How To Report An Animal Hoarder Pasco County Florida

A Pasco County shelter was cleared out of nearly 40 dogs and cats in an active hoarding investigation.

PASCO County, Fla. — May three was a bizarre encounter for rescuers as they were tasked with rescuing animals from another rescue group. A Pasco County shelter was cleared out of well-nigh 40 dogs and cats in an active hoarding investigation.

Thirty-two dogs, four cats and a gerbil were carried out of what'southward supposed to be their safe oasis.

Instead, co-ordinate to Pasco County Fauna Services, the rescue was operating illegally for nine months without an agile rescue license. A county spokesperson says the Humane Society of Due west Florida failed to renew its rescue license in Baronial 2018.

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"But then when you are informed that information technology'due south a identify called the Humane Lodge of West Florida then yous are like—what?!" said Rich Chaboudy. He's the executive director of Suncoast Beast League in Pinellas County.

Chaboudy is one of the rescuers sent to the troubled rescue. He tells ABC Activeness News he knew something was very wrong the moment he stepped into the parking lot.

"That aroma was a knockout punch," he described. He says the warehouse had no A/C and no ventilation, making the olfactory property of ammonia that much worse.

Chaboudy tin can't encompass how it got so bad. He tells us several animals were being neglected; suffering from cancer, sores, fleas, infections and left in their own feces.

"It's made worse by knowing this person standing there and talking to the states is supposed to be one of the good guys," he said.

Chaboudy says Sharon McReynolds is to blame. She'south the head of the rescue group equally executive managing director.

ABC Action News obtained a Pasco Canton Animal Services Report outlining the seizure. McReynolds is named in the report. The reason for the seizure is listed as "Hoarding. Overwhelmed caregiver."

"How does she become in at that place and smell that smell and fifty-fifty think that's ok?" asked Chaboudy.

McReynolds released the following statement regarding the reports:

The description of the events and situation were highly exaggerated past Rick Chaboudy of Suncoast Beast League (SAL). In that location is fact versus hearsay. The animals were non seized from a warehouse every bit described. The space was chosen because it was converted role space consisting of 9 air conditioned rooms to suit appropriate care based on size, beliefs and comfort. Information technology was because of the failure of i of the four air-conditioning units and refusal of the landlord to repair such promptly, that for the benefit of the animals' well existence, assistance was sought. The animals were cared for on a daily basis, including time outside in one of the 3 play yards. Food donations of well over a 1000 lbs came monthly, and in that location was an entire room total of food, equally documented past Pasco County Animal Services. When the premises were inspected on May 1^st, 2019, how to better conditions was discussed, but at no fourth dimension was it stated the condition of the animals required immediate action. The return visit on May three^rd was to review current status of vaccinations. At that time, word again was regarding detail products that could assist with odour elimination. It was asked if nosotros would consider allowing outside assistance to reduce the number of animals to a more manageable number, especially with the current air conditioning /ventilation problem. This help was gladly accustomed and was arranged. The animals were not seized, but surrendered to PCAS and in turn, transferred to SAL and several other rescues. Mr. Chaboudy at no time asked specifics on animals that would take provided him with an authentic account of reasoning for specific problems with any of the animals. This includes a dog that came to united states at 28 lbs, was now 40+ lbs, nevertheless significantly underweight, only on his style to recovery. (Photos of this domestic dog's status on intake were provided to PCAS)

We are disappointed in the lack of professionalism displayed by Mr. Chaboudy and his staff/volunteers, too as that of Normands Purple Rescue who perpetuated the inaccuracies of SAL. We do thank those rescues who assisted our animals non for whatsoever personal benefit or vendetta, but solely for the animals benefit. No farther comment will be provided at this fourth dimension every bit legal activity for defamation is being determined. Notwithstanding, in one case these actions have been resolved, I would be pleased to hash out this in particular with you.

ABC Activeness News had interviewed McReynolds numerous times in the past, including back in 2013 when she spoke about her profession.

"Fauna rescue tin be extremely emotional and when it is emotion sometimes things go out of manus," McReynolds said back then.

McReynolds faces several citations including failure to vaccinate and failure to obtain fauna license tags. While the county cleared out her rescue of any pets, Chaboudy'south biggest worry is she'll exist in charge of animals again.

We asked Chaboudy if he'd be willing to testify against McReynolds in court.

"Oh," Chaboudy raised his hand, "I'd be the first ane in line."

We reached out to the canton to effigy out what happens side by side. Pasco County tells the states they're still investigating and other charges could come up. Also, without a license, the Humane Lodge of Due west Florida cannot run their rescue nether canton ordinance.

Nosotros also spoke with the property owner, off camera, who tells us he was the one to call in the complaint because of the horrible smell. This owner says he volition non renew the rescue'due south lease.