A scared dog scurries across a busy intersection, not sure where to go or how to get away from the loud, fast-moving vehicles. Drivers may call 911, but the officers that usually come out to rescue the animals belong to a different government entity.
Next week, the county is recognizing these important officers and workers. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed next week, April 14-20, as Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week in Nassau County. The proclamation came at the board’s Monday meeting.
As Vice Chairman A.M. “Hupp” Huppman read the proclamation, he paused and added four words for emphasis, “Employees of the Nassau Animal Care and Control worked tirelessly – I’ll repeat that part – worked tirelessly to keep the community informed about animal control laws, how to properly care for pets and raising awareness for each pet needing adoption.”
Most residents in the county have seen a stray dog or cat running loose, whether they pick up their phones to call someone or not, it’s an obvious issue within the county and the country.
“Animal care control agencies across the country provide essential community functions, including the enforcement of animal control laws, protecting the public from diseases such as rabies and educating the public on the proper care for pets,” Huppman read.
Also at the BOCC meeting, shelter volunteer Jacque Osborn came before the board to update the commissioners and the community on the number of animals the shelter currently is handling.
As of Monday, she said there were 82 dogs, 62 foster dogs, 28 cats and 44 foster cats in the shelter.
“Thank you so much for recognizing them, they do, as you all know, a phenomenal job,” Osborn said. “… If anybody is considering adopting a dog, please do so now; the shelters are full. There’s even a waiting list for people that want to … surrender a dog,” Osborn said.
The board’s proclamation stated that the NCAS shelter continues “to qualify as a ‘no kill shelter’ due to their outstanding efforts and ensuring the animals entering the facility leave the facility through various avenues.”
It also stated that during the fiscal year 2022-23, Animal Care and Control Services responded to 6,223 calls for service, adopted out 1,482 pets, transferred 80 pets to rescue groups and held 76 adoption events.
“… They keep the animal shelter clean, while providing the animals with the love and care they deserve while waiting to find their forever homes … The board commends animal care and employees for their hard work and dedication,” Huppman read.
Commissioners Alyson McCullough, Klynt Farmer and Gray took a moment to thank Animal Control staff for their work after the proclamation.
Gray said, “I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you, everything you all do. I see you all riding around in trucks and responding to citizen calls out here in the county, taking care of our pets and animals and, (I) really do appreciate you all.”
Farmer said, “I know a lot of times it’s late at night, and we’ll find somebody’s dog … it speaks volumes of who you guys are and the heart that you have, to stop what you’re doing and collaborate with one another and find out that one of you can meet this citizen up there, after hours, to pick up their furry friend, if you will.”
McCullough talked a little about her involvement helping a stray dog recently, who now is living at her house. “I just know how full our shelter is, it doesn’t matter how much word we put out, I do not know how to get these dogs adopted, I gotta do something because I’m turning into NCAS No. 2 at my house” she said. “You all know, (I’m) truly grateful, as a dog lover, for all of your service, so thank you.”
Animal Services also is very active on social media, working to get animals home, whether that be to their new home or the home they already belong to. In the posts, the page usually includes information on how to reclaim pets and adopt pets as well as hours of operation and where they are located.
If you follow the NCAS page, you will see many posts like one the group posted on Tuesday. The caption reads “Found on Nassauville rd” and the post included a photo of a calm, but nervous-looking mixed-breed dog, dark brown and black, with a white stripe down its face.
By Thursday, the post had 111 reactions, nine comments and 56 shares. With those views and shares, the likelihood of finding the animal’s home, rises exponentially.
The immense support from the community on social media is a cut-and-dried response to the work the staff at Animal Services puts in. But word of mouth is just as important as social media for NCAS.
Commissioner McCullough offered more thanks to the staff in an email to the News-Leader:
“It’s probably the agriculture teacher in me, but I’ve always been passionate about animal rehabilitation. We always have a lot of dogs here at our farm because every dog deserves love. Our family has rescued several shelter dogs and rehomed shepherds for years. I’m so thankful for our team at NCAS and can’t not brag on them because they are the BEST of the BEST!”
No appointment is necessary to visit the shelter, located at 86078 License Road in Yulee. The shelter is open Tuesdays and Thursdays-Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
If you’re interested in getting more involved, adopting, fostering or volunteering, more information can be found on the NCAS website, www.nassaucountyfl.com/845/Animal-Services. You also can call them at 904-530-6150.
achandler@fbnewsleader.com