DISTURBING: 36 BORDER COLLIES FOUND IN DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS INSIDE FLORIDA HOME

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT

What looked like a well-kept Palm City home from the outside allegedly concealed a horrifying reality inside.

Authorities say 36 border collies were found living in severely neglected conditions — and the scale of the discovery left investigators facing a massive animal-rescue operation.

 THE HOUSE LOOKED NORMAL FROM OUTSIDE

According to authorities, the property appeared well maintained.

The grounds were reportedly neatly groomed and the home had fencing around it.

But when deputies and Animal Services officers entered after obtaining a search warrant, they allegedly discovered a completely different scene.

Investigators reported finding:

Feces throughout the home
Urine-soaked materials
Boxes and debris
Extremely poor living conditions

The conditions were reportedly so severe that deputies and Animal Services personnel had to wear Tyvek protective suits while searching the property and removing the animals.

THEN THEY FOUND 36 DOGS

Investigators said Paige O’Donnell, 62, repeatedly claimed that no more than five dogs were inside the home.

Authorities ultimately discovered 36 border collies.

The dogs were reportedly heavily matted and covered in feces and urine.

All 36 animals were removed from the residence.

THEIR RECOVERY HAS NOW BEGUN

The rescued dogs were taken to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, where they are being evaluated and treated.

Staff are providing:

Medical assessments
Grooming
Food and nourishment
Ongoing care and rehabilitation

Officials warned that caring for so many neglected animals at once will require significant resources.

For these dogs, however, the immediate priority is simple:

They are finally out of the conditions they were allegedly living in.

 72 CHARGES

O’Donnell faces: 36 felony counts of animal cruelty

36 misdemeanor counts related to allegations that she failed to provide the dogs with proper exercise or adequate air.

She made her first court appearance following the animal-hoarding investigation conducted by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services.

A judge set her total bond at $275,000.

As a condition of her release, O’Donnell was ordered not to own or possess any animals, either temporarily or permanently.

The allegations remain allegations unless proven in court.

 36 ANIMALS. ONE HOME. YEARS OF NEGLECT ALLEGED.

The most disturbing aspect of the investigation may be the contrast between what neighbors and passersby could see outside and what authorities say they discovered inside.

A neatly maintained exterior did not reveal the conditions allegedly experienced by the animals.

Now, instead of remaining hidden inside that house, the 36 border collies are receiving the care they desperately need.

36 DOGS RESCUED.

 72 CHARGES FILED.

MEDICAL AND GROOMING CARE UNDERWAY.

$275,000 BOND SET.

 AND 36 ANIMALS BEGINNING A SECOND CHANCE.

The investigation and court proceedings will determine what ultimately happened and who was responsible.

For the dogs, the next chapter is already beginning.

They survived. Now they need a chance to recover.

WARNING: Some images associated with this case may be disturbing. This post summarizes allegations reported by authorities. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.