CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Clay County Animal Services seized more than 20 animals, including lizards and prairie dogs, from a Middleburg home Wednesday, county officials said.
The animals were taken from a home on Ashton Street after the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office alerted county officials that dogs were being held in poor condition. The discovery prompted an investigation.
Clay County Animal Control officers and the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to the home and "immediately" noticed signs of animal neglect and poor living conditions, officials said.
Clay County Fire Rescue, Clay County Environmental Services and other agencies assisted in safely seizing the animals.
In total, officials seized 25 dogs, 10 reptiles and two prairie dogs from the home. All of the animals are in "different stages of health" and will be evaluated by a vet, officials said.
Officials say they will be treated and housed in Clay County until they can be rehoused.
The owner could face charges, pending the outcome of an investigation by animal control and the sheriff's office.
The Clay County Animal Services shelter is currently full and fosters and adoptions are needed to make room for more animals.
Anyone can email clayfosters@claycountygov.com to foster or go to claycountygov.com to see a full list of animals up for adoption.
