Hillsborough County Animal Services OPERATION SAFE KID Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Operation Safe Kid from Hills borough County Animal Services in Tampa, Florida has been in existence since 2007. The program improves public safety, humane animal welfare and the quality of life in the community through a combination of law enforcement and education. Our enforcement teams sweep neighborhoods of concern for stray or sick animals, which are then taken to the shelter. Animal control officers look for citizen compliance with community standards for proper food, water, shelter and needed veterinary care. Residents may also be asked to show proof of vaccination and tags. If in violation, they receive notices to comply within a specified amount of time to avoid a penalty. Local law enforcement accompanies the animal officers for what invariable amounts to the discovery of other issues—theft, drug use, etc. During these sweeps, Animal Services’ educators simultaneously visit nearby schools. The student population receives grade-appropriate lesions in dog-bite prevention and safety, responsible ownership and pet care. Written material such as low-cost spay/neuter information is also sent home for parents. There is no charge to schools for the program, and media coverage during sweeps has extended the Hillsborough County Animal Services’ message to an even greater audience.