CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A Clearwater man is fighting to keep a squirrel as a pet inside his condominium.
Ryan Boylan says he rescued the squirrel shortly after Hurricane Matthew more than a year ago.
The rodent was stuck under someone else's car.
"She's just like an inside cat. She just walks around and hides pecans and hazelnuts which are her two favorites," said Ryan Boylan, squirrel owner.
Management at Island Walk Condominiums found out about the rodent one day when Boylan took her outside.
Last month, the condominium association told Boylan the squirrel has to go and they're threatening eviction. The case is also going to civil court. Management said in court records, the squirrel puts other tenants at risk.
Court records say pets are allowed. "Pets" are defined as only dogs and cats at Island Walk.
Records also state he is violating the Association's governing documents and he must vacate the premises.
"I am not sure how any animal that weighs less than 2 pounds can harm anyone," said Boylan.
Boylan argues Brutis is an emotional support animal. He suffers from anxiety after a car accident years ago. He's even showed condo management a doctor's note.
He said giving her up isn't an option.
"There's absolutely no way I would give her up," said Boylan.
We reached out to the association's board president. He declined to comment.
