One of the pigs rescued from a recent Palm Coast neglect case is now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and awaiting adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
Rescued dogs from a recent Palm Coast neglect case are now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and available for adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
The snake rescued from a recent Palm Coast neglect case is now being cared for at the Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
Rescued dogs from a recent Palm Coast neglect case are now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and available for adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
Rescued pigs from a recent Palm Coast neglect case are now being cared for at the Flagler Humane Society as they await adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
Rescued dogs from a recent Palm Coast neglect case are now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and available for adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
Rescued dogs from a recent Palm Coast neglect case are now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and available for adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
One of the dogs rescued from a recent Palm Coast neglect case is now recovering at the Flagler Humane Society and available for adoption. Photo courtesy of the Flagler Humane Society.
After weeks of medical treatment and rehabilitation, many of the animals rescued from a disturbing Palm Coast neglect case are now healthy and available for adoption through the Flagler Humane Society.
The shelter announced this week that it has received 34 dogs, three pigs and one snake connected to the case, which stemmed from a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office investigation earlier this month. Additional animals removed from the property were placed into foster homes through Palm Coast Animal Control.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began April 30 after a 17-year-old walked into AdventHealth Palm Coast and told hospital staff his mother had dropped him off because she was upset. Deputies later contacted two other juveniles, ages 14 and 13, who reportedly told investigators their mother would frequently lock them outside the home, sometimes forcing them to sleep outdoors. The children also told deputies their mother became enraged after one of the family’s foster dogs died and blamed the children for the animal’s death.
Deputies later located 58-year-old Sandra Teague at the family’s Palm Coast residence. According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators found the home covered in animal feces and garbage, with what deputies described as unsafe living conditions for both the children and animals. During the investigation, authorities discovered 44 live dogs, three pigs, one cat and one snake inside the home, along with multiple deceased animals in kennels on the property.
Teague was arrested on three counts of child neglect. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible.
Despite the conditions they came from, Flagler Humane Society Executive Director Amy Carotenuto said the rescued animals have adapted remarkably well to shelter life.
“This has been a really sweet group of kids,” Carotenuto said during an interview with the Palm Coast Observer. “They’re all pretty well socialized, and they’ve been a blessing to take care of.”
Carotenuto said the shelter quickly mobilized once the animals arrived.
“One of our officers met Palm Coast here that night, during the night to get them set up,” she said. “Then the team just came in, and we set up a little bit of extra housing for them.”
According to the Humane Society, the animals received veterinary care, proper nutrition and daily support from staff following their arrival. Many have now recovered and are ready for permanent homes.
“Well, they should definitely come see everybody,” Carotenuto said when asked what she would tell potential adopters. “We’re open seven days a week, and these guys are ready to go home. Most everybody’s already spayed and neutered. They’re healthy, they’re friendly. They’re ready to go home.”
Carotenuto said the situation now offers the community a chance to provide a positive outcome for the rescued animals.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to help us turn a heartbreaking situation into one of hope and new happy endings for these guys,” she said.
The animals are currently available for adoption through the Flagler Humane Society at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast.
