Florida: Dozens of pets seized from George Murwin, 71, and Laura Murwin, 56, get help

FLORIDA -- Six cats and 32 dogs got spayed and neutered Wednesday, less than two weeks after they were rescued from a home in Putnam County.

While they were unconscious from surgery, groomers buzzed off their matted fur and looked for skin conditions underneath.

 

 

Thanks to the group First Coast No More Homeless Pets, it’s another step on a long road to a normal life.

On July 24, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office found 59 dogs, 15 cats, four birds and a horse inside a house.

 

One dog was already dead.

“Putnam told me this morning that they’ve tried to feed them in bowls and they wouldn’t touch the food in the bowls. They finally had to spill the food on the floor for them to eat because they didn’t know how to eat out of bowls,” said canine behavior consultant Jim Crosby.

 

Crosby said this case shows the impact of hoarding.

“It’s not something cute that needs to be on reality TV. It’s got many victims.”

Eight of the dogs had to be euthanized because they were too aggressive to adopt out.

One dog has parvovirus and is getting treatment.

George and Laura Murwin each face a third-degree felony animal abuse charge and two first-degree misdemeanor animal abuse charges.

 

 

The Sheriff’s Office discovered the animals during a welfare check for two developmentally challenged adults living in the Murwins’ house.

Pets from the case who are ready for adoption will be available during the Putnam Adoption Event on Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon at 2509 Crill Ave., Suite 700, in Palatka.

(WJAX - Aug 5, 2015)

Earlier:

• Florida: About 75 neglected animals are seized from George Murwin, 71, and Laura Murwin, 56