NEWS

City launches #LoveOurPets campaign

Sean Rossman
Democrat staff writer

If you see animal abuse, report it, and encourage others to do the same.

That's the directive the city of Tallahassee is pushing during its #LoveOurPets animal cruelty awareness campaign, a month-long effort during May to foster responsible pet ownership and better educate residents on the signs of animal abuse and neglect.

Residents are asked to sign a pledge at Talgov.com/LoveOurPets on behalf of themselves or a pet. By signing the pledge, a resident promises to properly care for their pets, learn to recognize animal cruelty or abuse and encourage others to do the same. The city's goal is to have 10,000 people take the pledge by the end of the month. Responsible pet owners are also encouraged to use the #LoveOurPets hashtag on social media. The website also includes information on pet care, nutrition, travel tips, vaccination information and how to report animal abuse.

Commissioners call for animal cruelty ordinance review

“We’re calling on all citizens of Tallahassee to pay attention to the animals around you," said Lt. Jeff Doyle, animal control supervisor for the Tallahassee-Leon Animal Service Center. "Help be our eyes and our ears because we can’t be everywhere."

The campaign was announced at a Wednesday news conference attended by city officials, ASC employees and animal advocates. Commissioner Scott Maddox brought his dog, Blue; Commissioner Nancy Miller held the leash of her pup, Jack.

“There are caring homes and loving folks who would love to have those animals," Miller said standing outside the ASC. "We beseech you to let someone know when there is an abuse situation in your neighborhood or you see something that you really don’t think is right.”

Maddox also announced the convening of a task force to address how the city, Leon County and local law enforcement agencies enforce animal cruelty cases. Earlier this year, Maddox called for a review of the city's animal ordinance. Statistics have shown that just a fraction of the animal cruelty citations handed out since 2010 has been paid.

The 6-8 member task force, Maddox said, will include representatives from the Leon County Sheriff's Office, Leon County government, the Tallahassee Police Department, the city and the State Attorney's Office as well as community partners. Maddox wants the task force to analyze local animal cruelty ordinances and what happens from the time abuse is reported, to prosecution and pairing an abused animal with a new owner.

“We need to work together to do our part to raise awareness and educate the community about how to recognize the signs of animal cruelty and how to report that if you see it," Maddox said.

Contact Sean Rossman at srossman@tallahassee.com or follow@SeanRossman on Twitter
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