Citrus County Animal Services Seeks Community Support After Cruelty Case
Case
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. 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.