Citrus County Animal Services Seeks Community Support After Cruelty Case

Citrus County Animal Services Seeks Community Support After Cruelty
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.