IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1           NON-EMERGENCY LINE (352) 249-2790

Animal Control

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
Animal Control Unit
3549 Saunders Way
Lecanto, FL 34461
Dispatch: 352-249-2790
 
Officer Lora Peckham, Supervisor
(352) 249-2751
Fax (352) 249-2735

animal-control-truckAnimal Control Officers (ACO’s) joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office on September 1, 2009, and are a part of the Patrol Division. ACOs respond to complaints involving domestic animals and livestock, including calls involving animals that are abused, dangerous, or a nuisance to the citizens of Citrus County. They have the authority to remove these animals and issue citations for violations of the county’s Animal Control ordinance.

Normal operating hours for the Sheriff’s Office ACOs will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Officers will be on call from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. for any emergencies that may arise. Citizens may call the non-emergency number (352-249-2790) to report animal complaints or simply dial 9-1-1 to ask for assistance during an emergency.

The Animal Control Unit consists of 6 full-time officers as well as a working supervisor.

Officers are divided into 2 teams –
Alpha & Bravo - with 3 ACO’s on each team.

  • Officers respond to calls for service between the hours of 8:00 am & 8:00 pm seven days a week.
  • One Officer remains “on-call” to respond to emergency calls after hours.
  • ACO’s work closely with the Citrus County Animal Shelter but are not employees of the shelter. ACO’s cannot make decisions regarding shelter fees, adoptions or care & disposition of animals at the shelter.
What you need to know:
Animal Control Officers (ACO’s) are available to respond to routine calls for service between 8:00 am & 8:00 pm seven days/week including holidays. Emergencies are responded to 24 /7.

Requests for service should be made to CCSO Dispatch Center at 352-249-2790 or simply by dialing 9-1-1.

ACO’s do not respond to wildlife calls unless the animal is sick or injured and an FWC-approved wildlife rescue group is unable to respond.

ACO’s are employees of the Sheriff’s Office. The Citrus County Animal Shelter is under the Board of County Commissioners. While both organizations work closely together, they are separate entities.
 

Common Questions about Animal Control

What types of calls do ACO's respond to?

Any call regarding domestic animals, including livestock.

Common calls include:

  1. Neglected or abused animals.
  2. Loose animals
  3. Wellness checks
  4. Nuisance animals (aggressive animals, barking dogs, animals tearing up garbage, etc.)
  5. Animal Bites (to humans or other animals)
  6. Animal hoarding
  7. Stray animals (either loose or confined for pickup)
  8. Loose livestock
  9. Animals in distress

ALL OF THE ABOVE CALL TYPES PERTAIN TO DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK ONLY.  NUISANCE WILDLIFE MUST BE REFERRED TO A NUISANCE TRAPPER.

What should I do if my pet is missing?

Check the shelter website here to see if your pet has been brought to the shelter.

If so, contact the shelter at 352-746-8400. Check frequently as animals are added throughout the day. If not, you may also contact CCSO Dispatch (352-249-2790) to give a description of the pet, as well as your name, address and phone number.

Where can I find the County Animal Control Ordinance?
You may access the Citrus County Animal Ordinance via the BOCC Website at www.citrusbocc.com or directly at http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=12785&stateID=9&statename=Florida
What should I do if I am issued a warning citation?
Proof of compliance for the violation must be presented in person at the County Shelter within the specified period of time. Failure to do so will result in a fine and/or court appearance.
What should I do if I am issued a citation?
Citations must be paid at the Animal Shelter within 30 days of issuance. If payment is not received, the citation will be sent to the Clerk of Court and set on the docket to be heard by the judge. You will be notified via summons regarding the date and time of court appearance.
How can I make a complaint regarding an animal or animal owner?

Call the Dispatch Center at 352-249-2790. Give as much information as possible, including a description of the owner’s residence, animal, etc. Include a contact number for yourself in case the ACO needs additional information.

