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Seized Cats Face Euthanization; Some Dogs Are Adoptable

Photo from Hillsborough County Animal Services

This is believed to be the kitchen/dining area of the Smart residence as well as a central area for the cats that were euthanized.

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 31, 2008

Updated: 07/31/2008 04:07 pm

TAMPA - Five goats and seven cats seized Wednesday from homeowners who kept the animals in putrid conditions have been euthanized, but several of the homeowners' puppies will be adoptable Friday, investigators say.

Investigators seized 55 goats, 35 dogs and seven cats from the Seffner couple.

Six to eight Boston terrier puppies will go up for adoption Friday, Hillsborough County Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan said. Other dogs will be sent to animal rescue groups.

The 50 remaining goats will receive medicine for the next three weeks, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Animal Services investigators served a search warrant Wednesday on property owned by Larry and Rae Lynn Smart, 2005 S. Parsons Ave. in Seffner, and found the yard where the animals were kept covered in ankle-deep goat manure.

The dogs were kept in stacked rusty kennels. The animals did not have access to clean food or water, investigators said.

Investigators say the Smarts are animal breeders who advertised in local newspapers.

Rae Lynn Smart inadvertently tipped off authorities when she took two dogs to Animal Services to have them euthanized. The canines were in poor condition, investigators said.

The Smarts' home was also in a decrepit state. The roof of the house was caved in, and several broken-down vehicles and large appliances littered the lawn. Goats lived in the house, which had no running water. Feces covered the floors, and junk was stacked against the walls.

Investigators are trying to determine whether charges will be filed, Ryan said.

The puppies will be adoptable beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at 440 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa. People seeking to adopt must bring photo identification, and home renters must have their landlord's permission to have dogs.

If any puppies aren't selected Friday by Hillsborough County residents, residents from outside the county can adopt the dogs Saturday.

Information from Tribune archives was used in this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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