Santa Rosa County 2011/2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Public
Services
The five divisions of Santa Rosa County Public Services include inspections and compliance, community planning, zoning, and development; emergency management, animal services and veteran services. These divisions work hard to continuously evaluate new ways to meet the needs and expectations of our customers. The public services staff has done a great job of embracing the numerous customer service initiatives over the past four years, and the results are evidenced by the increased positive feedback from customers. The fact that a number of divisions are regulatory in nature increases the challenge of obtaining a positive response from those being impacted by these regulations. The increased positive customer responses received by these divisions is of particular importance and is a significant indicator of the success of the customer service programs that have been implemented.
Animal Services Animal Services 850.983.4680 4451 Pine Forest Road Milton, FL 32583 animals@santarosa.fl.gov
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The mission of the Santa Rosa County Animal Services Department is to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and to enforce Florida state laws and county ordinances, while providing humane care, medical triage for sick or injured animals as well as shelter for impounded animals. Animal Services provides two main functions in our community. Our two functions are that we provide a temporary safe haven for all stray animals and that we educate and enforce laws. Having an Animal Shelter makes it possible for stray animals to find new homes and helps to prevent situations such as cruelty towards animals. Each day animal control officers investigate animal bites and citizen complaints, impound stray animals, issue citations for ordinance violations, investigate cruelty and neglect, prosecute court cases, and respond outside of business hours to emergency calls. With 7,970 calls received this fiscal year, up from 7,518 last year, the task continues to require our experience, knowledge and support. We want to ensure that each case is met and handled professionally and properly while keeping in mind all parties involved, especially the animals.
In FY 2011/2012, three aging animal control trucks were replaced.
Photo by Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field The shelter staff continues to maintain the only open admission animal shelter in Santa Rosa County. Our staff is responsible each day for providing humane care for all impounded animals. While supervising the quarantine of all bite animals, assisting owners who are claiming their lost pets, handling the adoption of animals, and conducting the euthanasia and disposal of unwanted animals, our kennel technicians regretfully have to make decisions on issues that irresponsible pet ownership can create. The shelter is open for viewing and adoptions Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Citizens can access our services and view animals available for adoption. Those searching for a lost pet or those who would like to view animals up for adoption can also find pictures uploaded to our website every hour on the hour at www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals that includes many features.