PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — The Border Collies rescued from a Palm City home where authorities found deplorable conditions are now receiving medical care, nourishment and grooming as they begin their recovery.
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast said it has taken in the dogs rescued by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit and is assessing their needs while determining the best path forward.
Paige O’Donnell, 62, was booked in connection with the case and faces 72 charges: 36 third-degree felony counts involving alleged animal cruelty and 36 misdemeanor counts alleging animals were kept without sufficient exercise and air.
“These innocent dogs were inhumanely kept in deplorable conditions, and while they are finally safe, their journey to recovery is just beginning,” the shelter said.
Authorities said 36 Border Collies had been removed from the home as of Monday, while crews continued working to safely remove the remaining dogs. Investigators said it was initially unclear exactly how many animals remained inside because some were skittish and hiding.
See also: Homeowner in custody after 36 Border Collies found in Palm City hoarding case
The shelter said its immediate focus is on the well-being of the dogs and asked for the public’s patience as it works through the complex situation.
It is also asking for donations to help cover the cost of caring for the neglected animals, saying the financial burden comes at a time when the shelter was already facing significant challenges.
“Every dollar makes a difference,” the shelter said. “Together, we can give these dogs the second chance they deserve.”
According to the arrest report, Monday’s search was the culmination of an investigation that stretched back weeks — and drew on years of previous Animal Services contacts involving O’Donnell’s home.
The latest investigation developed after authorities received renewed concerns about the number of dogs at the SW Alligator Street residence and their living conditions. In June, investigators observed the property from the roadway but did not make contact with anyone at the home. The following month, the sheriff’s office received a letter and photographs from neighbors documenting concerns about conditions at the property dating back several years.
On July 22, Animal Services responded to another complaint alleging more than 20 dogs were inside the home, that several deceased animals may have been in the garage, that the home did not have functioning air conditioning and that the dogs had not been allowed outside since 2022, according to the report. An investigator reported smelling a strong odor from the roadway and hearing what sounded like a large number of dogs, including puppies, barking from inside.
O’Donnell later met with Animal Services at a Palm City park with one dog but, according to the report, would not allow investigators inside her home. The dog she brought to the meeting was described as having heavily stained, matted fur. Investigators said O’Donnell told them she had buried one of her dogs and named several others she still owned.
Investigators also checked veterinary records. According to the affidavit, an employee at a local animal hospital said O’Donnell had brought in numerous puppies over the years and that records showed roughly 38 adult dogs had been treated there, including some that were brought in deceased. The employee also told investigators the dogs were frequently dirty.
The arrest report says Animal Services had a long history of responding to complaints involving the residence, with roughly 20 related incidents documented from 2020 through this year. One 2020 investigation documented about 25 dogs and described the home as severely unsanitary, with feces and urine covering the floor. Investigators said one elderly dog was in such poor condition that humane euthanasia was recommended.
Another complaint in 2022 led investigators to report 10 to 20 dogs being kept in a backyard covered in feces and flies. The arrest report says the home’s air conditioning was not functioning and investigators observed feces inside the residence. At a follow-up inspection a week later, authorities said the home had been cleaned, the air conditioning repaired and three dogs surrendered to a rescue.
In December 2023, investigators again responded to complaints about more than 20 dogs. According to the report, they detected an overwhelming odor of urine and feces and heard more than 10 dogs barking inside, including what sounded like puppies.
Investigators said the number and identities of dogs O’Donnell reported owning changed during different contacts, and records did not always establish what happened to dogs she had previously said were in her possession.
In the days before the search warrant was obtained, investigators returned to the Palm City property and again reported smelling feces and urine. A neighboring resident also provided video that, according to the arrest report, showed garbage and debris piled high inside the garage while numerous dogs could be heard barking inside the home. Investigators also reviewed a photograph from a 2020 case showing at least 12 Border Collies in a room where the dogs and floor appeared to be covered in fecal matter.
Based on those observations, prior complaints and O’Donnell’s documented history with Animal Services, investigators obtained a search warrant.
When authorities entered the home Monday, the arrest report says the residence was “unlivable and unsanitary,” with floors covered in feces, urine and garbage and an air-conditioning system that was not working. Investigators said the dogs were severely matted with feces and urine and that portions of the walls appeared to have been repeatedly chewed. Thirty-six dogs were removed from the residence.
Sheriff John Budensiek separately described the conditions as extremely concerning, saying some of the normally black-and-white Border Collies were so covered in feces that they appeared nearly solid black. Deputies and Animal Services employees wore protective clothing while working inside the house.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities assess the dogs’ conditions and determine the full scope of the case.