Florida woman, 77, arrested after 80 cats and 12 dogs found inside sweltering 110°F, no-AC home filled with a foot of feces in one of county’s worst hoarding cases

A 77-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after authorities rescued 80 cats and 12 dogs from her home, where investigators say the animals were living in extreme heat, piles of feces and hazardous conditions.

Deputies described the property as one of the worst animal hoarding cases they have ever seen. The air quality inside the home was so dangerous that a Hazmat team had to ventilate the building before rescue crews could safely enter.

The rescued animals are now receiving veterinary treatment, while authorities continue investigating whether some of the cats belonged to local residents who had reported missing pets.


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92 animals rescued from Florida home

The Martin County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at the home in Stuart, Florida, after receiving complaints about the property. Inside, deputies found 92 animals—80 cats and 12 dogs—living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

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Investigators said the home had no working air conditioning, indoor temperatures exceeding 110°F (43°C) and sections of the floor covered with up to a foot of animal feces. Trash, clutter and animal waste made it difficult for crews to move through the house. Officials said the odour was overwhelming even before entering the property.

Hazmat team called before rescue could begin

Because of the dangerous air quality inside the home, the Martin County Fire Rescue Hazmat Team was called to the scene. Firefighters wearing protective equipment ventilated the house before animal control officers were allowed inside.

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Authorities said the rescue required coordination between the sheriff's office, fire rescue personnel and animal welfare organizations.

Animals found dehydrated and in poor health

Officials said many of the rescued animals appeared dehydrated, stressed and in need of immediate medical attention. Several dogs were suffering from severe dental disease, while some cats had been confined inside cages.

Despite the horrific conditions, investigators said they did not find any dead animals inside the home.

All 92 animals were taken to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, where they are undergoing medical examinations, treatment and rehabilitation.

Investigation began after complaints about missing cats

According to Sheriff John Budensiek, the investigation began after authorities received reports that a US Postal Service mail carrier may have been collecting cats along her delivery route.

Detectives initially investigated whether household pets were being stolen. However, investigators now believe many of the cats were likely feral animals that had been picked up over time.

Authorities are determining whether any of the rescued cats belonged to families who had reported missing pets.

Woman arrested on animal cruelty charges

The homeowner, identified as 77-year-old Gail Giustino, was arrested on two misdemeanor animal cruelty-related charges.

Sheriff Budensiek said investigators could have filed significantly more charges because each animal could potentially represent a separate offense.

However, authorities chose to proceed with two counts while focusing on ensuring the rescued animals received proper care and exploring mental health intervention through the court process.

Some rescued pets reunited with owners

Investigators discovered that several rescued animals were microchipped, offering hope to families searching for missing pets.

Authorities said at least five animals have already been reunited with their owners, while efforts to identify more pets continue.

Residents who believe one of the rescued animals belongs to them have been asked to file a missing pet report with the Martin County Sheriff's Office before contacting the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.