ASPCA helps Union County deputies rescue more than 50 dogs, cats from ‘filthy conditions’

LAKE BUTLER, Fla. — More than 50 dogs and cats “living in filthy conditions” were rescued Wednesday from a property on State Road 121 in Lake Butler, the Union County Sheriff’s Office said.

UCSO and the Union County Animal Control requested the ASPCA’s assistance with rescuing the animals, which included newborn kittens.

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ASPCA said in a news release that the animals were living among their own urine and feces, and some of the animals were underweight and appered to be suffering from untreated medical conditions.

The ASPCA said it is also assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, forensics exams, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment for the animals. The animals removed from the property today are being relocated to the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center. Brevard SPCA is assisting with this case by transporting and providing overnight care for the cats, and Flagler Humane Society provided medical assistance on scene.

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ASPCA said Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) in Jacksonville also assisted with this case by providing care for more than 40 dogs who were previously removed from the property, resulting in the rescue of more than 90 animals in total. FUR documented the previous rescue on its Facebook page.

The animals previously removed from the property by FUR were placed with local animal welfare groups for adoption, including:

• 4 Lucky Dogs Pet Rescue, Inc.
• Clay County Animal Services
• Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida
• Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue
• Underdog Rescue of Florida
• Unforgettable Paws
• VIP Rescue Florida

“When we arrived on the property, it was clear immediate intervention was necessary to remove these animals from the poor conditions they were living in so we could provide them with much-needed care,” Teresa Ladner, senior director of investigations for the ASPCA, said in the release. “The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position where we can respond quickly to end animal suffering, and we thank the Union County Sheriff’s Office for prioritizing animal welfare in their community and recognizing the need for assistance.”

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“We would like to thank the ASPCA for working closely with our agency on this complex investigation into animal cruelty. We always take animal cruelty seriously and it will not be tolerated in our county,” Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead said in the release. “We continue to work closely with the ASPCA and thank them for their expertise and support so we can proceed with criminal charges and prosecution, and to ensure the wellbeing of these animals.”

UCSO said animal cruelty charges are pending based on evidence collected by investigators, with the assistance of ASPCA experts in support of the investigation. Any criminal charges that result from this case will be handled by the Eighth Judicial Circuit States Attorney’s Office. The ASPCA is also providing support to ensure the best legal outcome for these animals.

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ASPCA helps Union County deputies rescue more than 50 dogs, cats from ‘filthy conditions’ More than 50 dogs and cats “living in filthy conditions” were rescued Wednesday from a property on State Road 121 in Lake Butler, the Union County Sheriff’s Office said. UCSO and the Union County Animal Control requested the ASPCA’s assistance with rescuing the animals, which included newborn kittens. (ASPCA)

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