Important Facts:

  • All dogs, cats & ferrets over 4 months of age are required to have a rabies vaccination and County License YEARLY.
  • Any dog or cat sold in the state must have a Health Certificate, regardless of animal’s age.
  • Dogs may not be tied unless a person is present and can see the tethered animal at all times.  Tethers must be on a minimum of 20’ tether w/ shelter & water at all times a, per County Ordinance. Dogs may not be tethered using a choke chain or prong/training collar.
  • All dogs kept outdoors must have access to a shelter with a floor, roof, and 4 walls at all times.
  • All animals should have access to fresh, clean water AT ALL TIMES.
  • Animal Services can microchip your pet for permanent lifetime identification ($15.00). All stray animals are scanned in the field to identify and locate the owner.
  • The leash law does not only apply to dogs. It includes CATS, livestock, chickens, and all other domestic animals & states animals must be on owner’s property at all times. In order for dogs to be off the owner's property, whether on public or private property (without the property owner's permission) they must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person at all times.
  • The Crimestoppers Program can be used for animal related calls. Tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for rewards.
What if my pet is picked up by Animal Control?

Your pet may be reclaimed by:

  1. Go to the Citrus County Animal Shelter during business hours.
  2. Identify your pet and show photo identification (Drivers License or State Identification Card)
  3. Bring proof of a current rabies vaccination. (If you are unable to show proof, one will be given while at the shelter, or a warning or violation citation may be issued).
  4. Show proof of a current Citrus County Animal License. (If you are unable to show proof, you will be asked to purchase one, or a warning or violation citation may be issued).
  5. Sign and receive any notice of violation citations that may be attached to your pet.
  6. Pay all fees for impoundment, board, or other charges for your pet.
  7. Pets that have some form of identification – i.e. microchip, tags, collar with phone number, etc.  Those animals will be held for (5) days to allow shelter staff additional time to try to contact the owner. 
What do I do if a warning citation is issued?

Warning notices may be issued for lack of rabies vaccination, county license, proper shelter, proper veterinary care and/or other violations of County ordinance. Your pet does NOT have to be impounded in order for you to receive a warning citation.

If you receive a warning citation, you must correct the violation within the prescribed time limits and present satisfactory proof to the Citrus County Animal Shelter.

If you exceed the time limit specified without presenting proof of compliance to the Citrus County Animal Shelter, the warning citation will automatically turn into a citation & fine. You will then have two options.

  1. Pay the assessed fine within fifteen (15) days of the date the warning expired, or
  2. Contest the fine by appearing in county court. The court will notify you of the date and time. Should you be found guilty, additional court costs will be assessed.
What do I do if I receive a citation for a violation that my pet was involved in?

If a mandatory court appearance is listed on the citation you are required to go to county court on the date the Clerk of the Court’s office notifies you.

If a fine has been assessed, you have two options:

  1. Pay the assessed fine within 30 days from the original date the citation was issued, or
  2. Contest the fine by appearing in county court. The court will notify you of the date and time. Should you be found guilty, additional court costs will be assessed.

If you fail to do one of the above options, a judgment may be placed against you, your driver’s license may be suspended or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Refusal to sign a citation is a misdemeanor in the second degree per F.S. 775.082 and may be charged with a fine of $500.00 and/or 60 days in jail. Signing a citation is NOT an admission of guilt and you have the option to contest the citation as outlined above.

How can I be a responsible pet owner?
  • Have your pet vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are required by state law and county ordinance. Other vaccinations are recommended for the health of your pet.
  • Purchase your Citrus County Animal License annually or as required by county ordinance and have your pet wear the license tag so you can be notified if the pet is lost.
  • Animal Services can microchip your pet for permanent lifetime identification ($15.00).
  • Pets must have access to wholesome food, clean water, proper shelter, and veterinary care by state law and county ordinance. Do not allow your pet to become a nuisance to your neighbors.
  • Dogs may not be tied unless a person is present and can see the tethered animal at all times.  Tethers must be on a minimum of 20’ tether w/ shelter & water at all times a, per County Ordinance.
  • Stray animals impounded at the Citrus County Animal Shelter are held for three (3) days to allow owners to locate and claim them. Pets that have some form of identification – i.e. microchip, tags, collar with phone number, etc.  Those animals will be held for (5) days to allow shelter staff additional time to try to contact the owner. At the end of that time, the animal becomes the property of Citrus County Animal Services.
  • Contact the Citrus County Animal Shelter by calling 352-746-8400 or online at: www.citruscritters.com