Animal Rescue Corps saves 60 animals in rural Florida law enforcement operation

Operation Cage Breaker liberates dogs, cats, goats, sheep and turtles from large-scale hoarding conditions

BRANFORD, Fla., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national nonprofit animal protection organization, announced today it rescued 60 animals, including 28 dogs, 14 cats and a number of goats, sheep and turtles from a property in Branford, Fla. on Monday, Nov. 9.

The animals were seized under warrant as part of Operation Cage Breaker, and ARC is now working in coordination with its farmed animal placement partner, Alaqua Animal Refuge, to provide veterinary care, nutritious food and safe shelter pending court proceedings for legal custody of the rescued animals.

The Lafayette County Sheriff's office contacted ARC to provide rescue support, animal handling expertise and transport at the recommendation of Madison County Animal Services, which had worked with ARC on Operation Harvest Moon in 2024.

"The moment we arrived, we could see the severe distress these animals were living in," said Tim Woodward, executive director of Animal Rescue Corps. "They were forced to endure a lack of even basic care, with no fresh water, adequate food or a safe, sanitary environment. Instead, they were confined to makeshift pens amid an infestation of insects. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully, we get to give them a chance at a safe and happy life for the time they have left."

ARC responders on the scene quickly discovered animals housed outdoors in small, filthy cages and crates in one location with more animals across the road in makeshift pens cobbled together with pallets and hog wire. The alleged offender had been evicted from a relative's property and had been slowly moving the animals to a tented camp across the road from the relative's RV home. In both locations, the animals were fully exposed to weather and any other environmental hazards.

Many of the animals had severe eye irritation and infections caused by swarms of gnats covering both properties. Due to the filth in the cages, many animals also had visible skin conditions needing medical treatment and most were dangerously underweight with obvious signs of poor nutrition. Additional medical concerns discovered included heart worm, hook worms, whip worms, round worms, severe dental disease and rampant fleas and ticks.

Local officials requested ARC's assistance and specialized large-scale rescue expertise due to Lafayette County not having a dedicated animal control department, physical animal shelter or formal intake facility. Without intervention, the animals risked potentially fatal harm from worsening medical conditions brought on by their environment and neglect.

The animals were transported to ARC's rescue facility outside of Nashville where they are receiving comprehensive veterinary evaluations, vaccinations, medical treatment, nutritious food and safe shelter. ARC is working in coordination with its farmed animal placement partner, Alaqua Animal Refuge, to provide veterinary care, nutritious food and safe shelter pending court proceedings for legal custody of the rescued animals.

More information about ARC's work and how to support ongoing rescue efforts is available at animalrescuecorps.org/.

For more information about Alaqua Animal Refuge, please visit https://alaqua.org/.

About Animal Rescue Corps

Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit organization, has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse. In addition to emergency rescue, ARC offers education and shelter relief. ARC's mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals. In 2025, ARC Executive Director Tim Woodward was honored as a CNN Hero and selected as one of five finalists for the CNN Hero of the Year award. To learn more about Animal Rescue Corps, visit animalrescuecorps.org/.

SOURCE Animal Rescue Corps