A 77-year-old Florida mail carrier has been arrested after authorities found more than 100 cats and small dogs in allegedly squalid conditions at her Stuart home. The Martin County sheriff described it as the worst animal-hoarding case he had seen, and the investigation is expanding as further animals are recovered and some are reunited with owners.

Gail Giustino was arrested on 20 July after animals were found in cages reportedly filled with faeces. Sheriff John Budensiek said she had been collecting cats encountered along her postal route; the scale of the rescue has raised concerns that pets may have been taken from local residents.