The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - August 13, 2008
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
"It Takes a Community"
Levy County distemper epidemic
Yankeetown Mayor’s Report
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
Special to The Newscaster by Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD
The recent disease outbreak at Levy County Animal Services can be summed up by
Good News! The appeals court has dismissed the appeal made by Sherwood Part-
paraphrasing the saying "It takes a village." It takes a community to create the problems
ners LLC in the case of the zoning on the old Saxon Oil property. Sherwood had appealed a
associated with the sheltering and disposition of homeless companion animals. Levy County
decision made by the lower court in favor of Yankeetown upholding Yankeetown's position
Animal Services is tasked by the community with accommodating the castoffs of irrespon-
that the property was zoned residential and commercial usage was no longer allowed. The
sible animal ownership, including free-roaming strays, abandoned or unwanted pets, and
appeal court granted our attorneys request for dismissal when Sherwood failed to respond to
animal suffering from cruelty and neglect. Their mission includes reducing pet overpopula-
the court in a timely manner. Hopefully this will end a decade old dispute concerning the
tion by spaying and neutering, reuniting lost pets with owners, providing shelter for home-
zoning and usage of the property which has been owned by Vic Wickman. The property is the
less animals and promoting their adoption into pet homes, and preventing cruelty. More than
site of an old oil tank farm which had discontinued operations more than twenty years ago.
4,000 animals from the community enter their facility each year, and on any glven day, the staff
Mr. Wickman has contended that he was still entitled to the nonconforming commercial usage
cares for hundreds of dogs and cats.
mainly because he had used the boat basin for commercial use. The case has been very
With this high density population and the daily onslaught of new arrivals from all
confusing to many people because it is an odd concept that there was a world before zoning.
corners of the community, it should not surprise anyone that infectious disease outbreaks are
The oil farm was built around the 40's at a time when there was no zoning. Yankeetown
a constant threat to the health and welfare of sheltered animals. But infectious disease out-
installed zoning in the 60's and by that time all the surrounding area was developing as
breaks don't just spontaneously erupt in shelters. They start in the community. Infectious
residential so the oil farm was designated from day one as residential, Yankeetown never
agents deceptively enter the shelter, hidden in the bodies of unwanted and neglected animals
changed the zoning. The nonconforming commercial usage was allowed to continue HOW-
from the community. Once inside the shelter, factors that favor the spread of disease in the
EVER, once it ceased the commercial use would no longer be allowed. The courts have upheld
population include close proximity in crowded kennels, stress in animals confused by their
this.
new surroundings, and a large proportion of native animals with no immunity to the patho-
Water, water everywhere but not a drop is free. Unfortunately the water rates will be
gen. The shelter is a mirror reflecting the presence of infectious diseases lurking in unvacci-
going up. Despite the fact that we got significant grant for the new water plant, 85%, we will
nated and neglected animals in the community.
still have debt service on the remaining 15%. Also the new plant is far more complex and will
The community shelter recently experienced its first known outbreak of canine dis-
require more operator time and additional supplies which add to the operating cost. This is not
temper. While this age-old scourge is a rare foe for the pampered pet dog, it is public enemy
a sudden idea, the increase in water rates was estimated and introduced in 2005 when the
number one for the scores of stray and abandoned dogs wandering the streets or warehoused
water facilities plan was first submitted to the previous council. The prediction of the water
in the shelter. Why this dichotomy in suscceptibility? Canine distemper is a highly conta-
revenue was a requirement of the grant to prove that you could handle the operation of it if
gious, debilitating, and often fatal disease, but is one of several infectious diseases prevent-
granted the capital costs. So the fact that rates will increase has been out there but I think
able by proper vaccination. While thousands of family pets in this community receive dis-
some people have forgotten. The increase will seem drastic as rates will almost double, how-
ease-preventing and life-saving vaccinations, there are equal numbers of free-roaming or
ever, when you look at your other bills and compare what you would spend on things perhaps
neglected dogs that are never vaccinated, rendering them succeptible to contagious diseases
not so vital, it will still be a good deal in my opinion.
such as distemper. These unprotected dogs perpetuate the presence of distemper virus in the
The selection of someone to fill the vacant seat on the Town Council is scheduled for
canine community by serving as reservoirs for amplification and spread of infection. And
the midmonth meeting on the 18th. If you are interested in this position, please bring a resume
where do many of these unvaccinated dogs end up? The community shelter.
and a cover letter discussing why you wish to be on the council, to town hall. Good Night and
The community should commend the director and staff at Levy County Animal
Good Luck, Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown
Services for their rapid recognition of the disease problem and pursuit of testing to diagnose
the cause. The identification of distemper permitted the formulation and execution of appro-
Realty
priate and effective measures for stopping the spread of virus and eliminating it from the
facility, without resorting to drastic measures such as depopulation through euthanasia of all
We’ve
the dogs in the shelter. However, the shelter must remain vigilant as long as there are ne-
Sally Price, Realtor
Moved!
glected dogs in the community.
