Rescue says dozens of animal could face euthanasia if they can’t find new property

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A wildlife rehabilitation center in Covington said many of its animals will face euthanasia unless they can raise enough money for a new facility.

The Wildlife Critters Circle of Life Rehabilitation Center in Covington rescues, rehabilitates and releases inured animals. The center cares for dozens of animals including dogs, zebras, gators, emus, pigs and cows, just to name a few.

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Founder Nicole Kanoy said the organization has lost a zoning battle and are being forced to move.

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“The lives our animals are at stake,” Kanoy said in a Facebook post Wednesday. “We are desperate to find and fund a new facility and we are begging for a Christmas miracle. We need to raise emergency funds to secure a safe haven property for the new year.”

Kanoy said that many of the animals in their care are only permitted to stay with them in the proper facility. Those animals would face euthanasia if they can’t find a new property.

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Kanoy said the hundreds of wildlife and exotic rescue intakes they help every year would also lose lifesaving care they need.

The Newton County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rehab center in August under a conditional use permit, according to the Covington News.

It’s unclear when Kanoy lost the permit or under what circumstances. Kanoy has run the rehab center at various locations in Covington for more than 20 years.

“We know that times are tough and we are all struggling in the COVID era, but if you can find it in your hearts to donate we would be eternally grateful,” she said.

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