Family Farms at 14950 SW – Hope Amid Headlines: Family Farms Owner Fights to Get His Animals Back — ANIMAL WELFARE WATCH

Family Farms at 14950 SW – Robert Lee Hoover, the founder of Family Farms in Davie, Florida, is mounting a legal fight in hopes of regaining custody of the animals seized after his recent arrest on multiple animal cruelty charges. The community watches as both justice and compassion hang in the balance.

Robert Lee Hoover’s well-known Davie attraction, Family Farms, has abruptly gone quiet. Just last month, the 51-year-old owner was arrested and charged with 16 counts—eight felonies—for allegedly tormenting and causing suffering to animals on his property. Authorities removed all livestock, citing emaciated cows, sunburned pigs, and horses with untreated injuries. Driven by determination, Hoover appeared in court this week seeking temporary access to care for his animals. “There’s no neglect on our part,” he asserted, offering his veterinarian evidence and photos to support his case. The judge granted a small win: Hoover’s vet may inspect the animals at their off-site location and document their condition. As legal proceedings advance, witnesses prepared to testify on his behalf—alongside veterinarian evaluations—might pave the way for the animals’ return. Still, prosecutors are pushing for forfeiture, arguing Hoover cannot prove proper care. For the local families and school groups who once flocked to the farm, the outcome weighs heavily on both their hearts and trust in the local justice system.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Hoover seeks return of animals seized after his arrest on 16 cruelty charges.

• IMPACT: Family Farms closed; community-aligned farm animals in legal limbo.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “There’s no neglect … we have done fantastic care.” – Hoover’s statement

• ACTION: Court pending further inspection and filings; public eyes turned toward vet findings.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Family Farms at 14950 SW 14th St., Davie, FL — popular petting farm for locals and visitors alike.
   “It’s concerning and sad because so many children and families really enjoyed it.”
   – Local resident Deirdre Brodey

Exclusive Angle – WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

This battle raises urgent questions about oversight in animal welfare enforcement. As the local farm fights to demonstrate that its animals were cared for, the case underscores the challenge of balancing swift protective action with preserving livelihoods and community resources. The outcome could impact policies on custodial decisions following cruelty allegations—not just in Davie, but in how animal welfare cases unfold nationwide.

Update Log

• Late July: Hoover arrested; animals seized; farm closed.

• Today: Court approves veterinarian examination of animals at alternate location.

• Aug 22: Next hearing scheduled to determine animals’ fate and any return to Family Farms.