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Florida Mail Carrier Imprisons Over 100 Animals from Route at Home
A mail carrier in Stuart, Florida, was arrested for keeping more than 100 cats and dogs collected from their route in filthy cages at home. Some of the rescued animals were reunited with their owners.
In Stuart, Florida, 77-year-old mail carrier Gail Giustino was taken into custody on July 20 for mistreating more than 100 cats and dogs at her home. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated that Giustino collected animals she found along her mail delivery route and kept them in a house with no ventilation and no working air conditioning, in cages filled with excrement.
Officials entering the home were met with a horrific scene
When officials opened the door, they encountered piles of animal feces and urine reaching up to 30 centimeters high in places. Sheriff Budensiek said, 'When we cracked the door, the smell was unbearable. The air was suffocatingly hot.' Humane Society of Treasure Coast spokesperson Sarah Fisher stated that in some cages, cats were stuck because the feces had hardened like concrete, and rescue workers had to break the feces apart to get them out.
The sheriff said, 'She never lets them out. They have been trapped in that animal prison for who knows how long.' It was noted that the ammonia smell in the house was so strong it posed a health risk.
Charges Against Giustino and Reactions
Giustino faces two misdemeanor charges: animal cruelty and confinement without adequate exercise. Although up to 160 separate charges could have been filed, she was released on just these two minor charges after paying $50,000 bail.
Sheriff Budensiek said, 'We believe Gail thought she was doing the right thing, but she is going about it the wrong way.' Officials emphasized that the main purpose of the arrest was to rescue the animals and get Giustino mental health treatment. It was revealed that Giustino had received up to 65 fines for animal mistreatment since 2014, but officials had not inspected the home in the past 10 years.
Rescue of the Animals and Reunions with Owners
Rescue teams caught three of the four cats that escaped after the operation on July 20. Together with five dogs surrendered by one of Giustino's friends, a total of 108 animals were recovered. Officials said there might be more animals with Giustino's friends.
Sarah Fisher said the animals were initially traumatized, and some cats were so still they hardly seemed like cats, but over time they began showing signs of recovery. 'Now they are meowing and wanting attention. I think they know they are safe,' she added.
On July 24, dozens of people gathered in front of the shelter, lining up to find out if their lost pets were among those rescued. On the first day, only two people were reunited with their pets, but staff said they hoped for more reunions in the coming days.
Linh Nguyen expressed her joy at being reunited with her lost cat Patchy, saying, 'I prayed for seven months for her return. This is a complete miracle.'
Officials said that animals whose owners could not be found would be put up for adoption in the future, but the priority was to return them to their owners.
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