FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Scott Trebatoski, Lee County Animal Services
              (239)432-2090 ext. 230

BONITA SPRINGS ANIMAL CONTROL SWEEP RESULTS IN CITATIONS/IMPOUNDMENTS/EDUCATION

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 28, 2003) - Lee County Animal Services conducted a special enforcement sweep in Bonita Springs this morning in the areas of Rosmary Park, Mana Christian, Glades Haven, Savatar, and Leitner Creek.

The sweep resulted in the following actions:

• 7 verbal warnings
• 5 written warnings
• 8 dogs impounded
• 1 cat impounded
• 1 rabbit impounded
• 3 citations issued
• 2 owner surrenders in field

While citations are issued during these sweeps, the majority of problems are handled as an opportunity to educate owners about responsible pet ownership and only verbal warnings are 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.