Extreme hoarding case prompts animal rescue operation in Stuart

STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A disturbing hoarding situation involving animals has drawn a large-scale rescue operation to a Stuart neighborhood, where deputies, Animal Control officers and firefighters spent Monday responding to the scene.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies, Animal Control personnel and Martin County Fire Rescue crews were called to a home on SW Meadowlark Circle in Stuart as part of what authorities described as an extreme hoarding and animal rescue case.

Details about the conditions inside the home, the number of animals involved and whether any charges could be filed were not immediately released Monday afternoon.

Multiple agencies remained at the scene as crews worked to assess the situation and care for the animals.

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The sheriff’s office has not said how long the operation is expected to continue.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek is scheduled to speak with reporters and provide additional details at the home at 5 p.m.

CBS12 has a crew on the way to the scene and will update this story as more information becomes available.