Animal cruelty has no place in Collier County. It is a serious crime that causes suffering to innocent animals and often signals a broader risk to public safety. That reality is why I created the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance _ to ensure these crimes are thoroughly investigated and offenders are held accountable.

At CCSO, we know there is a definite link between animal cruelty and violence toward others. When abuse is ignored, it can escalate. That is why we take a proactive approach to stopping cruelty before it leads to further harm.

The mission of the alliance is to utilize a multi-agency response to proactively investigate alleged cases of animal neglect and cruelty, while also focusing on prevention and public education outreach. This collaborative approach ensures cases are handled with the expertise and urgency they deserve.

The alliance is comprised of specially-trained CCSO investigators and a full-time veterinarian who assists with crime scene forensic processing and investigations. We also work closely with trusted community partners who share our commitment to animal welfare and public safety.

Collier County Domestic Animal Services; Patty Baker Humane Society Naples; ASPCA; Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission; State Attorney’s Office; Animal League Defense Fund; Naples Cat Alliance; and University of Florida Veterinary Forensics.

Since the alliance was established in 2020, these partnerships have helped us stop horrific crimes against innocent animals and hold offenders accountable.

CCSO recently joined the Fifth Judicial Circuit Animal Cruelty Task Force to strengthen our investigations into animal abuse. This partnership gives us additional tools and advanced resources to help stop offenders. It also enables our detectives to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the task force.

Another important tool in our effort to prevent cruelty is the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Abuse Registry. Individuals who have been convicted of animal abuse in Collier County are entered into the registry, where their information can be viewed by law enforcement and the general public. The registry also allows those who plan to purchase, adopt, or sell an animal to search for information on a potential buyer or seller before participating in the transaction.

The registry is maintained by the alliance and can be viewed on the CCSO website. To view the registry visit www.colliersheriff.org or click on https://www2.colliersheriff.org/animalabusesearch

Protecting animals requires community involvement. If you witness animal abuse or suspect an animal is being harmed, call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office so we can help the animal and hold those responsible accountable. Call 911 in an emergency or 239-252-9300 for assistance.

We cannot allow animal abuse in our community. We must protect animals against cruel and abusive treatment. We will investigate and arrest those responsible for committing crimes of animal abuse. Preventing cruelty protects our community.