15450 S.E. 60TH ST. MORRISTON, FL 32668 | (352) 528-0270
Hoarding
2015-02-05
LEVY COUNTY- HOARDING SITUATION-Dogs- Yesterday I received a call about this situation and if we could take a couple of small Seniors. There is 60+ on this property, Levy County is aware of this home and is checking on them every 2 weeks to see if they have enough food and seized 15 ,But nothing more,I'm under the impression nothing more is being done and they have a court date for the 15 that have been seized,The property is overwrought with feces and urine,its hard to breath. There is anything from 5lbs to 105lbs and some puppys (if they survive in these hazardous conditions) I’m waiting on the address,but if any of you can help one or 2 pups that would be extremely appreciated. . yes this hoarder (so called rescue) is releasing SOME and is working with these ladies,Its a delicate situation as you all could imagine. If you can assist please contact Megan at 1-352-457-7353 .. Please do not call her just to ask questions, time and energy needs to be focused helping to get some of them out of there ..thank you..Will update when I know more ..
20 dogs in Levy County cruelty case in need of homes
April 28th, 2015
LEVY COUNTY, Fla-- An animal hoarding case in Levy County involving more than 50 animals resurfaces. The woman who had all of those animals is appealing the case, meaning the dogs she used to care for could be locked in a local shelter while the appeal goes through the courts. Animal advocates are now looking for a more permanent home for the animals.
Moe, Hannah, and Willie are some of the dogs that have been taken from Mary Taafe by the county. She's the woman behind Pet Network, Inc. in Levy County. Just a week and a half ago, even more dogs were taken from Pet Networks, Inc. "A lot of them had ear infections, skin infections, I mean they came from such a horrific place," said Jody Heflin from Second Chance Rescue.
Some of these dogs have been at the Levy County Animal Services since last May.
Sylvia King has worked with UF’s Animal Science Department for 17 years; as a true animal lover she has been following the case closely. King said, "[The dogs] had to be held there as part of evidence for the court case, and it has taken almost a year—a year next month for the court proceedings to run its course."
These dogs became available for adoption on April 17. A number of volunteers started working together to give these pups a better future. Things, however, can change now that Taaffe is appealing this court case. "Her appeals case will begin May 1 and any of her animals that will still be in the care of the county could possibly become part of her appeals case and could possibly and be ordered to be held indefinitely," King said.
Some Levy County residents are questioning whether the conditions at animal services are any better than what these furry animals had experienced before. King decided to foster Bear, one of the dogs affected by this cruelty case. But by the time she took him in, not much could be done. "One in particular that I pulled had to be humanely euthanized that same day per the advice of the attending emergency vet of the hospital that I took him to," she added.
King says the shelter had the dog listed as a female when in reality it was a male. Others, however, disagree saying that while animal services' resources are limited, the dogs are better off now than they were before. Heflin said, "They're walked, they're fed, they're given fresh food and water. Their kennels are kept clean. Dr. Esler is overseeing them to make sure they need any medication."
In February, Levy County Animal Services hired full-time veterinarian Dr. Darling Esler, but for some that's not enough. "They desperately need out, most of them are young, healthy, socialized, loving, fun pets and they need to be adopted by the end of April 30," King said.
The journey leading to forever homes is an emotional plea these animal advocates are hoping can be heard.
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