ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Raccoons, squirrels, deer and foxes are a common sight on Talomato Trace.
That's because Mark Heth runs Heth Haven in the back of his home.
"We're the only folks that do small mammals and the rabies vector for approximately 300 miles," he said.
About 11 years ago, Heth started caring for injured and orphaned wildlife because he felt it needed to be done.
"My staff has referred him to citizens, hey I have this injured turtle, bird, whatever it is," Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering said.
On Tuesday, Heth got a letter from Glynn County telling him to cease and desist operations because he was out of compliance. According to leaders, Heth Haven isn't zoned for the residential neighborhood he lives in.
"It makes you feel kind of helpless...kind of like these babies are. I'd be grateful for them to just leave us alone and not be threatening us," he said.
Heth says there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a rehabbed animal released and back in its habitat. He says if the county interferes then the result is clear.
"It will be shut down and there will be no place to take the animals," he explained.
In the short term, Heth will meet with county leaders the week after Thanksgiving to see if a compromise can be reached. In the long-term, they'd like a bigger place to house these animals. Southeast Georgia is no stranger to animal sanctuaries. It's also home to "The Turtle Center." For more information on Heth Haven, visit
www.HethHavenInc.com.
