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87 animals rescued from New Port Richey home

Posted at 12:07 PM, Apr 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-06 20:32:22-04

Animal control officers rescued 87 animals from a Pasco County home and now there are kittens and puppies that need to homes and to be bottle fed.

It happened at a home off Teak Street in the Griffin Park neighborhood.

Workers began removing animals from the home Tuesday afternoon.  County officials say they called on many local area shelters and animal rescues to help them with the overflow of animals.

The man house sitting says he has been fined more than $7,000.

"I am immune to it," said Sydney Strobeck.

According to citation papers received by Strobeck and shown to ABC Action News, he was cited for 29 adult dogs not being vaccinated and 30 adult cats.  He was also cited for failure to acquire licenses and tags for 29 adult dogs.  Citations were also issued for cruelty to 29 adult dogs, 12 puppies, 30 adult cats and at least 8 kittens.

"I want the place condemned," said neighbor Robert Lake.

Strobeck is still living in the home.  He says the homeowner, Patricia Menna Abezis, has also been cited.

He is disabled and says he has no place to live.  He told ABC Action News he has reached out to various organizations for help but has been denied.

"I wouldn't be here if I had a place to go," Stroback said.

Strobeck is set to appear in court with the homeowner at 4 p.m.

Abezis declined to comment on camera but spoke to ABC Action News over the phone.

She claims she was aware there were animals in the house but thought Strobeck was taking care of them.  She says she is 'heartbroken.' 

According to Abezis she thought she was helping a homeless man get a roof over his head.  She added she was distracted because she was caring for two sick parents, both whom have passed away in the past two months, and was not keeping a close eye on Strobeck.