MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant at a home, rescuing 80 cats and 12 dogs from what investigators described as some of the worst animal hoarding conditions ever seen in the county.
The suspect, identified as a 77-year-old U.S. Postal Service worker, faces one count of animal cruelty and one count of confinement of animals without sufficient exercise. Her bond is set at $50,000. Authorities say the investigation began after a complaint was filed alleging Giustino was collecting feral cats along her postal route.
Recommended Videos
How investigation unfolded
The case started as a theft complaint filed within the last two weeks, after a report surfaced that a postal worker was taking cats along her route. Investigators quickly determined she was not stealing pets but was likely collecting feral cats.
Animal control officers spent the better part of a week trying to gain access to the home, but they say the woman was uncooperative. During that time, she surrendered approximately 15 animals to at least two facilities in Martin County, including a veterinary office, in what authorities believe was an attempt to reduce the number of animals found on the property.
“Part of her game playing that she did with us over the last week is she took animals and dropped them off at two locations in the last week and then let us know, ‘Hey, I just want you to know that I surrendered all my animals, they’re gone,’” the sheriff said.
When the woman refused to cooperate further, investigators obtained a search warrant.
What deputies found inside
The conditions inside the home were described as extreme. Investigators said there was no working air conditioning, no ventilation and, in some areas, a foot of animal feces on the floor. Interior temperatures were estimated at more than 110 degrees when deputies first entered.
“When we cracked the door on it earlier today, the stench was unreal, the air was stifling hot,” the sheriff said.
Martin County Fire Rescue’s hazmat team was called to the scene to ventilate the home and help navigate the rescue operation. Deputies said the front door was initially inaccessible due to trash and debris, forcing them to enter through the back. The agency credited the hazmat team’s expertise as essential to allowing responders to safely enter and work within the hazardous conditions.
A total of 92 animals — 80 cats and 12 dogs — were removed from the home.
Condition of animals, owners identified
The overall health of the animals was still being assessed at the time of the press conference. Authorities said the suspect appeared to have fed the animals and used flea spray, though investigators believe overuse of the spray may have injured at least one animal.
No deceased animals had been found as of the press conference, though the sheriff expressed surprise given the conditions.
“I really don’t know how she was able to survive in that house,” the sheriff said. “No AC, no windows open — you can smell that house from the road right now.”
Since the rescue, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast have worked to assess each animal and provide immediate care. Investigators have already identified the owners of five animals and continue working to identify others.
All animals are being cared for by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, which is expected to rely heavily on foster families and volunteers to manage the influx. Officials described the addition of 92 animals as a significant challenge for the organization.
Suspect’s history with animal control
This is not the first time the suspect had come to the attention of Martin County Animal Control. Roughly 10 years ago, the agency issued up to 65 civil citations to her for improperly confining animals. At that time, code enforcement intervened and helped her address ventilation issues and inadequate animal care. She was required to install window AC units, and she complied.
Over the following decade, however, authorities say she slipped back into old habits — accumulating more animals while the AC units stopped working and trash piled up throughout the home.
Two charges, not 160
Despite the scale of what was found, the sheriff said deputies intentionally limited the charges against Giustino to two counts, noting they could have filed up to 160 counts — two per animal.
“We don’t want a 77-year-old lady in jail,” the sheriff said. “We only charge her with two counts. We could have charged her with 160 counts, two counts per animal.”
The goal, he said, is to move the woman through mental health court, prevent her from acquiring more animals and get her the help she needs. The Sheriff’s Office also confirmed it is working to ensure she receives assistance and resources beyond the court process.
“We truly believe that [she] thinks she’s doing the right thing, but she’s doing it the wrong way,” the sheriff said.
Authorities said they considered a Baker Act — an involuntary mental health hold under Florida law — but determined the criminal route offered more legal tools to protect the animals and ensure accountability going forward.
“The criminal route was the more thoughtful route,” the sheriff said.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is asking any animal shelter, veterinary office or rescue facility that recently received surrendered animals from the 77-year-old to come forward. Investigators believe additional animals may have been dropped off at locations not yet identified.