The Town of Hempstead is now suing a Florida animal rescue in an about-face to recover four shelter dogs following a Team 12 Investigates report that uncovered the troubled past of the owner of PawsEver Home.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter paid PawsEver Home an undisclosed amount of taxpayer dollars to send the animals to its care back in February. The idea was to help rehabilitate the longtime shelter dogs.

In May, Team 12 Investigates uncovered that the rescue’s owner, Michael Breitsprecher, and its main trainer have a history of animal violations. According to Palm Beach County Court records, the violations include dogs in distress, operating illegal boarding facilities and hindering animal control investigations.

Team 12 Investigates also discovered that the rescue was facing eviction for unpaid rent. They had not paid rent since February, court records show.

At the time of our first report, a Town of Hempstead spokesperson said the rescue’s owner was a “highly regarded trainer” who was “thoroughly vetted by the Town” through “careful scrutiny of references.”

However, the town is now reversing course and has cut all ties with the rescue. According to the lawsuit, the town believes “the animals’ well-being is in serious jeopardy” after they “discovered evidence that supports that Defendants are unable to provide sufficient care and shelter.”

“Despite our numerous demands, Pawsever Home has refused to return the four dogs that were initially placed under their care based on the fraudulent information they provided to the Town during the screening process,” said Brian Devine, communications director for the Town of Hempstead. “As such, the Town has sued this organization to retrieve these dogs.”

Animal advocates said they raised concerns about PawsEver Home months ago and believe the Town should have acted sooner.

“I am glad that they are taking those steps,” said Diane Madden, an animal activist in Nassau County. “What concerns me though is the fact that they waited until you were involved, or News 12 showed some interest, and suddenly they started backpedaling. That should not be the case.”

A town spokesperson said they have instituted additional safeguards in their screening process for potential rescue partners to further protect the wellbeing of the dogs and cats in their care.