Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services is investigating after three dogs were found abandoned in a filthy, powerless home. Community reports saved two.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A two-year-old golden retriever named Aurum was found collapsed on a bathroom floor on March 10, too weak to stand, after being left alone in a Jacksonville home for nearly two weeks with no food, no water, and no power, according to Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services.
He did not survive. His two companions, six-month-old puppies Bullion and Nugget, were found in a filthy bedroom, malnourished, but with their tails still wagging.
ACPS began investigating after concerned neighbors reported not seeing anyone visit the home to take care of the animals after the residents went out of town. Officers said this case shows why community members should report suspected animal abandonment early, before it turns deadly.
ACPS Chief Michael Bricker said the tragedy was entirely avoidable.
Body camera footage from ACPS captured what words struggle to describe. Officers entering the home said they encountered extreme clutter, urine, feces, insects, and trash. The power had been shut off. Cages were covered in waste. The smell was overwhelming.
Aurum was found first, motionless in the bathroom, still breathing but barely. Officers rushed him out for emergency care.
“The dog couldn’t even stand up. Super weak from not eating, not having anything to drink… severely, severely emaciated. It was just a very sad sight to see,” Bricker said.
Even with round-the-clock veterinary care, Aurum’s condition was too severe. Bricker said he was euthanized.
In a back bedroom, officers found Bullion and Nugget. Despite their condition, both puppies greeted responders with wagging tails.
“Other than their physical condition… just happy puppies,” Bricker said. “It just shows you how resilient some animals can be.”
Bullion and Nugget are now in recovery at G.R.E.A.T Rescue of NE Florida. Bricker said the puppies are still recovering, but will be placed for adoption. ACPS said investigators are actively pursuing the case against the dogs’ owners.
ACPS urges anyone who suspects dogs or cats have been left without care to report it to email their tip line: ACPStipline@coj.net. Officers will investigate, and any photos or videos gathered by concerned neighbors can be critical evidence.
“It was easily preventable,” Bricker said.