Citrus County animal shelter 'begging' for adoptions

INVERNESS (FOX 13) - There is no room at the Citrus County Animal Services shelter, and now officials are “begging” for help.

On Monday, 65 dogs were seized from an elderly couple. The maximum number of dogs the shelter can hold is 106, but with the recent intake, the number of dogs at the shelter is now at 177. The county has sent a plea out to volunteers and rescues to find adopters to take the current animals, or else the shelter will have to euthanize for space.

According to deputies, they responded to the elderly couple’s Homosassa home after the husband had a medical issue. Firefighters and medics called law enforcement after seeing the poor conditions of the home. The homeowner said she was overwhelmed and admitted it wasn’t the healthy living environment for herself or the dogs. Criminal charges are not being filed at this time.

Among the 65 dogs, most are purebred Rat Terriers. All adoption fees will be waived, however, Citrus County residents will be required to pay $10 for the county registration tag. The shelter is located at 4030 South Airport Road in Inverness, or you can call to inquire about adoptions at 352-746-8400.

An adoption event will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1785 South Suncoast Boulevard in Homosassa.