Sheriff Carmine Marceno

Stance On Animal Cruelty

In April 2020, Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced an initiative to combat Animal Abuse within Lee County by establishing an Animal Cruelty Task Force, which will continue focusing on educating residents on animal abuse and neglect and enforcing Florida State Statute 828.12. The US Humane Society’s website notes that a study conducted by the Chicago Police Department from 2001-2004 revealed “a startling propensity for offenders charged with crimes against animals to commit other violent offenses toward human victims.” The Chicago Police Department study concluded 65% of individuals that have been arrested for crimes against animals have also been previously arrested for battery on a person. This is just the tip of the iceberg; the US Humane Society’s website informs that animal abuse is one of four predictors of domestic partner violence according to a six-year “gold standard” study conducted in 11 metropolitan cities. As such, Sheriff Marceno has selected experienced detectives to investigate all misdemeanor and felony animal abuse cases within the county. Sheriff Marceno has zero tolerance for animal abuse and will seek justice for those that cannot speak up for themselves.

Message from Tia Torres, the host of “Pit Bulls and Parolees”:

Tia Torres, the host of “Pit Bulls and Parolees” on Animal Planet, expressed her support for the Animal Cruelty Task Force here at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
She said, in part, “When I learned of the efforts being made in Lee County, Florida, by Sheriff Carmine Marceno, to investigate and prosecute animal abusers, I knew that I should lend a helping hand.”

Sheriff Carmine Marceno created the Animal Cruelty Task Force to help protect those that cannot protect themselves. Since its implementation, it has been incredibly successful.
Tia Torres went on to say, “I applaud Sheriff Carmine Marceno for the creation of the Animal Cruelty Task Force.”
Thank you, Tia, for your continued support. Together, we will help combat animal abuse and neglect everywhere.

What Is Animal Abuse Or Neglect

WARNING: some of the following images are graphic and might disturb some viewers. Viewer discretion advised.

Animal Hoarding
Dogfighting
Adequate Food / Water
Medical / veterinary care
Excessive Breeding / Overcrowding
Livestock

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

4 days ago

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Cats-Do you need to be worried?By Alice Jeromin, B.S. Pharmacy, DVM, DACVDDozens of barn and feral cats have contracted the H5N1 virus since first described in the dairy cattle outbreak in March, 2024. Indoor cats, cats in zoos and in the wild (mountain lions, bobcats, lions, tigers, leopards) have been affected. Cases in cats have been linked to poultry, or wild bird exposure before the outbreak even began. We now are aware of other sources of the viral infection in cats.How can cats get the virus? Food has been recognized as the source of infection including unpasteurized milk or raw undercooked meat. Other sources include raw colostrum, unpasteurized cream, exposure to wild birds or poultry (backyard chickens), or exposure to farm workers or their clothing.What would be the symptoms of H5N1 in a cat? Depression, lack of appetite, fever, nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, trouble breathing or fast breathing, or neurological signs such as walking “funny”, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness.What should I do if I suspect the virus in my cat? Use personal protection devices such as masks, hand washing, and isolate the cat until you can get it to the veterinarian. Limit the cat’s contact with people or pets that may have immunosuppressive diseases or on immunosuppressive medications.How do I prevent my cat from getting the virus? Do not feed unpasteurized milk products, avoid feeding raw food diets or undercooked meat, keep cats indoors away from wild birds and livestock. Wash your hands after interacting with a cat that has had exposure to dead birds or encounters with livestock or poultry (backyard chickens included). Recently a cat in Oregon contracted the virus from eating a raw frozen pet food which has since been recalled after it tested positive for the virus (Northwest Naturals 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food).Other sources of information on the H5N1 virus and your pet: AVMA.org, CDC, FDA, and your state public health veterinarian. ... See MoreSee Less

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

5 days ago

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

5 days ago

RECALLBlue Ridge Beef Recalls Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix Due to Salmonella ContaminationCompany Announcement:STATESVILLE, NC - January 3, 2025- Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 lbs. of their 2 1b log Kitten Mix Lot N25-0716 UPC 8542980013436 due to a contamination of Salmonella. (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags).Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.Due to a customer complaint of animal illness, a sample of the product was collected on 12/12/2024 by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources and tested by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory. The sampled product tested positive for Salmonella.On 01/03/2025 the firm was notified by the FDA that the product tested positive for Salmonella.The products were distributed between July 18, 2024 to July 26, 2024. The product is packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the States of: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York. Image of product below:Products affected are:KITTEN MIX 2 POUND UPC# 854298001436 LOT# N25-0716Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. For more information contact blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration. ... See MoreSee Less

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