A Marion County family is asking for permission to keep three goats, four geese, and two ducks as emotional support animals at their nearly 1-acre property in Dunnellon, with county staff expressing concerns over the high number of animals and inadequate water filtration.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, May 19, to consider a “reasonable accommodation” request from William and Karen Loges, the owners of the 0.95-acre property located at 6500 SW 202nd Court in the Rainbow Acres subdivision.
The Loges are asking for formal permission on behalf of their tenants, Ryan and Jennifer Jones, and their two young daughters, to house three goats, four geese, and two ducks at the site.
According to a letter submitted by the family, the animals serve a vital therapeutic and emotional support function for both the adults and children, who struggle with symptoms of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The family states that daily interaction with the animals provides routine, emotional regulation, and mood stability.
A supporting letter from Ursula Patrice Crews, an APRN with UF Health Family Medicine, states that Ryan Jones is under professional care for medical conditions that meet the definition of a disability.
“A reasonable number of support animals is a necessary and therapeutic component of his treatment plan,” Crews states in her letter, noting the animals help alleviate symptoms and enhance a patient’s ability to live independently.
In their application, the family included renderings showing the site plan and survey of the home.
Despite the emotional and medical testimony, Marion County Growth Services staff is recommending that commissioners deny the request.
In the county staff report, planners express concern that the number of animals is too high for a property zoned for single-family dwellings (R-1).
Staff also notes that while the goats are kept in fenced areas, the ducks and geese have the potential to fly off-site and impact neighbors. Additionally, inspectors have previously observed a “dug-out water hole” for the birds that lacked filtration, raising concerns about it becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
During a site visit on April 3, staff also found that five goats were being kept on the property, which is two more than what was requested in the application.
If the board approves the request against staff’s recommendation, planners have proposed several strict conditions. These would include limiting the animals to only three goats, requiring the removal of all ducks and geese within 45 days, and mandating that animal waste be stored in sealed, leak-proof containers and disposed of weekly at an off-site center.
The accommodation would also be tied specifically to the current tenant and would not transfer if the property is sold or the family moves.
The property is located within the Primary Springs Protection Overlay Zone. The staff report notes that no accumulation of animal waste or odors were present during their initial inspection.
The Board of County Commissioners will hear the case during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, at 2 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus in Ocala.
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