BOCC forms committee to search for Humane Society land
By Claude Lewis
 

BRONSON - The Levy County Commissioners listened with sympathetic ears as Michelle Hagan and Toni Collins spoke on behalf of the Humane Society of Levy County's needs for land for a permanent home.

They were impressed by their presentation at Tuesday's meeting at the County Courthouse and nodded in agreement that the Human Society's services are a blessing to the county.

The commissioners concurred that leasing land to the Humane Society for a spay/neuter clinic would be a noble thing to do.

But all were not on the same page as far as which plot of land to lease to the HSLC.

Hence, the four commissioners present approved creating a committee to explore options and search for land that best fits the needs of everyone involved.

The issue will be revisited at the second meeting of August.

The Humane Society of Levy County came into Tuesday's meeting with the intentions of securing a 5-acre plot of land owned by the county on CR 335 east of Bronson - near the county landfill.

The fledgling Humane Society's temporary base for the past two years has been at the Bronson home of its president, Mike Schenk.

Collins said that the targeted lot off CR 335 was also close to the County Animal Shelter, which has worked hand-in-hand with the Humane Society in animal rescues the past few years.

While that made lots of sense to committee woman Nancy Bell, chair Sammy Yearty was looking at a bigger picture.

“I'm willing to support them (Humane Society), but I have concerns about the particular site,” he said. “I've done some research on the landfill property. There will be an increase of debris with growth. We need space for storm debris and material.”

Tony Parker of District 1 pointed out that the landfill is already a busy area.

Yearty and Parker think perhaps a more sedentary site might be better suited for the Humane Society.

Schenk said that 5 acres would be an ideal size to service the county's animals. A 40-by-60 foot steel building is tentatively planned. This would serve as animal hospital and housing for pets up for adoption. They would need room to exercise and walk animals plus room for parking.

The Humane Society is currently raising money for its building through bikers for pets rallies, family concerts and bake sales. A more extensive fund-raising effort will seek out grants and donations from the private and commercial sectors.

Schenk said he has no exact time frame, but that he would love to see the project come to fruition in two years or less.

“I'd like to see us work with this group,” said Bell from District 2. “I'm 100 percent in favor of forming a committee to help find a site.”

The commissioners welcomed Humane Society members to be a part of the committee.

Michelle Hagan, the Levy Humane Society's Director of Education, started off the meeting by giving some background of what the society has accomplished and what it is willing to do in the future.

She said the Humane Society has arranged Animal Services to receive food and cat litter from Pets in Distress, an Ocala based organization. That has allowed Animal Services to free up money for things like bowls, fans and educational materials.

“We educate the people of Levy County on where to find their lost pets, adopt a new family member and change the mind set that shelter kills everything that enters the facility,” she said.

Hagan said that while 472 animals were adopted from 2002-04, the number has climbed to 807 from 2005 to present.

“As the human population of Levy County grows, so will the animal populations,” said Collins, who is also on the County Planning and Zoning Board. “Unwanted and stray animals place a huge financial burden on the county government's pocketbook.”

“Our own building is the perfect answer,” Schenk said.