PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12 ) — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast has begun placing Border Collies rescued from a Palm City hoarding case into new homes, marking a major milestone in the dogs’ recovery.
The shelter said it has slowly started facilitating adoptions and shared photos from one of the first successful placements. To protect the adopters’ privacy and give the dogs time to adjust, the Humane Society will not immediately identify the new owners or arrange media follow-ups.
Shelter staff will stay in regular contact with adopters, conduct follow-up checks and provide support during the transition, the organization said. Training classes also will be available for dogs needing extra attention or help adjusting to life in a home.
The adoptions come less than a month after Martin County deputies and Animal Services removed 36 Border Collies from a home on Southwest Alligator Street in Palm City. Authorities said the dogs were found in deplorable conditions, with feces, urine-soaked materials and debris throughout the home.
Border Collies rescued from Palm City hoarding case beginning long road to recovery. (HSTC)
The dogs were later legally surrendered to the Humane Society, allowing the shelter to move ahead with medical care, behavioral evaluations and the adoption process. CBS12 previously reported many of the dogs arrived frightened, matted and covered in dried waste. Shelter workers provided grooming, baths, vaccinations and veterinary treatment for issues including skin and eye infections, body sores and intestinal parasites.
Some dogs may require continuing veterinary care, and shelter staff have said they are carefully screening potential homes because the animals need patient adopters familiar with the breed’s needs.
Paige O’Donnell, 62, faces 72 charges in the case — 36 third-degree felony counts involving alleged animal cruelty and 36 misdemeanor counts alleging animals were kept without sufficient exercise and air. O’Donnell recently posted a $270,000 surety bond and was released from jail, according to Martin County court records. A judge ordered that she have no pets while out on bond. She has pleaded not guilty.
The Humane Society said it is encouraged by the first placements and will continue working to ensure each Border Collie is safely matched with an appropriate home.
The shelter’s “Name Your Price” adoption special for dogs and cats older than 1 remains available until further notice. More information is available at hstc1.org.