On Dec. 15, nearly 40 dogs were discovered in poor and unsanitary conditions inside a home following a citizen’s complaint about a foul odor wafting from the house. Many of the dogs were locked in crates and had feces caked to their fur. The canines also had hair loss, dental issues and nails so long it made it difficult for them to walk.
In 2015, the owner of the dogs was prohibited from owning any new animals. In 2018, the owner was charged with contempt for violating that court order, according to a Marion County press release following the seizure.
A half-dozen of the dogs have found their fur-ever homes, and roughly 20 have been placed with rescues, according to Marion County. Another dozen are still under the care of Marion County Animals Services in Ocala and are being assessed for adoption and/or rescue.
So far this fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1, Marion County Animal Services has seized 110 dogs, 54 cats, six livestock and eight birds.
For details on adoption, go to marionfl.org/animals.
