S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County Responds to Major Dog Rescue: 67 Dogs Now Under Care
S.M.A.R.T. (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) of Flagler County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is providing emergency care and placement support for 67 dogs following an escalating rescue situation that began
with a large-scale dumping case two weeks ago.
Two weeks ago, S.M.A.R.T. responded to an initial incident in which 16 dogs from the dumping case came into our care. Yesterday, the same family surrendered an additional 51 dogs, bringing the total number of dogs currently under S.M.A.R.T.’s care to 67.
“This has been an overwhelming case for our small, volunteer-run organization,” said Caroline Johnson, Founder of S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County. “But every single dog matters, and we are committed to making sure each one receives the medical attention, safety, and future they deserve.”
Community Partners Made This Rescue Possible
S.M.A.R.T. extends sincere gratitude to the agencies, veterinary partners, and community members who acted quickly and compassionately:
• City of Palm Coast Animal Control, for their persistence and professionalism in helping convince the family to surrender the additional dogs, and for the extensive work required to help get all 51 dogs safely out, coordinated, and transported to East Coast Animal Hospital for immediate triage.
• East Coast Animal Hospital, who—on only minutes’ notice—assembled a team to triage all 51 dogs yesterday, while continuing to care for their regular clients and scheduled appointments.
• Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who are working together on the criminal aspect of this case.
• S.M.A.R.T. fosters and board members, who showed up immediately yesterday to help transport, support triage, and step in wherever needed to make this response possible.
“We know the public sees the rescue moment,” Johnson added, “but there is an overwhelming amount of work and time that goes into caring for these dogs afterward. We are deeply grateful to every foster and every board member who stepped up—this would not be possible without you.”
Ongoing Investigation
This is an active, ongoing investigation. At this time, S.M.A.R.T. cannot answer questions related to the investigative or criminal component of the case.
Dogs Receiving Veterinary Care and Foster Placement
All dogs are currently receiving the veterinary care they need. Many are moving into foster homes as they stabilize, and those requiring additional treatment—including IV fluids and critical care—are doing well as of today.
Adoption Interest: First Dogs Will Be Ready Soon
S.M.A.R.T. expects the dogs from the initial group (the first dogs rescued two weeks ago) will be the first to begin meeting potential adopters.
If you are interested in adopting:
1. Please visit smartflagler.com/adopt to complete an application if you have not already.
2. If you have already applied, a volunteer will reach out over the next 24–48 hours to schedule meet-and-greet appointments.
If we missed an email or message, we sincerely apologize. Our team is doing everything.possible while managing an extraordinary emergency response.
How the Community Can Help Right Now
Caring for 67 dogs requires urgent support—medical care, supplies, and foster placement resources.
• Donate: https://donorbox.org/help-the-67-hoarder-case-babies
• Foster/Volunteer: https://smartflagler.com/foster/
Media Contact
Caroline Johnson, Founder, S.M.A.R.T. (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) of Flagler County
Email: caroline@smartflagler.com
