Border Collies rescued earlier this month from a Palm City home are showing signs of recovery after receiving grooming, medical care and attention at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. (CBS12)
Palm City, FL/CBS12 News — All 36 Border Collies removed from a Palm City home earlier this month have now been legally surrendered to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, clearing the way for medical evaluations and eventual adoptions.
"They've come a very, very long way. I can't believe from when they've started to where they are now," said Sarah Fisher, Humane Society of the Treasure Coast Spokesperson.
The dogs were rescued Aug. 10 from a home on Southwest Alligator Street, where investigators said they found them living without air conditioning and surrounded by feces, urine-soaked materials and debris. Many arrived at the shelter dirty, severely matted and covered in dried waste.
"You know, when they came in, they were very, very terrified. They were saturated in urine and feces," said Lori Tucker, Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Director of Operations.
Since then, shelter staff have removed the dogs’ matted fur and cleaned away the layers of dried feces as the animals begin their recovery.
They've received several baths, vaccinations and veterinary care. Some have been treated for skin infections, body sores, eye infections and intestinal parasites.
Tucker says two of the Border Collies are still struggling, are very withdrawn and don't make eye contact. Others are perking up already and appear to be super friendly.
"I distinctly remember the second day that I came in and the first dog wagged its tail at me and for me, that was, I'll never forget that moment. I will never forget that moment. It was amazing," Tucker said as she fought back tears.
Paige O’Donnell, 62, was arrested in the case. She faces 72 charges — 36 third-degree felony counts of animal cruelty and 36 misdemeanor counts alleging animals were kept without sufficient exercise and air. Her bond was set at $270,000, and a judge ordered that she not have pets if released.
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The Humane Society said it will complete medical testing and behavioral evaluations so potential adopters have clear information about each dog’s needs. The dogs will also be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated on a phased schedule.
Some of the Border Collies will need additional veterinary care in the months ahead.
"We've seen a lot of organ abnormalities and we think they're just like, defects from probably inbreeding. So we think that it's going to be a long road ahead of them," Fisher said.
Adoption applications for the Border Collies, including applications from nonprofit rescue groups, will be available beginning Sept. 1 through the Humane Society’s website and Facebook page. The shelter said applicants will be carefully screened to find appropriate placements.
Adoption fees will be $140 for adult Border Collies and $175 for puppies.
The shelter is asking people not to call about the dogs so its phone lines remain available for urgent needs. While it does not need pet food or supplies at this time, it is accepting donations to its Emergency Medical Fund to help cover veterinary care for the Border Collies and other shelter animals.