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.
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.
Since then, shelter staff have removed the dogs’ matted fur and cleaned away the layers of dried feces as the animals begin their recovery.
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.
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.
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.