DELAND -- Volusia County Animal Control is working to address the animal overpopulation issue through proactive measures – such as education, investigation, and enforcement – to stop indiscriminant breeding of dogs and cats, animal fighting, and cruelty to animals.
As a result, the county has organized an Animal Welfare Fund, to which citizens can make donations, said Shelley Szafraniec, a Vousia County spokeswoman. The funds are used to offset the expenses of these efforts, she said.
“To date, we have received approximately $1,000 in donations to the Animal Welfare Fund,” said Becky Wilson, Volusia County Animal Control Services director. “These dollars will support the spay and neuter program and cruelty investigations, including costs of veterinary care for injured, abused and mistreated animals.”
In 2008, Volusia County spent an estimated $250,000 to provide low-cost spay and neuter services to residents in the unincorporated area, according to Wilson. For large-scale dog fighting or cock fighting busts, impoundment costs and veterinarian for treating wounded animals, and rehabilitation, Wilson estimates costs to be more than $1,000.
Each year, staff from Volusia County Animal Control Services respond to more than 2,000 requests for low-cost and free spay and neuter services for pets in the unincorporated areas of Volusia County. They also respond to numerous reports of dog and cock fighting; often finding animals injured and needing care. In most of these cases, Animal Control officers will confiscate 10 to 100 animals. In fact, cock fighting usually involves several hundred fighting roosters. Housing of these animals can be costly during the court process to determine custody.
“This year we have investigated several anonymous tips regarding dog and cock fighting,” Wilson said. “In fact, one investigation led to the confiscation of 112 game roosters and hens.”
To make a donation to the Animal Welfare Fund or for more information about Volusia County Animal Control Services, please call (386) 248-1790 (Daytona Beach), (386) 740-5241 (DeLand) or (386) 423-3369 (New Smyrna Beach). More information also can be found online at Volusia.org/animalcontrol