Tifton City Attorney says Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab violates city code, zoning ordinance

TIFTON, Ga. – Earlier this week we told you about a situation involving the Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab in Tifton.

Now CBS 44’s Brian Roche is speaking with the city about the notice.

We spoke with Jessica Pisciotta about the situation involving Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab. Now we’re hearing from the City of Tifton Attorney about why the notice from the city has been sent out.

City Attorney, Rob Wilmot says that Steadfast is violating zoning laws leading to problems with homeowners in the area.

“So, basically the problem we have is that she’s operating this rescue in a residential area and it’s causing problems for the neighbors and, you know, from the city standpoint, you know, they have an obligation to look out after all their citizens, make sure the zoning ordinances are complied with,” said Attorney Rob Wilmot, Tifton City Attorney.

Wilmot tells us that there’s even been some disturbance to people in the neighborhood with the animals.

“We’ve been having issues. Vultures have attacked neighbor’s. Potbelly pigs have been found inside the carports. A wild turkey attacked a young child. So, there’s issues that we naturally have to deal with,” said Attorney Wilmot.

In our previous coverage of Steadfast, we were told that Jessica had to have the animals relocated in 30 days.

Wilmot tells us this number is not a strict deadline

“But, I did emphasize and would emphasize to Ms. Pisciotta is that if she needs more time, certainly will entertain giving her some more time to accomplish getting in compliance with our zoning ordinance…” said Attorney Wilmot.

Jessica told us earlier in the week that she is working to try and acquire some land to continue helping these wild animals so they can be released into the wild.

And, the city sees the outpouring of support for her on social media and doesn’t want her to give it up altogether.

“I have heard the same information that she is looking for other property and people have offered her property to relocate the facility. And, that is exactly what we would hope she would do. We want her to carry on with her work. We want her to continue doing what she’s doing, but she just can’t do it, you know, in a residential neighborhood,” said Attorney Wilmot.

Brian Roche reporting.

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