100 animals seized from Hernando Co. rescue

BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - In Hernando County, almost 100 dogs and cats were seized from an animal rescue.

The owner tells FOX 13 News she's worried about where they'll end up.

She says she took good care of her animals but the sheriff’s office says there's a history of problems at the property.

After getting several complaints from community members, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office decided to step in.

About 80 dogs and 20 cats were found on the Brooksville property.

“We’ve gotten to the point where we’ve had to step in and help her with that decision,” said Matt Lillibridge, of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The property owner, Carol Allard says she’s selective when it comes to adopting out her dogs.

“My biggest fear is that they’re going to go to rescues that are going to hand them out like jelly beans,” Carol Allard said.

Allard’s rescue, known as the We Care for Paws Foundation, got a serious visit from deputies and animal control.

“They are well-fed. They are well-watered but our biggest concern is the living conditions that they’re in,” Lillibridge said.

Among the concerns are washed out flooring and exposed wires.

“I wouldn’t change a thing, if I had to do it again I wouldn’t change a thing,” Allard said. “I place animals in the right home, in the right environment for the animal and for the people.”

A new Hernando County ordinance requires anyone with more than 15 animals to undergo inspections twice a year.

“I was under the impression that I was complying. It was only until today that I realized it was only a numbers game,” Allard said.

The sheriff’s office says Allard was given fair warning.

So Wednesday evening trucks pulled in and loaded up. Nearly every animal on the property was taken away.

“For those people that think I’m a hoarder, oh well. I don’t care,” Allard said.

The sheriff’s office is allowing Allard to keep up to 14 animals. All the others were transported to an undisclosed location where they are being checked out by veterinarians.

Anyone who wants help out is asked to drop off donations at the Hernando County Animal Control Office.

They say they’re really in need of towels, cardboard, paper and dog soap.