FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scott Trebatoski, Lee County Animal Services
              432-2090 ext. 230

PALMONA PARK ANIMAL CONTROL SWEEP,
RESULTS IN CITATIONS/IMPOUNDMENTS/EDUCATION

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 14, 2003) - Lee County Animal Services conducted a special enforcement sweep of the Palmona Park neighborhood in North Fort Myers this morning based on complaints of stray and loose dogs and cats.

The sweep resulted in five dogs being impounded, three citations and three written warnings. The citations and warnings were primarily for unrestrained, unlicensed and/or unvaccinated animals. There were more contacts with residents, however the majority of problems were handled as an opportunity to educate owners about responsible pet ownership and only verbal warnings were given.

The sweep involves using the entire available fleet of vehicles and staff of animal control officers to saturate an area for a couple of hours.

These sweeps are part of Animal Services' continuing process of enforcement and are scheduled periodically in various areas of the county.

Lee County Animal Services provides animal control services throughout Lee County and operates an animal shelter to house stray and abandoned domestic animals. It also administers low-cost spay and neuter programs, educational initiatives, Rabies and bite case control programs, and humane euthanasia when appropriate. It employs 37 and has an annual operating budget of $2.4 million.