146 dogs, one kitten rescued from ‘deplorable conditions’ in Madison County, according to MCSO

MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) - 146 dogs and one kitten have been rescued from "deplorable conditions" on a Madison County property, according to a press release from the sheriff's office.

Matthew Donalies is facing 142 counts of cruelty to animals and neglect of serious injury or death, according to authorities.

Investigators searched the property Wednesday and found "many dogs (including newborn puppies), mostly rat terriers, chihuahuas, and mixed breeds located on the property but [were] surprised by the exact number located," the press release says.

MCSO determined the Madison County man was operating a backyard breeding mill and sold dogs over the internet for years. Donalies was "placed under arrest without incident," the MCSO release says.

Following Donalies' arrest, a nearly 12-hour rescue operation began with help from the Animal Rescue Corps. The nonprofit provided much-needed medical support for hundreds of dogs throughout the operation.

According to the press release, "Nearly every dog captured suffered from various illnesses and injuries including internal and external parasites, eye infections, abscessed teeth, overgrown nails, and other untreated injuries."

The rescued dogs were taken to ARC's Rescue Center located near Nashville, Tennessee. The sheriff's office says every rescued animal will get necessary medical treatment before being matched with shelters and rescue partner organizations to find them forever homes.

Sheriff David Harper said animal cruelty and neglect must be taken seriously while "recognizing that animals are victims too."

He continued, "I am extremely proud of my investigators and Animal Services staff for their hard work and dedication to the voiceless animals in Madison County each day. I am thankful for the support we receive from the community in our mission to address the uncared-for animal population."

This is the third major animal rescue operation and arrest made in northern Florida this year.

Angela Geary, the former vice president of Quincy-based 'Rest Your Paws' rescue, was arrested in June and faces 51 counts of animal cruelty and 51 counts of confining animals without sufficient food among other abuses.

Judy Du Bois was arrested in July and faces more than two dozen counts of animal cruelty for holding animals without sufficient food and water.