More animals than expected rescued in Clay County

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Over 200 animals — including 100 dogs and 57 others — were rescued from a Clay County home yesterday.

They were being kept on a one-acre piece of property. Investigators had originally stated that it was ten acres, but sheriff Michelle Cook said today that was a mistake.

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Now, as they house and treat all 257 animals, they are looking for help.

Karen Miscovisch lives on a farm 45 minutes away. She said when she heard about the rescue, she had to help.

“Everything that we could possibly get our hands on today we bought at the stores,” she said.

She’s not alone — starting at 10 a.m., car after car brought supplies to exhibit hall 3 at the fairgrounds today. Two locals, Stacy and Margaret Szyperski, donated food.

“We just wanted to donate what we could to help with all these animals,” they said.

But 257 animals means they need more supplies. Plus, they could stay at the fairgrounds for six to eight weeks, according to emergency management director John Ward.

“This is not a sprint. You know? we’re really looking for this for the long-haul and this and the support is going to need to be here.”

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Pretty soon, the animals will also need the most important thing — new homes.

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