ASPCA teams up with Union County sheriff's office to rescue over 50 animals in neglect case

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), at the request of the Union County Sheriff's Office and Union County Animal Control, is assisting with rescuing over 50 cats and dogs from a property in Lake Butler, Florida. The animals, including newborn kittens, were living in squalor conditions among their own feces and urine and exposed to elevated levels of ammonia when the investigators arrived on the scene. Some animals were underweight and suffering from untreated medical conditions.

"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," commented Teresa Ladner, senior director of investigations for the ASPCA, in an organizational release.¹

"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,” she added.

Additionally, the ASPCA is assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, legal assistance, forensics exams, medical care, and behavioral treatment and enrichment for the animals.¹ The neglected animals are being relocated to their Cruelty Recovery Center.

While Flagler Humane Society offered medical assistance on scene, Brevard SPCA is helping to transport and offer overnight care for the cats. Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) in Jacksonville also assisted by providing care for more than 40 dogs who were previously removed from the property, leading in the rescue of more than 90 animals all together.

"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," said Union County sheriff, Brad Whitehead. "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."

Animal cruelty charges are pending based on evidence gathered by the Union County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of ASPCA experts. Criminal charges associated with this case will be handled by the Eighth Judicial Circuit States Attorney's Office. The ASPCA is also offering support to ensure the best legal outcome for the animals.¹

Reference

ASPCA assists Union County sheriff's office in rescuing more than 50 animals from Florida neglect case. News release. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. August 18, 2022. Accessed August 19, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-assists-union-county-sheriffs-office-in-rescuing-more-than-50-animals-from-florida-neglect-case-301608620.html