Hundreds of animals at a New Smyrna Beach sanctuary could be euthanized if homes can't be found for them.
A woman and her husband were evicted from the property, which they have rented for years, is now bank-owned.
Forever Farm sanctuary animals could be euthanized: https://t.co/4MnveBg4q7 pic.twitter.com/ZLSVCFldPs
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) August 31, 2016
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — "They’re like members of the family,” said Forever Farm animal sanctuary owner Tina Richardson.
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Richardson cares for more than 400 animals that now must leave the property.
"We have to be out by Tuesday," she said.
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Animal Sanctuary ClosingANIMAL SANCTUARY: Hundreds of animals at a New Smyrna Beach sanctuary could be euthanized if homes can't be found for them. Story: http://at.wftv.com/2bVYI66
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Wednesday, August 31, 2016
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Richardson said she doesn't have a new place to take all of her animals, and with her departure deadline looming, she worries that the animals will be put down.
Animal control officials said it's unlikely that there are enough local animal organizations to save every animal in her care.
"It would basically destroy me. You might as well just euthanize me, because these animals have always been my life," said Richardson.
Among the animals are wild hogs, miniature horses, donkeys, turkey, roosters, pigeons, opossums and raccoons.
"(I have) goats and chickens and ducks and 28 cats and seven dogs, and anything that wanders in here and finds a home. So it's kind of hard to say what all I really have," said Richardson.
Volusia County Animal Control said most of the animals appear to be in good health, with the exception of two miniature horses whose ribs are showing.
Richardson hopes someone can take them all in temporarily until she finds a new home.
"It's like a dark cloud settling over you, and you cease to be able to function. The animals are relying on me. So I have to be able to keep going forward and staying positive," said Richardson.
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An animal control spokesperson said that if the animals are still on the property on Tuesday, Richardson could face neglect and abandonment charges.
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CONTACT TINA RICHARDSON AT (386) 576-6407 OR BY EMAIL: thkgod1016@gmail.com
"This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes."
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Wednesday, August 31, 2016
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