77yo Florida woman arrested after 80 cats found in filthy home, locals with missing cats suspicious that she stole their pets

A 77-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after authorities entered her home to discover 80 cats and 12 dogs living in squalid conditions.

The woman, Gail Giustino, is reportedly a mail carrier living in Martin County who has been in a long-running dispute with animal control. A report from KGNS News says animal control officers have spent around a week trying to enter her property, but she refused to cooperate.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office was summoned, and they entered Giustino’s house to find a chaotic and filthy interior. Images from inside show piles of garbage, animal cages stacked upon one another, and emaciated cats within.

“I’m really hoping to be reunited with my cat.”

The cops promptly summoned the Martin County Fire Rescue and their HAZMAT team, who proceeded to assist the Animal Services Division as they rescued the animals inside. As the Sheriff’s Office said:

“We are thankful for the incredible partnership of Martin County Fire Rescue and their HAZMAT Team, whose expertise ensured responders could safely enter and work within the hazardous conditions inside the home. Yesterday showcased our Animal Services Division and the dedicated professionals willing to do whatever it takes to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

Investigators believe Giustino “collected” cats she encountered while working as a mail carrier, with her neighbors suspicious that she might be the reason their pet cats mysteriously disappeared.

One, Megan Remick, said her cat Savannah went missing three years ago, and she’s been nervously watching the cats being removed from Giustino’s home:

“I saw one of the rescuers, animal control officers bring out a cage with a tiny white cat in it and I just know there’s other white cats in the world, but man, something just hit me and just the thought that she could have been sitting in that filth, not being able to breathe in a cage for three years, is just absolutely horrifying,” 

Another resident, Shannon, said her cat, Tux, went missing just two weeks ago:

“I didn’t really even know about the news story until about two random people called me and said, ‘You live next to Sunshine Mobile Homes, right? The mail lady got arrested’. … I looked on the news and saw a video of one of the tuxedo cats inside of the cage that they were taking out of the house, and I’m very hopeful that it’s my cat and I’m really hoping to be reunited with my cat.”

Giustino has now been charged with one count of Animal Cruelty and one count of Confinement of Animals Without Sufficient Exercise, with her bond set at $50,000. However, the Sheriff’s Office added that they have some sympathy for her, saying:

“While Ms. Giustino believed she was helping these animals, she was going about it in the wrong way, ultimately being unable to provide the care they required. MCSO is also working to ensure she receives the assistance and resources she needs.”

They encourage anyone who suspects their cat might be involved to file a missing pet report with them.