Citrus County Animal Services (CCAS) is seeking community support after receiving a large number of animals from a local cruelty case. On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and CCAS recovered twenty-one dogs, twenty-seven cats, six various species of birds, five rabbits, one turtle, and one chicken from a residence in Homosassa.

Citrus County Animal Services Seeks Community Support After Cruelty Case

Unfortunately, due to medical conditions related to neglect, humane euthanasia was performed on one of the dogs recovered from the scene. Additional livestock were also seized from outside the home. These animals have all been transported to the Citrus County Animal Shelter for evaluation and treatment.

The animals received from this cruelty case are not yet available for adoption, foster, or rescue. Their status will be updated as they receive forensic veterinary exams and much-needed medical treatment. It is the priority of CCAS to ensure that the animals receive all the care they need and that all evidence needed for the criminal investigation is collected prior to placement.

Due to this major influx of animals requiring care, CCAS is currently operating by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call (352) 746-8400. If staff are unable to answer due to large call volumes, please leave a message and they will be sure to return your call.

For adoptable animals currently housed at CCAS, adoption fees have been waived until further notice. CCAS adoptions are available to Citrus County residents, as well as residents of other counties. Citrus County residents will still be required to pay a license fee of $10 while adoption fees are waived. The animals available for adoption at CCAS are listed on the Citrus County website: www.citrusbocc.com/departments/community_services/animal_services/find_a_pet.php. This site is updated in real-time and has the most up-to-date listings of animals available for adoption, so check back frequently for updates.

Those who cannot adopt are encouraged to consider fostering. Fostering allows dogs to get a break from the shelter environment, opens space for other animals that must come into the shelter, and helps staff learn more about their personalities, which can be helpful in efforts to place them in “forever homes.” Learn more about their “Fabulous Foster Program” by contacting CCAS or emailing Leigh Sweet at leigh.sweet@citrusbocc.com. CCAS also asks that all approved rescue partners come forward to help, if possible. If a rescue group would like to partner with CCAS, please call the shelter or email colleen.yarbrough@citrusbocc.com.

CCAS is also in need of donations and volunteers. Donations can be sent to the Citrus County Animal Shelter at 4030 South Airport Rd, Inverness, FL. Items needed include Purina Dog Chow (chicken), Purina Cat Chow, pate-style canned dog and cat food, chicken feed, goat food, rabbit- and bird-safe fruit and veggies, pot belly pig food, pine shavings, Timothy-only hay, rabbit bedding, dog and cat bedding (beds, blankets, sheets), and towels. Monetary donations can also be submitted online at www.citrusbocc.com/departments/community_services/animal_services/donations. For those interested in becoming a volunteer, an application can be found at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citrusfl/jobs/2332919/volunteer.

“Opening your heart and home to any of our available pets will do so much for the shelter, improving the animal’s quality of life, opening up more space in the shelter, and allowing our staff to focus on those that need medical care,” says CCAS director, Colleen Yarbrough. “It is because of our outstanding community and their support that we are able to help the pets that need us the most.”

If you have any questions, please contact CCAS at (352) 746-8400 or email colleen.yarbrough@citrusbocc.com.