Hoarding, owner not fit to look after 37 dogs Boynton Beach, FL (US) Incident Date: Saturday, Jan 22, 2000 County: Palm Beach Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Marta Pejouhy

Case ID: 9361 Classification: Hoarding Animal: dog (non pit-bull), dog (pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

Marta Pejouhy, 62, who lives on Southeast 28th Avenue, Boynton Beach had her 37 dogs seized and the county got custody of the animals.

Acting on a search warrant Jan 22, the dogs were found living with rats in a house filled with feces, urine and garbage. County Judge Susan Lubitz agreed with the city that under the conditions found, Pejouhy was "unfit or unable to adequately provide for the animals."

Pejouhy's attorney is trying to get back 10 dogs for his client. A motion has been filed asking Judge Lubitz to reconsider her decision and impose a stay on any adoption proceedings. Bert Shapero, attorney for Pejouhy said the conditions in the home might have been unsuitable for humans but may have been sufficient for the animals.

The dogs that were seized consist of: 12 retrievers, five hounds, four pit bulls, three German shepherds, and dogs of six other breeds.

The animal control officer for Boynton Beach said a few of the dogs were treated for minor medical conditions.

In Pejouhy's home many dogs were in crates that were too small or had been leashed to a chair. Other dogs were chained to trees in the front yard. The front yard was covered with feces, dirty food bowls, open bags of dog food and dead rats.

After being checked by a veterinarian, the results showed they appeared to be well-fed, but had minor medical conditions such as eye and ear infections, hair loss, fly-bitten years and open sores.

Pejouhy said she knew the situation was out of control, but said "at least (the dogs) are not at the pound being killed."

It appears Pejouhy finds stray dogs and keeps them in her home without notifying authorities as required by the state law.

Pejouhy owes fines in excess of $10,000 as a result of a lien on her property, she has been fined $25 a day since Jan 18, 1999, for failing to maintain her property. Judge Lubitz denied the city's motion to require Pejouhy to pay for costs of caring for her dogs since Jan 22 which totals more than $10,000.

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References

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - Mar 9, 2000

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