For the past week, Martin County Sheriff’s deputies have been combing through a vast rural area of Indiantown, Florida, after receiving a disturbing call about a pack of stray dogs running loose.
What they found was heartbreaking: scared, malnourished, and injured dogs wandering along a dangerous stretch of road surrounded by woods, swamps, and canals. In such an environment, the dogs faced not only starvation and traffic but also predators like alligators and coyotes.
A Fight for Survival
“When animal control officers found one of the dogs, she was just lifeless—panting, lying there like she had completely given up,” said Sarah Fisher, Communications Manager at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.
Another dog was discovered dead near the street. Two others bore injuries consistent with being struck or nearly struck by vehicles. Many showed signs of long-term neglect and malnutrition.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
So far, deputies have managed to capture five dogs, but at least one more remains on the loose. “We are concerned if we don’t capture them all soon, we may lose another dog,” said Chief Deputy John Budensiek.
The mystery of where these dogs came from remains unsolved. None of them were wearing collars or microchipped, making it nearly impossible to trace their owner. Officials believe this case falls under animal cruelty and abandonment laws, a misdemeanor crime.
