The couple running the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary asked the Alachua County Commission for a permit that would allow them to continue helping all those felines.

The county commission decided to allow the cat sanctuary to remain where it is as long as it plants a buffer of trees around the property and reduces the number of cats from more than 400 to 144 in a year and a half.

"We would have liked to see the maximum capacity up a little bit but
other than that... I didn't have a problem with any of the conditions." Steve Lefkowitz, Haven Acre Cat Sanctuary owner said.

"We think the sanctuary shouldn't be located in a residential
area... there's a lot of liability in a residential area... with health
concerns and the smell." Lois and Ralph who oppose the sanctuary said.

"In an ideal situation... there would first be more funding more money
more people more help...then maybe more cats..could be done...but at a
different location...but with everything...there's always a compromise." said Lindsay Smith who supports the sanctuary.

Commissioners decided as part of the terms of keeping the sanctuary open, it would be inspected in 6 months and by then the number of cats would have to be down to 360. Neighbors who oppose this decision don't think it will be possible to monitor the sanctuary. Leftkowirz says it will be hard to reduce to that many cats, but definitely possible.