Press release from UF Health

BY SARAH CAREY

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Taking the lead in combating animal cruelty in Florida, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, with support from the State Attorney’s offices of R.J. Larizza, Brian Kramer, and Melissa Nelson, has established the North Florida Animal Cruelty Task Force.

This task force includes Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Putnam, Baker, Bradford, Union, Levy, Gilchrist, Alachua, Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties.

“The goal of this task force is to enable law enforcement, animal services, veterinarians, and the State Attorney’s offices to collaborate effectively in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty crimes throughout North Florida,” said Adam Stern, D.V.M., a professor of veterinary forensic pathology at the college, who coordinated the group’s formation. Stern also heads up the UF Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory.

The task force, which encompasses the 7^th, 8^th, and 4^th judicial circuits, held its first meeting in October. Other task force members include agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, county animal services, county sheriff’s offices, and local law enforcement.

“There are multiple external factors that impede animal abuse investigations and the successful prosecution of those who commit animal cruelty,” Stern said. “The development of an animal cruelty task force is a major step forward in the fight against animal cruelty in North Florida. This new task force will address several issues, including allowing investigating and prosecuting agencies to meet to discuss how to improve investigations, allow the UF Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory to provide educational training to task force members, and allow members to focus their resources and efforts on these unique crimes.”

The alliance represents a significant step toward ensuring animals receive the protection they deserve under Florida law, Stern added.

Beyond investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases, the task force will prioritize educational initiatives for those involved in such investigations. These training programs aim to enhance investigation skills and raise awareness among individuals not formally trained in animal cruelty investigations.

“Animal cruelty is a serious offense that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive way,” said R.J. Larizza, State Attorney for the 7^th Judicial Circuit. “I fully support the development of this task force, as it will allow us to more effectively hold individuals accountable for committing animal cruelty.”

There is an established link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, which professionals commonly refer to as “The Link,” Stern said, noting that it underscores how animal abuse is often a precursor to or occurs alongside other forms of violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse.

“The development of this animal cruelty task force is an essential step in breaking the cycle of violence,” Stern said. “This task force will enable agencies to pool resources, share intelligence, and develop educational programs to protect animals throughout the region.”

The public is reminded to report authorities any suspicious activity involving animal cruelty or abuse.