MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County commissioners on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, unanimously denied a reasonable accommodation request that would have allowed goats, ducks and geese to remain at a Dunnellon-area residential property.
The request involved a 0.95-acre property at 6500 SW 202nd Ct., where tenants Ryan and Jennifer Jones sought permission to keep three goats, four geese and two ducks alongside chickens already permitted under county code.
County planner Eric Kramer told commissioners the property is zoned R-1 residential, where livestock and waterfowl are not allowed by right. The request stemmed from an ongoing code enforcement case tied to complaints about the animals.
During the hearing, Jennifer Jones said the animals provide emotional and therapeutic support for her family, including her husband and daughter, who are on the autism spectrum.
“These are personal animals that are maintained in a controlled and limited setting,” Jones told commissioners. “I am simply asking for an opportunity to responsibility maintain a small number of animals on my property while continuing to be respectful of my neighboring community.”
Ryan Jones also spoke in support of the request, saying the animals help him cope with depression, anxiety and autism.
“It brings joy,” Jones said. “That’s where my heart lies.”
County staff recommended denial, citing concerns about compatibility with the residential neighborhood, reports of animals leaving the property and a standing-water area used by the ducks and geese that could attract mosquitos if not properly maintained.
Neighbors who spoke during public comment opposed the request, describing noise, odors and sanitation concerns. Neighbor Glenda Lumpkin told commissioners she bought property in the neighborhood because it was “very quiet,” but said that was “not the case anymore” because of the animals.
Another neighbor, Wesley Weisman, described the situation as “a brutal time trying to deal with this” and said the geese and other animals had made it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities at his home.
Commissioners also questioned whether the property was large enough to support the waterfowl and discussed whether the requested animals were necessary under the reasonable accommodation request.
The board reviewed a letter from a medical provider supporting the need for emotional support animals, though commissioners noted the document did not specify the type or number of animals required. Commissioner Michelle Stone said the property’s permitted hens and two dogs should be enough to serve as companion animals while remaining within county regulations.
Commissioners voted unanimously to deny the request and gave the applicants 30 days to remove the unapproved animals from the property.
Before closing the hearing, Stone told the applicants they could look for property with agricultural zoning if they wished to continue keeping the animals.