As a result of these changes, animal control officers (ACOs) now
come under the umbrella of the Sheriff’s Office. They are part
of the agency’s Patrol Special Operations, under the direction
of Capt. Mike Richie.
Animal control officers are authorized to investigate violations
of state and local laws relating to animal care, management or
cruelty either on public or private property. They also may issue
citations for these infractions.
Amendments to the county ordinance currently state that all dogs,
cats and ferrets at least four months of age or older must be
registered with Animal Services and be issued a county animal
license tag, unless exemptions apply. Additionally, these animals
must have a current and complete rabies vaccine certification.
ACOs have the authority and are required to impound any animal that
is in violation either of any section of the ordinance or is on the
loose. The same applies if any animal is seemingly infected with rabies.
Any citizen who has been bitten by a dog, cat or other animal or has
knowledge of someone being bitten is asked to report the incident to
the Citrus County Health Department as soon as possible. If the owner
cannot properly keep the animal under acceptable rabies quarantine,
then ACOs will remove the animal to the county’s animal shelter for confinement.
Investigating barking dogs or animals consistently at large in neighborhoods
comes under the ACOs’ responsibilities concerning public nuisance animals.
Canines previously designated as dangerous dogs that attack or bite will
immediately be impounded by ACOs and turned over to the proper authorities
for evaluation.
To summarize, Sheriff’s Office animal control officers proactively
investigate and respond to complaints involving animals that are
abused, dangerous or a nuisance to the citizens of Citrus County.
They have the authority to remove these animals and issue citations
for violations of the county’s Animal Services ordinance.
Normal operating hours for the Sheriff’s Office ACOs are from 7 a.m.
to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Officers are on call from 11 p.m. until
7 a.m. for any emergencies that may arise. Citizens need only call 911
to ask for assistance.
Animal control officers also are working closely with the agency’s community
resource officers to attend civic meetings and promote responsible pet care
in an effort to control the county’s animal population.
All other animal-related services remain with the Animal Services division
now under the umbrella of the Citrus County Community Support Services
Department, directed by Cathy Pearson.
For instance, the division continues to operate the animal shelter at 4030
S. Airport Road in Inverness. County personnel retain the responsibility
of handling pet adoptions, promoting the need to spay and neuter pets,
plus disposing of unadoptable, impounded animals in a humane manner. New
dangerous-dog classifications remain an action by the county staff. Inquiries
about lost pets also should be directed to Animal Services at 726-7660.
I have every reason to believe this new assignment of services will be a good
way of doing business and better serve the citizens of Citrus County by managing
the county’s animal population more effectively and efficiently.