WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — A Wakulla County resident says officials are trying to get him to get rid of his pets, claiming he’s violating a zoning code.
As our Stephen Jiwanmall explains, it’s the type of pets he has that are prompting the county to get involved.
"I don't see why this is that big of a deal," said Matthew Ainsworth, Wakulla County resident.
Ainsworth has five goats he's raised as pets at his home in Crawfordville. Last year, he got a violation notice for breaking the zoning code on that property.
The county said it was about restrictions on land use, buildings and structures, but that specific section doesn't mention livestock.
The letter, however, listed the solution as remove the "livestock."
"So, there's an obvious disconnect between what I'm being charged with and what the appropriate solution is," said Ainsworth.
We contacted the county planning director. She sent us an email explaining two complaints got Code Enforcement involved, and, after a grace period, the county started to fine.
Ainsworth says he'll do whatever it takes to keep these goats. He says he's not getting any more, but he wants to make sure they have a place to stay. He said if it comes down to it, he might have to leave the county.
"I would just like to have a fair shake. Obviously, there's black and white. In this case, the black and white says that I'm good, but they're inferring it's a gray area. I want the gray cleared. That's all that I want," said Ainsworth.
Ainsworth has now moved all five goats to a location in Leon County to avoid getting any more fines.
He said he’s not sure how long he’ll keep them there, but it’s a temporary solution.
