UPDATE: Sixteen animals were removed from Journey's End per the warrant executed by VCSO deputies. The animals were taken to several veterinary clinics for immediate care. At this time, the animals will undergo extensive diagnostic and rehabilitative treatment. A hearing will be scheduled to determine the ultimate custody of the animals. The Volusia County Attorney will file a request for a hearing by the end of this week.
Volusia County Animal Services officers who served today’s warrant counted a total of 127 animals at the facility, including the 16 that
were removed.
"Volusia County Animal Services is committed to ensuring pets live good lives, receive the full protection of the law and are free from cruelty,
pain or suffering," said Adam Leath, director of Volusia County Animal Services. "We strive for positive outcomes in all our cases. The actions
we took today were necessary to preserve the health and welfare of animals in crisis."
DeLand, FL - Volusia County deputies and animal control officers are at the Journey's End Animal Sanctuary today to execute a warrant. They will remove only the animals that are deemed to require immediate medical care.
Volusia County Interim Director of Community Information Kevin Captain said this is not a spur of the moment decision. Volusia County Animal Services, the County Attorney's Office, and the Volusia County Animal Control Advisory Board have been working with Journey's End on a solution for months. "The County just didn't unilaterally decide to scrutinize the operations at Journey's End. The County has received multiple concerns about the facility over the last six-plus months."
Captain said just like they do with anybody who calls with concerns, they followed up on them. "We validate the concerns. Professional staff and trained veterinarians came in over the past several months and identify the animals that need a higher level of care."
When asked if the animals taken from Journey's End would be available for adoption, Captain said, "The animals being removed will be provided veterinarian care and rehab. Adoption opportunities will be accessed after treatment." He also said it's the County's goal to ensure the animals at the facility receive the necessary care they need while ameliorating their quality of life.
“Our concern is and always will be for the welfare of animals,” said Adam Leath, the county’s director of animal services. “It’s all about ensuring the quality of care for the animals.”
