COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – In a groundbreaking move, Columbia County has unveiled its innovative Animal Enforcement Department, set to kick off its mission to uphold county ordinances and state statutes pertaining to animal control, effective this coming Sunday.
A heralded initiative, this department stands distinct from animal control services in the City of Lake City, emphasizing a strategic non-overlapping approach. It’s essential to clarify that this isn’t a replacement for the beloved Lake City Humane Society; instead, it carves its niche as Columbia County’s dedicated entity for animal law enforcement.
Far beyond a mere bureaucratic maneuver, the department is poised to collaborate with residents and the Lake City Humane Society, actively enforcing laws governing aggressive animals, stray dogs, animal cruelty, and the entire gamut of existing animal-related legislation.
For pet owners worried about furry family members, a seven-day holding period awaits dogs and cats scooped up by Animal Enforcement. Strays or those with unidentified owners will be given a four-day grace period. In an encouraging move, Columbia County officials are rallying residents to embrace the future by considering microchipping their pets.
During their stay in the facility, animals will undergo meticulous evaluations, conducted in collaboration with the Humane Society, to determine their suitability for adoption.
Tom Wormuth, a key figure in the initiative, stresses the importance of community education, asserting that the department is more than just a regulatory body—it’s a valuable resource, ready to assist anyone seeking guidance on matters related to our furry companions.