A Port St. Lucie couple is facing multiple aggravated animal cruelty charges after police say eight dogs were found severely underweight, dehydrated and living in filthy conditions.According to investigators, officers responded to the home on Biltmore Street last month after receiving an anonymous animal welfare complaint. When officers arrived, they reported smelling strong odors of urine and feces coming from the garage while hearing multiple dogs barking inside.Police said several of the dogs were kept in kennels surrounded by urine and feces, also noting many of the animals appeared dangerously malnourished. Officers described the conditions inside the garage as so intense that the ammonia smell burned their eyes and made it difficult to breathe.Investigators evaluated all eight dogs identified as Sasha, Stan Lee, Panther, Princess, Bindi, Benji, Tito and Basil.Using the Purina Body Condition System chart, officers determined most of the dogs ranked a 1 or 2 out of 9 and reported being able to see their ribs, hip bones and vertebrae. Police said Stan Lee, a German shepherd, appeared especially frail.Investigators also noted the dogs appeared severely dehydrated and were allegedly attempting to drink water from an air-conditioning drainpipe because they did not appear to have consistent access to water bowls.In addition to being underweight and dehydrated, investigators say six of the eight dogs tested positive for parasites, and all were later treated once removed from the home.The owners, identified as Joseph Calafiore and Alexandria Fiorenza, were arrested. Both are facing eight counts each of aggravated animal cruelty.Seven of the dogs are now in the care of the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, where they are expected to recover before eventually being available for adoption.Amid the heartbreaking allegations, investigators uncovered what could become a happy ending for one of the rescued dogs.Police said the dog known as “Tito” was identified through a microchip as “Max.” Using the dog’s microchip, they tracked down his original owner. The man told them that Max was stolen from his yard several years ago, and he reached out to the microchip company in hopes they could help locate him.According to investigators, the original owner told them he was determined to bring Max home if possible. Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
A Port St. Lucie couple is facing multiple aggravated animal cruelty charges after police say eight dogs were found severely underweight, dehydrated and living in filthy conditions.
According to investigators, officers responded to the home on Biltmore Street last month after receiving an anonymous animal welfare complaint. When officers arrived, they reported smelling strong odors of urine and feces coming from the garage while hearing multiple dogs barking inside.
Police said several of the dogs were kept in kennels surrounded by urine and feces, also noting many of the animals appeared dangerously malnourished. Officers described the conditions inside the garage as so intense that the ammonia smell burned their eyes and made it difficult to breathe.
Hearst OwnedCourtesy: Port St. Lucie Police Department
Investigators evaluated all eight dogs identified as Sasha, Stan Lee, Panther, Princess, Bindi, Benji, Tito and Basil.
Using the Purina Body Condition System chart, officers determined most of the dogs ranked a 1 or 2 out of 9 and reported being able to see their ribs, hip bones and vertebrae. Police said Stan Lee, a German shepherd, appeared especially frail.
Hearst OwnedNestle Purina via FDA
Investigators also noted the dogs appeared severely dehydrated and were allegedly attempting to drink water from an air-conditioning drainpipe because they did not appear to have consistent access to water bowls.
In addition to being underweight and dehydrated, investigators say six of the eight dogs tested positive for parasites, and all were later treated once removed from the home.
The owners, identified as Joseph Calafiore and Alexandria Fiorenza, were arrested. Both are facing eight counts each of aggravated animal cruelty.
Hearst Owned
Joseph Calafiore and Alexandria Fiorenza are facing eight counts each of aggravated animal cruelty.
Seven of the dogs are now in the care of the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, where they are expected to recover before eventually being available for adoption.
Amid the heartbreaking allegations, investigators uncovered what could become a happy ending for one of the rescued dogs.
Police said the dog known as “Tito” was identified through a microchip as “Max.” Using the dog’s microchip, they tracked down his original owner. The man told them that Max was stolen from his yard several years ago, and he reached out to the microchip company in hopes they could help locate him.
According to investigators, the original owner told them he was determined to bring Max home if possible.
Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25