For years, families along one Florida mail route had no idea what was happening after some neighborhood cats disappeared. A complaint about an allegedly taken cat led investigators to the home of Gail Giustino, a 77-year-old postal worker. What deputies discovered inside was so extreme that firefighters in hazardous-materials gear were required to gain entry.
On July 20, authorities removed 80 cats and 12 dogs from Giustino’s Stuart-area home. Some animals were locked in cages. The house had no working air conditioning, minimal ventilation, and animal waste that had accumulated to a depth of one foot in places.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek described the situation as the worst animal-hoarding case he had seen in his county. Interior temperatures were estimated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with some reports placing them near 110. Firefighters had to ventilate the structure for safety before deputies could enter.
Giustino had received dozens of civil citations over a decade ago for animal care issues, including adding air-conditioning units that had since stopped working. She was charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count involving confinement without sufficient exercise. Her bond has been set at $50,000.
The animals were taken to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast for examinations and care. Families who had lost pets were directed to file reports with the Sheriff’s Office to identify potential matches among the rescued animals.
Officials noted that Giustino appeared to believe she was helping her animals but had become unable to provide appropriate care. The Sheriff’s Office is working to connect her with assistance while ensuring the animals do not return to their previous conditions.