OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County’s exponential growth is a reality and keeping pace with that can provide a series of challenges.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners is doing its part to make sure the area maintains its quality of life. On Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. the groundbreaking for the county’s new animal shelter will take place, welcoming a new era.
The new building will be roughly 37,361 square feet, which includes 18,036 square feet just for the kennels for the animals. The county carefully planned this project, knowing that a way to raise funds was essential to bring the shelter to life.
“We have up to $22.5 million planned to bring this project to life should the Penny Sales Tax be renewed by Marion County voters in next month’s general election,” says Kathy Bryant, Marion County Commissioner vice chair. “The main funding source for this project is the Penny Sales Tax.”
Bryant mentions that the county remains committed to animal welfare. “The Best Friends Animal Society defines a n0-kill shelter as one maintaining an annual total save rate of 90% for all animals in the shelter’s care for 12 consecutive months,” Bryan stated. “Marion County has had a 90% save rate or better for animals in our care since starting this initiative in 2019.”
The new shelter will focus on smaller animals, while larger animals will be housed at different locations in the county, providing a space for a less stressful experience.
“At the end of 2023, the county commission approved a memorandum of understanding transferring investigations and housing of larger animals and livestock to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office [MCSO],” says Bryant. “As of January 2024, MCSO works all animal/livestock cases in Marion County. MCSO received a donated property in Citra that’s now used to house livestock, whether stay or seized in cruelty cases. This property also houses the Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit horses.”
The location’s new animal shelter was presented as a gift to the county. “We found the location suitable for our needs and compatible with the surrounding area,” says Bryant. “Additionally, the 20-acre lot is significantly greater than the current shelter site of less than two-acres, allowing for nearly 10 times the space.”