The Postal Worker's 'Secret Job': 'The Stench Was Unreal'

A Florida mail carrier was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after 108 dogs and cats were found in her home in squalid conditions. She is suspected of stealing pets along her mail route. Dozens of residents have come to rescue facilities trying to locate their missing pets, some of which have already been returned to their original owners.

A Florida mail carrier, 77-year-old Gail Giustino, was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a search of her home in Stuart found 108 dogs and cats kept in severely neglected conditions. Giustino is suspected of collecting and even stealing cats and dogs along her mail delivery route. About two weeks ago, local police raided her home, and according to the local sheriff, John Budensiek, officers had to use protective suits due to the intense stench. Inside, piles of waste and feces were found about 30 centimeters high, and there was no air conditioning or ventilation despite the heavy heat. "The stench was unreal," Budensiek said. In total, about 70 cats and dozens of dogs were rescued from the home. People from the pet society that received the animals reported they were in poor physical and mental condition, with some showing severe trauma symptoms and immobility. The sheriff noted that Giustino was released on $50,000 bail, and authorities hope the legal process will lead to proper mental health treatment for her. Since the rescue, dozens of residents have come to the animal society facilities trying to identify their pets that went missing recently. Professionals reported that several animals have already been returned to their original owners after being identified as stolen or collected by the mail carrier.