animal Services.
Due to the large number of animals, the dogs are still in the process of being seen by the vet before they can be adopted.
"We have not seen signs of physical abuse but physiological abuse. It's completely unhealthy for an animal to live in these conditions, in that number, and in that amount of filth," said Labrada.
James has one request for Animal Services.
"I want to have the eight dogs back who were living outside, never inside."
Animal Services plans to turn the case over to the State Attorney's Office.
A spokesperson says they hope the former owner gets mandatory counseling.
Meanwhile, the department is going to need to find homes for the animals.
We are committed to saving every pet possible, and we will need your help in the coming days finding homes for some of these dogs.
During the summer months, our population surges, so please spread the word about the need for adopters!
— Miami-Dade Animals (@AdoptMiamiPets) June 7, 2019
To adopt one of these pets, visit animals.miamidade.gov or call 311.
