Animals

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a husband and wife Tuesday after authorities said they found 10 starving, dirty dogs without water in their backyard. The State Attorney’s Office in Alachua County filed 10 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of fighting or baiting animals – all felonies – against the couple.

Emma and John Hoel, owners of Peacefield Farm Sanctuary, moved from Minnesota to Florida with the dream of starting a rescue farm to prevent animals from being used and abused in the food industry. Their ultimate goal is to save animals, while simultaneously encouraging others to eliminate animal products from their diets. 

A typical pet owner can spend hundreds of dollars yearly on scheduled veterinary visits. The increased cost of vet services is due partly to a nationwide shortage of veterinarians that has made its way to North Central Florida. Area shelters and clinics are scarce or operate with limited personnel.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released the preliminary damage assessment for agriculture, following Hurricane Ian. According to Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, the loss is estimated between $1,180,714,303 and $1,888,305,886.  Those losses don’t just include damage to crops, but also losses to agriculture production and infrastructure. According …

A 23-year-old African gray parrot named Tut is one of the ambassador animals at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where he inspires visitors and students with his personality. His beady yellow eyes, curved beak, red tail and huge wingspan terrified Amanda Wright, his first trainer. Until he changed her life.