Martin County, Florida – Upwards of 80 cats and dogs have been rescued from a filthy home where officials found nearly a foot of feces on the floors. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, 77-year-old Gail Giustino has been charged with one count of Animal Cruelty and one count of Confinement of Animals Without Sufficient Exercise following the raid at the home on SW Meadowlark Circle.
As reported by WPTV News, the conditions in the residence were abysmal. The news agency recounted the sheriff’s findings saying, “The home had no working air conditioning, little to no ventilation and, in some areas, up to a foot of animal feces covering the floor.”
Rescued dogs and cats were taken to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast for care.
Officials say Giustino obtained the animals by taking in feral cats and dogs. She is believed to be a hoarder rather than an outright animal abuser. Sheriff Budensiek said, “We truly believe that Gail thinks she’s doing the right thing, but she’s doing it the wrong way.”
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