126 cats, dogs seized from DeLand animal rescue

DELAND, Fla. — As crews continued to seize more than 120 animals from a DeLand facility, cages began piling up Friday in the parking lot.

The Animal Rescue Konsortium on Woodland Boulevard was shut down after complaints about how the animals were being treated. Crews started removing the animals on Thursday, but the round-up continued into Friday as well.

Karen Clark told WFTV that she and at least five other people filed complaints against the business.

Police said there were at least 40 cats roaming freely on the property. Some were put in pet carriers, while others had to be trapped.

Clark's complaint prompted police and animal control to seize the pets..

"They had a good concept but they had too many animals and ended up not taking care of them," Clark said.

However, Melissa Agostinacchio said the rescue owner took great care of the dogs and cats. She said she even adopted a pet from the downtown DeLand location.

"Any animals I've seen come out of here, cats or dogs, are healthy jumping around, you can see them," Agostinacchio said.

Agostinacchio said she believes the complaints made were based on a personal vendetta against the owner and not on what was best for the animals.

"I have never smelled any sour smells, if this was a hoarding issue, you would smell it.  It's not," Agostinacchio said.

So far, police will not go into detail about what exactly they found in the shelter, but officials believe the owner's intentions were good.

The animals have been put into temporary shelters. Officials said it doesn't appear any will have to be euthanized.

WFTV