HIALEAH, Fla. – A Miami-Dade woman known for rescuing animals from the streets is now facing homelessness, along with nearly 50 sick dogs and cats in her care, many of whom are in desperate need of medical treatment.
Joicelyn Baer, an animal rescuer in Hialeah, is struggling to keep up with the growing number of sick animals in her home.
Once a proud owner of the now-defunct Furry Critters Rescue, Baer has continued her rescue efforts despite no longer receiving formal support or funding.
“It got to the point where nobody wanted them,” Baer said, gesturing to the dozens of cats and dogs in her care. Many of the cats suffer from FIV, making them especially vulnerable to illness.
Baer’s reliance on Facebook for donations and adopters has not been enough to meet the overwhelming medical needs of the animals.
“You can’t possibly keep up with all the vet bills,” she admitted.
Now, she and the animals face an even bigger crisis. The home has been sold, and Baer must vacate the property by the end of the month. Recent reports of a fire in the house have added to the urgency, as the animals were put at risk.
“I try my best, I try my hardest,” Baer said, her voice heavy with emotion.
Miami-Dade Animal Services has been to Baer’s home numerous times since 2020, responding to complaints about the conditions. Although Baer was served with orders to provide veterinary care, she complied, but the situation continues to spiral.
Last year, M-DAS field officer Adrian Diaz reported a strong odor of urine and feces at the property. However, each report from the agency noted the presence of anywhere from 12 to 35 cats, and no further action was taken. No citations were issued, and the animals were deemed to be in fair condition.
“It’s just pretty sad. We’re rescuers. We’re supposed to be helping these animals and unfortunately, these animals are not getting rescued,” said Baer. “They are getting pulled in but they are not getting what they deserve, which is proper vetting, a proper home and being healthy.”
Animal rescuer Jane Ziemba along with other rescue groups have managed to remove about a dozen dogs from Baer’s home over the years, but many more remain. Six dogs still await rescue, while the fate of the cats — many of whom are sick and elderly — remains uncertain.
“I want this to end. I want help for these animals,” said Ziemba. “We want them safe. We want them taken care of properly. We want them happy.”
With time running out, three rescue groups have offered to take the dogs. However, the cats pose a larger challenge. M-DAS may need to remove as many as 40 cats from the property in the coming weeks.
Baer’s plight highlights the challenges faced by independent animal rescuers, many of whom operate with limited resources and increasing demand. The future of these animals, once saved from the streets, now hangs in the balance.
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