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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.
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"Protecting those who cannot protect themselves."
Chance was a victim of animal abuse in Lee County, Florida. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the animal cruelty case and use forensics evidence to identify a suspect and subsequently get a conviction. Chance was adopted by Lieutenant Castellon in 2019 and deputized by Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Deputy Chance was also titled as the Good Will Ambassador by County Commissioners. He regularly visits schools, children hospitals, and community events. He promotes goodwill and has become an advocate against animal cruelty and helps promote adoption of shelter pets.
Deputy Chance
April 14th, 2021, deputies responded to a citizen complaint of a puppy inside a vehicle in distress, halfway hanging out of a window, with its mouth taped shut. While on the scene, deputies located the puppy and another dog inside a vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart on S. Tamiami Trail in Estero, Florida. Deputies further discovered the suspects had tapped along with tightly wrapping a training lead around the puppy’s snout. Both K-9’s were also left alone without access to food or water. We are pleased to report that both K-9’s have been adopted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and are Ambassadors of our Cell Dog program, a collaborative effort with local animal shelters to help train and find homes for unwanted rescues.
Phoenix
April 14th, 2021, deputies responded to a citizen complaint of a puppy inside a vehicle in distress, halfway hanging out of a window, with its mouth taped shut. While on the scene, deputies located the puppy and another dog inside a vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart on S. Tamiami Trail in Estero, Florida. Deputies further discovered the suspects had tapped along with tightly wrapping a training lead around the puppy’s snout. Both K-9’s were also left alone without access to food or water. We are pleased to report that both K-9’s have been adopted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and are Ambassadors of our Cell Dog program, a collaborative effort with local animal shelters to help train and find homes for unwanted rescues.
Luna
On November 25, 2019, deputies responded to a citizen complaint of an individual throwing a knotted pillowcase out of a moving car that contained a cat in the middle of Petite Avenue in Lehigh Acres. Luckily, deputies arrived on the scene, rescued the cat, and brought it to LCDAS.
Elsa
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.
These shelters are here to protect and care for animals in need. Help by adopting, donating, or bringing in an animal that needs help.
Take Action, Save Lives, and Stand Up Against Animal Cruelty
We urge you to consider adopting your new family member from one of the local shelters listed. Not only will you be getting a new family member, but you will also be saving their life.
Fostering aids in reducing overcrowding in shelters and opens up room for another animal to be saved. Fostering can also prepare animals for adoption by permitting them to live in a home where they can fully convey their personality, work to overcome fears, or recuperate from trauma. Please see the shelters below that need individuals willing to foster.
Animal Cruelty Ambassadors play a crucial role in helping the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force reach the public to share the available resources offered. This program also encourages pet owners to help spread the word to stop animal abuse by encouraging individuals who see or encounter animal abuse to report it.
Click Here to sign up.
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January 8, 2020, a caller reported an incident of aggravated animal abuse. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased K-9 along with K-9 Hope. Hope was brought to the Gulf Coast Humane Society for rehabilitation after sustaining the injuries to her leg. After exhausting all other efforts, the determination was made to amputate Hope’s right front leg. The day after her leg was amputated, she was happy, wagging her tail, and acted as if an enormous weight was off her shoulders. Her loving and playful personality won Lieutenant Castellon and Deputy Chance over almost immediately, and Sheriff Carmine Marceno deputized her as Sergeant Hope. On March 31, 2022, Sheriff Marceno promoted Sergeant Hope to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Hope was adopted by Lieutenant Castellon and her new brother Deputy Chance
Lieutenant Hope ACTF Ambassador