What started as a call about 38 dogs turned into a dramatic rescue of 64 dogs when Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control arrived at an overcrowded Palm Beach County home at 608 29th Street in West Palm Beach Tuesday.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control notified the League early that morning about an expected intake of 38 dogs, prompting staff to quickly prep kennels and clear space. But when they got there, the rescue team discovered there were far more dogs, with 64 dogs in immediate need of care, according to the news release.
“It is it is hard to believe, you know, 64 dogs in a house with limited finances, limited resources. That’s not an easy thing to do,” said David Walesky, Assistant Director, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
Juan Pajares, the man who lives at that address, says the dogs were strays that he had taken in over the past 15 years. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control says this is a case of animal hoarding. There were no signs of animal abuse or neglect and Pajares is not facing any criminal charges and he willingly gave up the dogs.
“My understand is they were loose in the house and he had removed most of his furniture to be more accommodating for the animals and to create a good environment for them. We didn’t see any intent for animal cruelty. He clearly loved these animals,” Walesky said.
“Why did you have so many in your house?” we asked Pajares. “I keep catching them outside and it was hard for them to be adopted because they’re from the streets and all of them, they’re not purebreds,” Pajares said.
“Anybody that has that many dogs, it’s very difficult to provide proper care for them and he was under the circumstances able to do pretty good. Most of the time when we interact with animal hoarders they don’t want us taking the animals. But this is a situation where he realized he was over his head. He needed help,” Walesky explained.
“Cases like this are a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate beyond control, leaving animals in urgent need of help,” said Sue Berry, CEO, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach.
“Welcoming 50 animals at once places a tremendous demand on resources, but it’s exactly why Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League exists. Because of our community’s support and our advanced medical and shelter facilities, we’re able to step in at a moment’s notice and provide lifesaving care on a large scale, ensuring each animal receives the care and compassion they deserve.”
All dogs were transported to Peggy Adams, where they are being evaluated by the medical team. Each will receive veterinary exams, spay/neuter surgeries, and any needed treatment before becoming available for adoption in the coming weeks, according to the animal rescue league.
The League is encouraging residents to volunteer, foster, or adopt to help free up space for future emergency intakes. Those unable to adopt but would like to help can check the Peggy Adams website.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League says they have 50 of the dogs. Some also went to Furry Friends and to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. Pajares was allowed to keep nine of the dogs. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control says one of the dogs had to be euthanized because it was an older dog that had trouble walking.
Pajares says he spent $120 on dog food every three days to feed all the dogs.
We asked how he feels that most of the dogs were removed from his home. “Well, I know they’re gonna find good homes I know and it hurts though. But it would be selfish not to let them go,” Pajares said.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League says some of the dogs have dental issues and skin conditions, but no serious medical issues. They will be ready for adoption in a few weeks.
Walesky says regulations in Palm Beach County allow a person to have up to 10 dogs or cats in their house.
