Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Three county agencies received recognition from a national organization last week for their steadfast commitment to animal welfare.
On Monday, May 17, Kate MacFall, Florida state director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), presented the 2021 Humane Law Enforcement Awards to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Emergency Management Operations Center (EOC) and Jefferson County Animal Control.
“We are proud to present these awards to Jefferson County,” MacFall said in a prepared statement. “With limited resources and a whole lot of compassion and hard work, these agencies have prioritized animal welfare as a means of keeping everyone in the community safe, people and pets alike.”
At the brief presentation held at the EOC on Monday, MacFall noted that Jefferson County receiving the award represented a significant achievement.
“It’s a big deal,” MacFall said more than once.
In her presentation, she praised the three agencies for the policies and programs that each had implemented to protect animals, promote community safety and keep pets and owners together.
She cited among the threes’ accomplishments: creating a pet food bank for pet owners seeking support throughout the pandemic; increasing adoption rates by establishing new partnerships with local rescue groups; developing a disaster planning guide for companion animals; establishing a trap-neuter/return program for community cats; and ensuring that officers were trained in the proper conduct of animal cruelty investigations.
MacFall praised Sheriff Mac McNeill and the JCSO for commitment to education and the prevention of animal cruelty, noting the connection that often existed between human crimes and crimes against animals.
McNeill in turn praised Chief Deputy Bill Bullock, crediting the latter with being instrumental in setting up the JCSO’s program and associated training.
MacFall next praised EOC Director Paula Carroll and staff Kayla Kinsey for their incredible role in preparing the community for disaster and putting in place an emergency pet shelter policy in the eventuality of a disaster.
And she praised Robbie Slack and his teammate Christie Lashley at animal control for the many animals rescued and made ready for adoption, as well as for Slack’s continuing dedication to education.
Others recognized at the brief ceremony, if only by mention, were Roxanne Spear, director of Rainbows Edge Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves as an adoption and rehabilitation center for aged, neglected and abused horses in Jefferson County; Shelly Hoornstra of Florida Farm and Feed, which has donated countless bags of cat, dog and horse feed to the Animal Control group; and Terry Smith, of Daytona Beach German Shepard, which donated various animal food and medicinal products.
Others not present but whose contributions Slack wanted acknowledged included Paw Power, American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue, Du Bois Rescue, Forever Friends Farm Rescue, Its Meow or Never, Snappy Happy, SGA Spay and Neuter Clinic, Be the Solution, Wolf Creek, RJ Farms, Triple R Horse Rescue, New Hope Animal Rescue Deland, SE Volusia Humane Society, Sunny Bear Farms, Marion County Humane Society, North Central Florida Humane Society, Brevard County SPCA, Animal Medical Clinic, Veterinary Associates, Tallahassee Animal Services, Wakulla County Animal Services, Leon County Humane Society, Wakulla County Animal Services, CERT, G-FAST, City of Monticello, Grand Oaks Plantation, Majestic Acres Sport Horses, Big Dog Rescue, Florida Mastiff Rescue, Dog Father Transport, Cynder Creek Dog Rescue, Last Hope Rescue, SAFE Pet Rescue, Nicole Quaglia, Florida Animal Control Association, ASPCA, St. Francis Wildlife Sanctuary and Goose Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.
“I hope I didn't forget anyone because that would upset me really bad,” Slack emailed. “We have also received help from numerous transport volunteers taking dogs to rescues across the entire state. We have received donated dry dog food, canned dog food, dog treats, leashes, collars, blankets, dog beds, dog houses, dog toys, food bowls, wired crates, feral cat traps, flea medication, canned cat food, dry cat food and anything else I regretfully forgot.”
Founded in 1954, the HSUS describes itself as an organization dedicated to fighting to end suffering for all animals, not only dogs and cats.
“We work to stop large-scale cruelties such as animal fighting, puppy mills, factory farming and the wildlife trade,” states its website. “Along with our supporters and volunteers, we work to pass anti-cruelty laws, end the extreme confinement of farm animals in cages, stop cosmetics testing on animals, halt cruelty to wildlife and bring veterinary services to pets in underserved communities. Along with our affiliates, we also care for tens of thousands animals each year through our rescue teams, direct care programs and sanctuaries.”
The organization annually presents the law enforcement awards to officers and agencies that it considers have taken an exemplary stand in support of animal protection, and it further works nationwide to enact laws that protect all animals.
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