Alachua County OKs hybrid animal‑enforcement MOU with Sheriff's Office

Alachua County commissioners on Jan. 27 approved a memorandum of understanding to shift criminal animal-enforcement responsibilities to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office while keeping civil animal-enforcement duties with county staff.

Interim animal resources director Gina Peebles presented a hybrid model that would make the Sheriff's Office the initial point of contact for criminal matters such as dogfighting and serious bite cases while county animal resources would continue to handle sick wildlife, neglect and civil investigations. Peebles said the MOU includes transfer of three investigator positions and one vacant supervisor post along with equipment, and requires a jointly developed operations manual to clarify duties and call routing.

Under Sheriff Josh Cruz told commissioners the transferred investigators will be identifiable by insignia and will wear uniforms; he said vehicles and badges will distinguish them from county animal-control staff. Peebles said the MOU also anticipates monthly meetings between agencies during the first year to resolve routing and procedural issues.

The commission voted unanimously to authorize the chair to sign the MOU, advertise a required public hearing to amend Chapter 72 of the Alachua County Code, approve corresponding budget amendments to transfer funds to the Sheriff's Office and direct staff to provide quarterly updates over the next year.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure call-taker training and clear screening questions so calls route to the appropriate agency. Chair said no county positions will be eliminated under the arrangement.

The vote followed public comment and questions from commissioners about handled cases and countermeasures to ensure continuity of animal care.