GADSDEN COUNTY, FL — Champs Chance, a dog rescue organization in the Tallahassee area, is facing a potential closure after roughly two years under review by county code enforcement over complaints about its use of a rural residential property for rescue operations.
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Following a recent meeting with officials, the group was given until June 29 to resolve the issue.
Megan Madhosingh, a play date coordinator with the organization, said the stakes could not be higher for the animals the rescue serves.
"Right now we're at risk of closing our doors and I can't even imagine how many dogs would suffer if that would happen."
The rescue has closed intakes as it works through its options ahead of the deadline.
"We've already had to turn numerous dogs away because we're closed for intakes right now we can't take in anyone. And I think it's really crazy especially right now with the way the animal crisis is going to try and put a dent in animal welfare," Madhosingh said.
Madhosingh said the organization fills a critical gap in the region's animal welfare network.
"We have so many dogs that come from horrendous situations if there is no Champs Chance then those dogs… the alternative would be death. There is no other rescue in the area that would even begin to supplement what Champs Chance does. We take in dogs from so many counties not just Tallahassee and Leon County. We take in the dogs that local Tallahassee shelters refuse and will not take back," Madhosingh said.
Without a permanent location, animals currently in the program may need to be placed with partner rescues and foster networks across Florida, including in cities such as Daytona Beach. Supporters say the priority remains keeping animals from being separated or displaced during any transition, with volunteers working to coordinate care plans and possible relocation logistics if needed.
In response to the deadline, the rescue is launching and continuing fundraisers to raise money for land or a new facility. Champs Chance founder Alicia Bopp described the vision for what a permanent home could look like.
"We're not talking about just coming in and throwing up some dog houses and chains and leaving the dogs. We want to build something we want to have tiny homes for the dogs. We want to have a thrift store boarding suites we want to bring to the community not take away," Bopp said.
ABC 27's Tatyana Purifoy reached out to the county attorney to see if any new violations have occurred but has not heard back.
Fundraising will continue through June 29 as the rescue works toward a new location or land purchase.
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