37 dogs confiscated by animal control

Tarrow, who was one of the numerous adoptable dogs, peers out of his cage at the Marion County Animal Center off Southeast Baseline Road in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted December 17, 2021 | By Rosemarie Dowell
Correspondent

Roughly three dozen neglected dogs, many with feces caked to their fur and nails so long it made it difficult for them to walk, were seized from a local home Wednesday and taken to Marion County Animal Services for care and rehabilitation.

The agency two days ago responded to a complaint about a foul odor wafting from the home and once inside found 37 dogs in poor and unsanitary conditions. Most of the animals were confined to crates and had hair loss and dental issues too.

The owner of the dogs, who was not identified due to the pending investigation, wasn’t supposed to have animals in their possession at all.

In 2015, the owner was prohibited from owning any new animals, and in 2018 was charged with contempt for violating that court order, according to a Marion County press release.

Roger Waddell, public relations specialist, said Friday no charges had been filed against the repeat offender as of press time.

“The investigation is ongoing; the dogs are in the process of being looked at and given proper treatment and care,” he said. “They are being given the opportunity to have water and food to eat.”

Animal Services is pursuing legal custody of the impounded animals in the hopes of improving their health and, ultimately finding them loving homes.

Now, with the intake of the animals, the no-kill shelter is extremely overcrowded and is waiving adoption fees through Dec. 31 to encourage the public to welcome a new furry family member into their homes, according to another press release.

“We know that there’s a space in many homes where a dog bed would fit nicely,” said Marion County Animal Services director, Jim Sweet in the release.

“Adopting a dog, or any pet from our shelter right now would have a huge and immediate impact on our ability to help more animals in need,” he said.

In January, the shelter, at 5701 SE 66th St. in Ocala, received the go-ahead on a $2.1 million renovation. The updates will include a 2,000-square-foot surgical center, roughly 3,500-square-feet of staff space and more kennels.

The renovations will take place between 2021 and 2023 and projects will move forward when funds are available. Estimates for a new shelter run nearly 8.3 million.

To view photos of pets available for adoption, go to marionfl.org/animals.