Ten frightened puppies were found huddled under a woodpile in rural Homestead, part of what advocates say is a growing and heartbreaking epidemic across South Florida: pets abandoned and left to die.

Stella, a black and white mixed-breed dog, greeted Local 10’s Animal Advocate Jacey Birch with kisses during a recent visit to Animal Aid, a non-profit rescue based in Oakland Park.

Big dogs like Paige and Mushu often face longer odds in the shelter system — but rescue groups across South Florida are teaming up to make sure they get the second chance they deserve.

Recently Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch conducted a two-part investigation on a dog that was never deemed dangerous.

The Good Luck Cat Café in Fort Lauderdale is giving animal lovers a unique way to meet adoptable cats while enjoying a cozy atmosphere.

A South Florida animal rescue group is searching for a loving home for Bruno, a French bulldog with a spinal cord injury, while also working to find families for kittens rescued from the euthanasia list at Miami-Dade Animal Services.

A South Florida animal rescue is searching for active pet parents to adopt a pair of energetic miniature pinscher mixes named Woody and Buzz.

Finding the perfect pet for your family may require a visit to your local shelter, but Local 10 Animal Advocate Jacey Birch makes it easier by bringing the shelter to you.

The Upper Keys Humane Society is putting the spotlight on its adoptable cats, and Local 10′s Animal Advocate Jacey Birch is helping to find them forever homes.

Hundreds of animal lovers and their four-legged companions gathered Saturday morning for the 35th annual VCA Walk for the Animals, the largest fundraiser for the Humane Society of Broward County.

Local 10′s Animal Advocate Jacey Birch is urging the South Florida community to adopt from the Florida Humane Society, where many pets are waiting for loving homes.

Local 10 animal advocate Jacey Birch recently delved into allegations of a cat dying after receiving a blood transfusion of dog blood from a South Florida animal hospital, and now she is back with a follow-up investigation into Leader Animal Specialty Hospital.

Local 10 Animal Advocate Jacey Birch first introduced viewers to Pawsitive Beginnings, a non-profit fox sanctuary in the Florida Keys more than a year and a half ago. Now the non-profit is giving back to children in the community.

Some big-hearted dogs with even bigger personalities are looking for forever homes at Abandoned Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale.

It’s an event tailor made for humans and their furry friends.

One humane society down in the Florida Keys is helping to control the pet population with low-cost spaying and neutering.

The Florida Humane Society works to save animals in Broward and Collier counties.

This Week In South Florida host Glenna Milberg interviews Republican state Rep. Daniel Perez, of Miami, the incoming Florida House Speaker; Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo, the incoming Florida Senate minority leader; U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, elected to serve his 12th term representing District 26; and Miami-Dade County Sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Milberg also features Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch’s interview with Annette Jose, the Miami-Dade County Animal Services director.

This Week In South Florida host Glenna Milberg interviews Republican state Rep. Daniel Perez, of Miami, the incoming Florida House Speaker; Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo, the incoming Florida Senate minority leader; U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, elected to serve his 12th term representing District 26; and Miami-Dade County Sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Milberg also features Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch’s interview with Annette Jose, the Miami-Dade County Animal Services director.

Local animal rescue groups like Saving Sage Animal Rescue are stepping up to care for pets in need and find them new homes.

A pair of special needs cats are in special need of new pet parents.

Local 10 was on Miami Beach Tuesday when a rehabilitated pelican was released back into the wild by a local nonprofit rescue group.

Local 10′s Animal Advocate Jacey Birch visited Saving Grace and Her Furry Friends showing animals that are currently up for adoption.

There are countless abandoned animals that are left on the streets of South Florida or dumped at shelters.

Abandoned Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale is working hard to find permanent homes for more than 150 cats, all housed in their special “Cat Room.”

Hurricanes Beryl and Debby have already wreaked havoc this summer and we are just a few short weeks away from the peak of hurricane season.

Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch recently reported on a missing orange cat from Dania Beach named Andy.

The purrfect day for some goodwill exercise with your fur buddy is only a few weeks away.

Every Sunday afternoon, Wildlife Nation airs right here on Local 10 News.

As Local 10′s animal advocate, Jacey Birch always preaches “adopt don’t shop” and encourages everyone to save rescue animals instead of purchasing pets from stores and puppy mills.

Feral cats have long been a point of contention. Many love the outdoor, free-roaming felines, but there are others who do not appreciate the mostly homeless animals.

There’s a brand new marketing campaign rolling around Wilton Manors with the best mascot possible.

With summer upon us and the kiddos out of school soon, parents may be looking for things to do to entertain all those bored munchkins!

The Humane Society of Broward County will be hosted the VCA Walk for the Animals event in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.

The Humane Society of Broward County will be hosted the VCA Walk for the Animals event in Fort Lauderdale next Saturday.

