A 137-acre farm that was originally donated to the county for a new Marion County Animal Services facility will now be used as an animal shelter for livestock and poultry.
Earlier this year, during the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting that was held on October 17, the farm was removed from consideration as a potential site to house the new Animal Services facility.
Two months later, on December 19, county commissioners approved the 137-acre land donation and entered into an agreement with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. According to this memorandum of understanding, MCSO will board livestock, large animals, poultry, and other seized birds at the farm, along with the agency’s other animals.
This means that confiscated livestock and birds that are typically housed at Animal Services or in the department’s pastures will soon be housed at the 137-acre farm and maintained by the sheriff’s office.
Under the new agreement, MCSO will assume lead investigation status for livestock and poultry-related animal control enforcement. In addition, the sheriff’s office will now be responsible for the housing, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the animals on the farm in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Marion County Code of Ordinances.
In addition to the 137-acre farm, the donor has also offered “20 acres of land located north of the Ocala International Airport with prime frontage on State Road 40 for the purpose of a new small domestic animal shelter facility,” according to Marion County Public Relations.
Partially located within Ocala’s city limits, this newly donated property would replace Animal Services’ current outdated facility at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.
According to county staff, preliminary information received from the city shows that the donated land would need to be annexed into Ocala’s jurisdiction, and it would also need to be reviewed for land use and zoning compliance.
The donor of the land has reviewed the concept for the new Animal Services facility. In an effort to keep this project “moving swiftly,” commissioners have granted the county commission chair with the ability to execute the donation agreement once it is approved by the county attorney.
The county’s goal is for the new animal shelter to be completed by December of 2025.
During this week’s Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting, grant funding to three local animal rescue partners – the Humane Society of Marion County; Sheltering Hands, Inc.; and Voices of Change Animal League, Inc. (VOCAL) – was also approved.
These funds, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, will help cover the cost of spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and micro-chipping services to eligible pet families who would otherwise be unable to receive such services.
In order to fulfill Marion County Animal Services’ mission of finding homes for adoptable pets in their care, county staff states that it is necessary to continue efforts to strengthen local partnerships while increasing the focus on responsible pet ownership.
To learn more about pet adoption and fostering, items that can be donated, or ways to volunteer, visit the Marion County Animal Services website.