TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - While animal control has made great efforts to educate and encourage responsible pet ownership, Tallahassee city officials are still looking to address the abusive treatment of animals in the community.
Ashley Edwards, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs, is calling upon the City Commission to vote on creating an Animal Crimes Task Force that would "allow efficient and effective communication between relevant departments and agencies for a more collaborative approach in holding abusers accountable for their actions", according to the statement of issue.
While cases of animal cruelty are usually handled by Animal Control Officers, they usually need to be assisted by law enforcement before submitting for prosecution.
According to an issue analysis submitted to the City Commission, Edwards believes the formation of a task force would make it easier for state and local government agencies to work together in stopping animal abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.
Animal cruelty awareness has remained a priority in Tallahassee, with multiple efforts taking place including a communications campaign in May that educated citizens on what to report and how to report it. In her claims, Edwards says that the Animal Crimes Task Force will further these efforts.
The City Commission will vote on the establishment of the task force at their upcoming meeting next week.
