Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary issued code violation after complaint by neighbor

The fate of a sanctuary’s animals is up in the air. A non-profit animal sanctuary in Collier County is being forced to get rid of its animals after a neighbor filed a complaint.

Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary was issued a code violation following that complaint. The organization now has 30 days to remove the animals.

The animal sanctuary takes in abandoned, injured and neglected animals including chickens, goats, horses and pigs.

“We’re the only ones here in Collier County,” said Alyssa Barry, founder of Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary.

Barry said there’s a huge need for her safe haven, but a recent complaint from a neighbor forced Collier County’s Code Enforcement Department to sanction the sanctuary.

State regulations say there can’t be pigs on a property that is less than 20 acres.

“I was really shocked. I was shocked. Because like I said you are under the assumption you are in compliance with everything because we are getting regulated by the county, and they see everything we’re doing and they’re coming out here and saying you’re doing a great job. Here is your license, here is your permit. You’re good to go,” said Barry.

It turns out that Collier County Animal Services said Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary was “Good to go,” Not code enforcement.

“It just doesn’t make sense another department that never regulates you, never comes out, only comes out when a complaint is filed would be able to come in and say ‘ oh well you should’ve done your research,’ when the county is the one that’s giving me the animals,” said Barry.

Submit