MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A backyard breeder in northwest Miami-Dade was cited for animal cruelty after local animal advocates said they discovered dogs living in despicable conditions, packed into kennels filled with feces and lacking basic necessities like food and water.
The investigation began after concerned neighbors and rescue groups circulated videos on social media showing the dire state of the dogs.
In the video footage, the animals could be seen sitting in their own feces, visibly distressed.
Joy Vazquez, founder of Joy and Love Rescue, was among the first to respond to the scene.
“They’re in cages in the heat… all these dogs out here, it’s horrible, they’re hungry,” she said.
One of the videos showed a dog desperately gulping down an entire pint of water within a minute, demonstrating the severe neglect.
As more footage surfaced, local animal advocates rallied to rescue the dogs, describing the conditions as inhumane and urging immediate action.
When animal services and Local 10 arrived at the property located near the 4500 block Northwest 27th Avenue, across from the Brother and Sister Barbecue, they were met with resistance from a man who appeared familiar with the dogs.
Despite being recorded on video handling the dogs the night before, the man denied any connection to them.
“What dogs?” he repeatedly asked when confronted by reporters. “Ain’t no dogs,” he insisted.
At that point, the kennels had been emptied, but the damage was already done.
Miami-Dade Animal Services officials left a citation for animal cruelty, noting the presence of flies, trash, feces and unsanitary conditions.
The citation also called for the kennels to be cleaned. Despite repeated attempts, authorities said they were unable to obtain the name of the dog owner and the breeder’s identity remained unconfirmed.
However, rescue groups didn’t leave empty-handed. Vazquez and her team managed to rescue four dogs from the property, including a puppy named Pandora, her parents Princess and Pluto and another dog named Peter.
Vazquez shared her concern for the dogs’ well-being with Local 10 Animal Advocate Jacey Birch.
“I saw these dogs in cages outside, and I wanted to help, she said.
Despite her best efforts, rescuing the dogs came with a financial cost. Vazquez revealed that the backyard breeder demanded payment for the animals.
All of those dogs were rescued that day, but they had to be paid. The rescue groups shelled out between $400 and $600 per dog to ensure their safety. In total, seven dogs were saved by various rescue organizations.
The breeder, who continued to operate despite the citation, reportedly offered more dogs for sale.
“I have more dogs if you want,” the man told rescuers after they secured the initial group of animals. The statement raised concerns among advocates about the ongoing cycle of breeding and selling in such deplorable conditions.
The citation for animal cruelty was issued to Mateos Real Estate Holdings, the company that owns the property, but it remains unclear whether any further legal action will be taken against the breeder.
Birch shared relief that the four rescued dogs have since been vetted, spayed, and neutered, and are now up for adoption through Joy and Love Rescue.
“This is why we always say to adopt from a shelter or rescue rather than purchase from a backyard breeder or puppy mill,” said Birch. “You never know the conditions these animals are kept in.”
Click here for more information on how you can adopt a pet through Joy and Love Rescue.
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