77-year-old Gail Giustino was arrested on two misdemeanor animal cruelty-related charges following the search of a Stuart home where Martin County authorities found more than 70 animals.
More than 70 animals were believed to be living inside a sweltering and heavily contaminated Stuart home where Martin County authorities carried out a search warrant Monday, according to Sheriff John Budensiek.
Budensiek said the number of animals could ultimately reach 80 or more as deputies, Animal Services officers, Martin County Fire Rescue personnel and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast continued working at the property.
The investigation began several weeks ago after a U.S. Postal Service employee reported that a woman appeared to be collecting or taking cats while traveling along her route, Budensiek said.
Investigators determined that the 77-year-old resident had a previous history with Martin County Animal Services. Budensiek said authorities had responded to animal-related concerns at the property approximately a decade earlier, issuing dozens of citations and helping the resident address problems involving ventilation and the care of the animals.
Animal Services officers returned to the home last week to determine whether the animals were being properly housed and whether neglect or abuse was occurring. However, Budensiek said the resident would not allow officers to fully inspect the property.
Although she surrendered several animals, she continued preventing authorities from accessing the home, according to the sheriff. Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant and returned Monday.
Budensiek said the odor coming from the home could be detected from outside. Once responders entered, they encountered extreme heat, poor ventilation, animal waste and no functioning air conditioning.
"There could be north of 70 or 80 animals," Budensiek said during the briefing, describing areas of the home as being covered with animal feces.
The conditions were so severe that responders used protective equipment while entering and removing animals from the property. Budensiek described the interior as stifling and said crews worked to ventilate the home while attempting to safely locate and recover the animals.
At the briefing, before the arrest, Budensiek emphasized that investigators did not believe the resident was deliberately trying to harm the animals.
He said at the time that if authorities viewed her as an intentional animal abuser, she would have been taken to jail. The sheriff characterized the situation as an animal-hoarding case involving a woman who had become overwhelmed and also needed assistance.
Budensiek said the immediate priorities were saving the animals, providing any medical treatment they require and connecting the resident with appropriate help.
The large number of animals created a significant logistical challenge for the agencies at the scene. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast was expected to receive animals initially, but additional assistance from volunteers, rescue organizations, foster homes and potential adopters could be needed.
Each animal must also be documented and evaluated before authorities can determine its condition and appropriate placement.
Budensiek said the final number of animals remained uncertain while the operation continued. Authorities were also working through legal questions involving ownership and whether the resident would voluntarily surrender the animals.
The response was expected to continue as crews worked through the property and arranged shelter and care for the animals.