Florida woman arrested after hoarding 80 cats and 12 dogs in a home with no AC, a foot of faeces and horrific living conditions

Published 23 July 2026 · us

How 80 cats and 12 dogs were rescued from the Florida home Animals rescued from dangerous conditions The Stuart, Florida home where authorities rescued 80

How 80 cats and 12 dogs were rescued from the Florida home Animals rescued from dangerous conditions The Stuart, Florida home where authorities rescued 80 cats and 12 dogs after executing a search warrant. Investigation began after complaints about missing cats Sheriff calls it the county's worst hoarding case Hazmat team needed before rescue operation Woman faces animal cruelty charges Some rescued pets reunited with owners Animal hoarding remains a serious welfare issue A 77-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after authorities discovered 80 cats and 12 dogs living in appalling conditions inside her home in Stuart, Martin County. Investigators said the property had no working air conditioning, temperatures exceeding 110°F (43°C), and up to a foot of animal faeces covering parts of the floor. The overwhelming stench and hazardous environment were so severe that a hazmat team had to ventilate the house before rescue crews could enter. Deputies described the case as one of the worst examples of animal hoarding they had ever encountered, while the rescued animals were taken for urgent medical care and assessment at a local shelter.The Martin County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant after receiving complaints about the property.

Officers found 92 animals living in extremely unsanitary conditions, with little ventilation and piles of waste throughout the house. Investigators said the smell was noticeable even before entering the property, while trash and clutter made access difficult. Because of the dangerous air quality, Martin County Fire Rescue's Hazmat Team was called in to ventilate the building before animal control officers could safely begin the rescue.Authorities rescued 80 cats and 12 dogs from the home. Officials said many of the animals appeared dehydrated, stressed and in need of immediate veterinary attention. Several dogs were suffering from severe dental disease, while some cats had been confined in cages. Despite the horrific conditions, investigators said they did not find any dead animals inside the house. All rescued animals were transferred to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, where they are receiving medical examinations, treatment and rehabilitation.According to Sheriff John Budensiek, the investigation began after authorities received reports suggesting that a US Postal Service mail carrier may have been collecting cats along her delivery route. Detectives initially looked into whether household pets were being stolen, but investigators now believe many of the cats were likely feral animals that had been picked up over time.