Ga. wildlife rescue told to shut down due to ordinance violations
TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - The city of Tifton recently sent a letter to a Georgia wildlife rehabilitator, saying her in-home operation violates ordinances.
After running Steadfast Wildlife Rescue out of her home for the last 20 years, Jessica Pisciotta says she has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of Georgia-native animals ranging from deer and raccoons to owls and vultures.
“It’s contained. It’s hidden. The animals are here temporarily. They are not housed here, they aren’t kenneled here, they don’t live here. The animals are here until they are well enough to go back to the wild,” said Pisciotta, owner of Steadfast Wildlife Rescue.
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On Friday, Pisciotta received a letter from the city’s attorney stating that she has 30 days to shut down her rescue and relocate the animals. The letter says, “The use of this property for these purposes is prohibited in a residential zoning district under the city of Tifton’s code of ordinances and the city’s land development code.”
“I don’t think anybody doubts that Miss Pisciotta with her ion and comion for these injured animals, you can’t dispute, it’s a great thing she does. I think everyone ires her for that. It’s just being done in a location where that is not allowed,” said Rob Wilmot, Tifton City Attorney.
Pisciotta says she is confused about why she is just now receiving this letter.
A month ago, Tifton Code Enforcement visited the steadfast to check building permits. Pisciotta says they were well aware of the rescue and that they even thanked her for all the work she does.
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“The letter I received yesterday... I was in shock. Every single city official that is on the letter has ed me recently. Them or their direct family has ed for a wildlife emergency or situation,” said Pisciotta.
Pisciotta reports that she has all her necessary permits and licensing to run Steadfast Animal Rescue. She is one of only four people in the entire state of Georgia who has her state, federal, and rabies vector licensed. Of the four, Pisciotta is the only one residing in south Georgia.
“I mean she got this one three days ago. It was hit by a car. Now, she’s doing physical therapy on it, and in probably 4 days, this will be ready for release. If Pisciotta had not been here, there are no other rehabbers in our area of the state,” said Renee Bryant, a volunteer.
Pisciotta said that she will be seeking legal counsel in order to save her animal rehabilitation.
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