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

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

4 days ago

FOOD ALLERGY IN PETS: DISPELLING THE MYTHSBy Alice Jeromin, B.S. Pharmacy, DVM, DACVDA few days ago, I checked a Golden Retriever with skin problems where the owner had a blood test for food allergies performed before seeing me. Please, everyone remember…there is no blood, skin, hair, or saliva test for food allergies in pets that is valid! Please do not spend your money on these tests! There is something about a printed laboratory result that leads people to believe the results, simply because a laboratory offers a test, does not mean it is valid. In fact, when you question the lab about the validity of blood testing for food allergy in pets, you often don’t get an answer! THE ONLY WAY TO DETERMINE IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS FOOD ALLERGIC IS TO FEED A PRESCRIPTION OR HOME-COOKED HYPOALLERGENIC DIET FOR 8 WEEKS. The definition of a hypoallergenic diet is feeding a protein that your pet has never been exposed to previously. Another option is a protein hydrolysate diet (prescription) which consists of a soy, chicken, or fish protein that has been hydrolyzed or cut down in size so that the body doesn’t recognize it as soy, chicken, or fish. If performing a home-cooked diet, it should be done under the supervision of your veterinarian.Clients think that food dyes or additives are often the culprit for allergies. But it is most commonly the protein source that the pet is allergic to such as beef, chicken, or dairy…but some carbohydrate sources such as wheat and corn contain protein as well.Another frequent question is about using “limited ingredient” over-the-counter (OTC) diets. Studies show that 80% of them are contaminated with other proteins so the “limited ingredient” is not solely that protein that is listed on the bag. The difference between “limited ingredient” OTC diets and prescription (Rx) hypoallergenic diets is that the prescription diets have a DNA test during manufacturing and upon completion to be sure they are not contaminated with other proteins. This is why Rx diets tend to cost more than OTC diets…and for good reason!If your veterinarian has suggested your pet could be food allergic (symptoms can include itching, ear infections, recurrent skin infections, diarrhea, vomiting, belching), and they have started your pet on a prescription diet, please do not give any other foods, treats, bones, rawhides, pig ears, flavored supplements, or dental chews. One mistake such as a treat given by the mailperson will set the pet back a good 2 weeks! We want to do this 8-week diet trial correctly and want to only have to do it once! If you have multiple pets, sometimes it’s easier to put all the pets on the Rx diet for the 8-week trial so that the affected pet doesn’t get any of the other pets’ food.Always consult your veterinarian as to whether your pet could be food allergic and which diet is best for them-they know your pets’ history and can make a good recommendation!Speaking of Pets Podcast ... See MoreSee Less

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

4 days ago

"CHECK THE CHIP" MICROCHIPPING EVENTThe Lee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force and Lee County Domestic Animal Services worked diligently to meet, greet and microchip dogs and cats at the LCSO Community Outreach Center at Gulf Coast Town Center. All canines and felines are initially checked to see if they are already microchipped and, if not, they are chipped at no cost. Pets have an uncanny way of “getting out” and have a far better chance of being returned home when chipped. Please ensure that your pets are all microchipped!THE NEXT "CHECK THE CHIP" EVENT WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025, AT THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER AT EDISON MALL (10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM). ... See MoreSee Less

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Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force

4 days ago

COME OUT TO LEE COUNTY DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES AND SAY HELLO TO RODNEY!Rodney is a year and 7 months old. He is available to be fostered through the "Weekend Warrior" program (foster for a weekend, a week, or a lifetime...if you fall in love!). Rodney is a pit mix weighing 55 lbs. and comes with Proheart heartworm treatment that is good for 1 year of heartworm preventative!Meet Rodney at Lee County Domestic Animal Services located at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers...or call 239-533-7387. ... See MoreSee Less

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