FL: Most dogs seized during drug raid are back home

Most dogs seized during drug raid are back home

By TONY HOLT | Hernando Today
Published: March 2, 2011
Updated: 04:52 pm

BROOKSVILLE - Most of the 38 pit bulls seized following a drug raid last week have been picked up and returned home, a Hernando County Animal Services supervisor said.

Five dogs remain in the "caretaker" section of the shelter, but they are expected to return home soon, said Patrick Pace, who responded Friday to the scene of the raid.

The dogs were picked up at 7172 Logan St., where deputies said they also seized drugs and counterfeit money.

In all, 10 people were arrested following Friday morning's raid. An 11th suspect was apprehended Monday.

Pace said one of the suspect's next of kin arrived at the scene and claimed ownership of the dogs.

There was a load of 10 dogs that still had to be transported to the Animal Services facility on Oliver Street, but they were released to the family member at the scene when he provided proof of identification, said Pace

Another owner came by Animal Services later that day to pick up most of the rest of the dogs, many of which were puppies, he said.

The five remaining at the shelter are adult dogs.

If they are not picked up after two weeks, they are evaluated for adoption or rescue, said Pace.

"They were all fantastic dogs," he said. "They were very friendly and they let us put leashes on them without any problems."

The dogs lived in man-made shelters on the property. Two sets of puppies were in shelters made of chain-link fences, but they were protected by a solid roof, Pace said.

There were no indications of illegal activities being conducted with the dogs, according to Animal Services.

Most dogs seized during drug raid are back home