UPDATE: ALL dogs have been placed with the many rescue organizations that so willingly offered their assistance to Sarasota County Animal Services over the past few days. Anyone wishing to adopt one of the dogs - whenthey are ready - can contact one of the groups listed below:

Almost Home, Florida Little Dog Rescue, Honor Sanctuary, Canine Castaways, Safe Haven, Suncoast Humane Society, Underdog Rescue, Florida Poodle Rescue, VIP Rescue, Kickapoo Rescue, Certified Preowned Dogs, Bay Road Animal Hospital and Ashton Animal Clinic.

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The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into a case of animal hoarding at a home in Venice Acres.

Animal Services removed an estimated 263 small dogs over the past few days from 220 High Point Drive, Venice. The animals were kept in a series of chicken coop-like structures outdoors. The dogs are a variety of breeds, including Chihuahuas, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Bouviers and Schnauzers.

Deputies initially removed two dozen dogs that were in poor medical condition and returned to the property to seize the remaining animals. Most of the dogs have severely matted fur, fleas, intestinal parasites and eye issues. All of the dogs need to be medically evaluated, treated and/or cleared before they will be available for adoption. Seventy dogs have already been transferred to area rescues and others will be moved today. Criminal charges against the owner are pending.

Adoptions will begin Monday at the earliest, and interested citizens can download an application from www.SarasotaSheriff.org and under Public Interest click Animal Services. Please do not call Animal Services until that time to ensure all staff members are available to care for the dogs, in addition to the other 122 dogs and cats that were already in the shelter.

The Sheriff’s Office is grateful to the area veterinary clinics and rescue groups that are assisting us with this enormous effort. They include Sarasota Humane Society, Disaster Animal Response Team, Sarasota In Defense of Animals, Almost Home, Florida Little Dog Rescue, Honor Sanctuary, Canine Castaways, Safe Haven, Suncoast Humane Society, Underdog Rescue, Florida Poodle Rescue, VIP Rescue, Kickapoo Rescue, Certified Preowned Dogs, Bay Road Animal Hospital and Ashton Animal Clinic.