CLEWISTON, Fla. — Several rescue agencies are coordinating after more than five dozen dogs were surrendered from a Hendry County home this week in a suspected case of animal neglect.
Clewiston police confirmed 66 dogs were found on the property in the Montura community. As of Tuesday morning, all but one was initially rounded up, with the remaining animal needing to be trapped.
"The animals were in deplorable conditions," said Jason Gluck, executive director of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch. "They were scattered around the property, many of them chained without the ability to have cover.
"There was hardly any food or water scattered around," Gluck continued. "It was exactly what you could imagine — the worst nightmare."
At least 11 agencies are taking the dogs in for an examination, rehabilitation, and potential future adoption, including:
- Doberman Rescue Concern
- Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch
- Guardians of Florida
- Mutty Paws
- Ewenity Farms
- Golden Retriever Rescue of SWFL
- DC Dogos
- Cash 4 Canines
- American Belgian Malinois Rescue
- Gulf Coast Humane Society
- Humane Society of Naples
Leadership from Furry Friends tells us they are taking the lead in regards to vaccinating and transporting the animals, and are taking in 13 of the dogs themselves.
"Most of the animals I can say were in pretty good spirits," said Gluck. "[Some] were scared, had a little 'stranger-danger,' but I think within the coming weeks we will see them up-and-up."
A man who lives on the property surrendered the animals and assisted with loading the dogs onto vehicles.
No charges have been made at this time as the investigation is in its early stages.