(352) 302-8556 cell
Basic responsibilities for animal health and welfare include spaying and neutering to
reduce the numbers of animals that need a shelter vaccination to protect their health, and a
19 Hwy 40 W. Inglis (New Location Across the Street)
life-time commitment to the welfare of animals adopted into the family. Animal lovers can be
Gulf Hammock Management Hunt Camp furnished..just move in........................$34,000
part of the solution by adopting their next pet and volunteering their time at the shelter. It
2/1 FURNISHED MOBILE, PLAYHOUSE & WORKSHOP INGLEWOOD $59,000
takes a community to create the problems of unwanted and neglected animals. It will take a
2 Lots,Peaceful Acres, paved street, homes only, near boat ramps EACH. .........$23,000
community effort to achieve our goals of a safe and comfortable life for all of our companion
4.70 ac Lot, high & dry, paved street Citrus County hills & horse country..........$160,000
animals. Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD is Clinical Assistant Professor,Maddie's Shelter Medi-
4.99 ac Lot between Palm & Mastadon Inglis paved streets.................................$79,900
cine Program,University of Florida and can be reached at (352) 258-9263.
5 ac LOT ON RIVER Inglis 1225' borders Greenways & Trails REDUCED .....$218,000
The Inglis Recreational Advisory Board
Beautiful Home 3/2 split plan high/dry On Hwy 40 in historic Yankeetown........$259,900
3 Lots in Yankeetown on Hwy 40 all 3 buildable ..ALL 3 FOR ...........................$85,000
Activity Committee Wants Your Opinion!
2 & 1/2 Lots in Yankeetown 59 St paved street can be divided .both for .............$70,000
3/2 LUXURY HOME ON RIVER 36X48 GIANT WORKSHOP deep water & slip $599,000
Plans are under way to open the Inglis Community Center for recreational activities,
160X170 HI/DRY LOT IN RIVER FOREST IN HISTORIC YANKEETOWN.........$75,000
clubs, and informational meetings. We are looking for volunteers to teach classes, organize
2/1 MOBILE & SCREEN BLDG ON 1.6 AC IN HAMMOCK off Williams Rd.......$54,900
club meetings, and help with various projects. We need your help to make our Community
HAMMOCK MOBILE, SCREEN OUT BUILDING ON 1.6 AC CLOSE IN..........$64,000
Center a place that everyone can benefit from. We are doing a survey to get the input of the
2/2 MOBILE WORKSHOP SCREEN PORCH CAR & BOAT PARK 1 AC........... $99,500
2/2 MOBILE SPLIT PLAN NEAR LAKE ROUSSEAU BOAT RAMP.................. $52,900
community, as to the kinds of activities that you would like to see in our community. We will
GREAT 2/2 MOBILE FENCED CLEAN PAVED ST MAKE OFFER.................... $48,000
be handing out the surveys at the Withlacoochee Shopping Center on Friday, Aug. 22nd and
Saturday, Aug. 23rd. please come by and see us. Please fill out this quick survey and drop in
Read The Newscaster online
the boxes at the following locations: FOOD RANCH, FLORIDAVIDEO, GOBBLERS EATERY,
BEASLEY TIRE and SUBS-R-US. or you can send your ideas, name, phone number via e-mail.
log on to: newscasterarchives.com
Send to: InglisReActComm@yahoo.com Our meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each
month at 7:00pm. The Public is welcome to attend.
We Mow Grass
Shannon Adams,Realtor
Aluminum Structures
Office 352-794-0888
7090 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy - Crystal River
Toll-Free 1-888-664-1951
Mobile Home Roofovers
Mowing  Edging  Trimming
Cell 352-220-9209 -Home 352-447-1009
Wood Decks
Acerage Mowed
352-563-2977
730 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River
Pool Enclosures
FAX: 352-795-0282
Screen Rooms
Reasonable Rates
Licensed & Insured
WEBSITE: www.ExitRealtyLeaders.com
Glass & Vinyl Rooms
Professional Quality
E-MAIL: shannondadams@comcast.net
# CB-CA15418
Colored Seamless
Daniel Barnes 352-447-1381
Gutters
www.aluminumstructures.com
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated