Citrus County expresses gratitufe for its animal control officers
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - The Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and Sheriff Mike Prendergast, extends its gratitude for the work provided by its Animal Control Unit during April 9-15, 2023, National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.
Citrus County is no stranger to animal abuse. However, Animal Control Officers are out and about, responding to calls for service concerning animal well-being. They respond to a multitude of calls, such as animals on the loose, noise complaints and welfare checks on animals whose level of care is a concern.
"I am thankful for our dedicated Animal Control Officers and everything they do to help protect the lives of helpless animals," said Sheriff Prendergast. "I am grateful for our employees and the Citrus County Shelter staff as well, who ensure we have a safe place to bring these animals after they are removed from egregious conditions. This teamwork goes even further than a safe space for the animals; thanks to both our ACOs and other sheriff office staff, we have successfully charged multiple offenders, saving countless innocent animals from deplorable lives."
An example of this teamwork can be seen when in the case of Jason Munn, who attempted to relocate animals in his possession by surrendering 14 dogs to the shelter, 3 of which showed signs of long periods of neglect. As a result, Munn was arrested in 2022, and in February 2023, he was sentenced to 9 years in prison for 21 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. After his release, Munn will also serve 12 months of home confinement, undergo mental health treatment, and never be able to own an animal for the rest of his life.
During 2022, the CCSO Animal Control team put together an unprecedented number of criminal cases to hold errant pet owners responsible for the abusive, neglectful environments they created for their animals, doubling their numbers from 2021. Some of these cases, such as the take-down of multiple cock-fighting rings, extended beyond Citrus County's borders, reaching as far as the Philippines. Altogether, they rescued 396 animals from inhumane conditions, offering them the opportunity to thrive in safer conditions elsewhere.
"I just want to take a minute to applaud the most dedicated and hard-working team around," said Animal Control Unit Supervisor Lora Peckham. "I'm so proud to be a part of this team and am so grateful to work with our amazing ACO volunteers. Thanks to each and every one of you for continuing to focus on helping animals and being the voice of those that can't speak!"