Jisel Leon is all smiles as she reunites with her cat, Blizzard.
More Animals Continue To Arrive As Welfare Checks Increase; Donations, Adopters, Fosters And Rescue Partners Are Urgently Needed
Employees and volunteers of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) are still working around the clock after Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek described a recent animal hoarding case as the worst in the county’s history.
In all, 108 animals were recovered and taken to the HSTC for immediate medical attention and care after 77-year-old Gail Giustino was arrested on July 20, 2026. So far, 10 cats and 17 dogs have been adopted from this case, and five microchipped cats have been reunited with their owners.
Since this case, the sheriff’s department has reportedly received an influx of calls requesting welfare checks, each of which is being taken seriously. Last Thursday, 26 cats from another situation were taken to the HSTC along with five dogs from yet another case.
“We expect more animals in the coming weeks due to the calls that have come in requesting animal welfare checks and the initial information we are receiving from Animal Services, which is following up on these calls,” said HSTC Director of Operations Lori Tucker. “Many calls have been cleared, but there are cases that are requiring further follow up.”
There are many ways the community can still help. Monetary donations are the HSTC’s biggest need right now as the cost of care continues and the time needed to place these animals remains ongoing. To donate, go online to http://www.hstc1.org/emergency-medical-fund.
The HSTC is also asking people to adopt and foster. Normal operations have not slowed down during this situation, which doubled the animal inventory. Adopting or fostering a current dog, cat, guinea pig or rabbit makes room for the rescued animals while they are treated and made available for adoption.
“We are still in need of people to adopt working cats, that is cats that are suitable for safe outdoor living,” said Tucker. “We also are in desperate need of adopters and rescue groups willing to help take some of our animals.”
The HSTC is doing a “Name Your Price” adoption special until further notice. Adoptable pets and real-time availability may be viewed at http://www.hstc1.org/Adopt. Short- and long-term fostering opportunities also are available. Learn more at http://www.hstc1.org/foster.
For more information about adopting, call (772) 223-8822. For more information about fostering, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call (772) 600‑3220.
The HSTC is also offering public microchipping services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 23to help keep pets safe. Register at http://www.hstc1.org/Clinic.
Follow HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and X at https://x.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
Photos provided by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