The Humane Society of Broward County continued its search Saturday on finding a loving, permanent home for pets.

As a Dania Beach woman faces possible charges for breeding dogs in unsanitary conditions, animal advocates are urging others to do their homework when purchasing pets from a breeder.

A kitten was seen being thrown around like a toy in Sunny Isles Beach and one local animal lover stepped in to save that baby feline.

For the last four years, Raj the Iguana Man, has been removing iguanas all around South Florida.

On a Saturday morning in March, you and a four-legged friend can walk together for a good cause.

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The 31st annual VCA Walk for the Animals is not paw-sing for anything, not even the pandemic. It has been retailored to be a virtual walk this year with the same goal of helping the Humane Society of Broward County continue its mission of providing services to animals and offering educational programs to people of all ages. This year’s event will feature Local 10 anchor Jacey Birch as the emcee along with a live YouTube broadcast, virtual scavenger hunt and an online silent auction. Whether you choose to walk in your neighborhood or around your home, anyone from any part of the world can participate. AdThe Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization located at 2070 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale.

With travel not an option right now for many Americans, hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest and taking their TV audience on a “virtual road trip” next week — and the first stop is right here in Miami. Part of their visit will include conversations with Local 10′s Chief Certified Meteorologist Betty Davis and chef Michelle Bernstein from SoFlo Taste. There will also be a performance of “El Cambio” by CHESCA, live from Miami. It airs at 10 a.m. Monday, right after Local 10 News at 9 a.m.Ripa and Seacrest discussed their upcoming visit with Local 10 anchor Jacey Birch, which you can watch in the video at the top of this page. In an effort to bring sunshine to people across the country, “Live with Kelly and Ryan” will also be paying virtual visits to Austin, San Juan, Phoenix and Palm Springs for the rest of next week.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Local 10′s Jacey Birch, who tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, said she continues to isolate after not receiving two consecutive negative tests. “No one in my circle tested positive. Birch said she feels like she is one of the “lucky ones” after suffering only mild symptoms from the virus. Just wanted to let everyone know that I tested positive for coronavirus yesterday. That’s for the safety of everyone in the building.” Birch said on Sunday she tested negative and on Monday tested positive.

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic has decreased the supply of dogs and cats, and this is hurting the Humane Society of Broward County. Angela Caballero said she is spending more time at home now, so she has more time for a pet. The shelter has had to reach out to other shelters in rural areas, but even that hasn’t been enough. There are 80 spots for dogs at the Humane Society’s shelter at 2070 Griffin Rd., in Dania Beach, but only 17 were occupied on Friday afternoon. AdThe Humane Society of Broward, a private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1944, has an annual budget of about $7 million.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Local 10 News morning anchor Jacey Birch tested positive for COVID-19 this week and is recovering at home. Jacey tested positive Thursday morning after experiencing a dry, hoarse cough, body aches and a slight sore throat Wednesday evening. She says she took both a rapid and PCR test. The rapid test came back positive and she is still awaiting her results for the PCR test. Management at Local 10 News has contacted those who have recently come into close contact with Jacey.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – For a third consecutive year, the American Heart Association is hosting the Move with HEART Survivor Fashion Show to celebrate survivors of heart disease and stroke. “The Move with HEART Survivor Fashion Show is an opportunity to honor and celebrate those strong and brave individuals from our community that have battled heart disease or stroke and have come out as warriors,” said Jennifer Campbell, executive director of the American Heart Association. The goal of the Move with HEART Survivor Fashion Show is also to highlight the importance of living an active lifestyle. Along with the fashion show, the event will feature family-friendly activities, heart-healthy cooking demos, a mobile bus giving produce, hands-only CPR training, live entertainment and more. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

"Safe Spaces" star Justin Long and its director speak to Local 10 News anchor Jacey Birch about the movie, screening at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and the connection he has to...

"Safe Spaces" star Justin Long and its director speak to Local 10 News anchor Jacey Birch about the movie, screening at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and the connection he has to... Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

Radar and Jupiter, along with their parents Jacey Birch and Trent Aric, are wishing you a very happy National Puppy Day.

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Special Operations Wounded Warriors will be holding a dinner and live auction Friday in South Florida. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Boca Resort & Club in Boca Raton. Recognized as a support organization for veterans, SOWW helps provide therapeutic retreats to both active duty and veteran U.S. military special operations forces who have been wounded in battles overseas. Local 10 News anchor Jacey Birch will emcee the event and will be joined by Mark Geist, a former U.S. Marine and member of the security team that fought the battle of Benghazi. Geist will be a speaker at the event.

Local 10 News morning anchor Jacey Birch will serve as emcee of the Special Operations Wounded Warriors dinner and live auction in Boca Raton. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.