Policy Text
Date: 08/24/81
Revision: 12/05/96
Reviewed: 02/24/25
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
CHAD CHRONISTER , SHERIFF
STANDARD OPERATING PROCED URE
Number: GEN 521.01
Page: 1 of 1
SUBJECT: RESCUE OF ANIMALS IN UNATTENDED MOTOR VEHICLES
I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to define the
guidelines by which Sheriff's personnel shall respond to distressed animals found
unattended in motor vehicles.
II. SCOPE: This shall apply to all Sheriff's Office deputies.
III. DISCUSSION: It is recognized that one of the primary el ements of police work is the
protection of life and property. This concern should extend to animals in distress.
IV. DEFINITION:
A. Distressed animal - An animal found in an environment that s eriously
endangers its health or well -being or circumstances which it would be reasonable
to expect will cause extreme suffering, disability or death of the animal.
V. PROCEDURE:
A. Deputies finding a distressed animal in a motor vehicle may use force re asonably
necessary to remove the distressed animal.
B. If the owner or custodian of an animal cannot be located, a Hillsborough County
Animal Control officer shall be summoned to the scene to take the distressed
animal into custody for safekeeping.
C. The deputy involved in the removal of a distressed animal from a motor vehicle
shall insure that the Animal Control officer leaves his/her name, department, and
address in a prominent place in the vehicle, indicating where the animal may be
claimed.
Chad Chronister
Sheriff
Amends or Superse des: NEW