PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12 ) — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is asking for donations, foster homes, adopters, and help from rescue organizations after taking in more than 100 animals from what the Martin County sheriff described as the worst animal hoarding case in the county’s history.
Employees and volunteers have been working around the clock to care for the animals while the Palm City shelter continues its regular operations.
A total of 108 animals were brought to the humane society for medical treatment and care after 77-year-old Gail Giustino was arrested July 20. Since then, 10 cats and 17 dogs from the case have been adopted, while five microchipped cats have been reunited with their owners.
The shelter’s workload has continued to grow.
Following the initial case, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reportedly received an influx of requests for animal welfare checks. Last week, the humane society took in 26 cats from another situation and five dogs from a separate case.
“We expect more animals in the coming weeks due to the calls that have come in requesting animal welfare checks and the initial information we are receiving from Animal Services, which is following up on these calls,” Humane Society Director of Operations Lori Tucker said. “Many calls have been cleared, but there are cases that are requiring further follow-up.”
Brianna Novy, HSTC’s canine team lead employee, holds a gift receipt from a generous person who sent in donations. Surrounding her is a room full of donations from the community. (Humane Society of the Treasure Coast)
The organization said monetary donations are its greatest immediate need because of the continuing costs of medical care, food and housing while the animals await placement. Donations may be made through the shelter’s emergency medical fund.
The humane society is also urging residents to adopt or foster animals already in its care. Officials said the influx doubled the shelter’s animal population even as normal admissions and services continued.
Adopting or fostering a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig would free space for rescued animals still receiving treatment and preparing for adoption.
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“We are still in need of people to adopt working cats, that is, cats that are suitable for safe outdoor living,” Tucker said. “We also are in desperate need of adopters and rescue groups willing to help take some of our animals.”
The shelter is offering a “Name Your Price” adoption special until further notice. Short- and long-term foster opportunities are also available.
Information about adoptable animals is available at hstc1.org/Adopt, and foster information is available at hstc1.org/foster. Prospective adopters may call 772-223-8822. Foster inquiries may be sent to catfoster@hstc1.org or dogfoster@hstc1.org, or made by calling 772-600-3220.
The Humane Society will also offer public microchipping services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23. Registration is available at hstc1.org/Clinic.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is a private, locally operated nonprofit at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City. The no-kill animal welfare organization has served the Martin County area since 1955 and relies on donations to support its programs and services.