Howard Bethel didn't want to give up his dogs, but faced with hundreds of dollars in fines and perhaps thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, he loaded six of the pets into the white animal control van. ...more

December 12, 2007

TAMPA - Howard Bethel didn't want to give up his dogs, but faced with hundreds of dollars in fines and perhaps thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, he loaded six of the pets into the white van. ...more

December 12, 2007

SEBRING – Getting six veterinarians, representing each of the six small-animal veterinary practices in Highlands County, together in one room for a meeting doesn't sound like a big deal. That is, until you hear Dr. Mark Griffin, of Lake Forest Veterinary Clinic in Avon Park, explain that he had never heard of such a meeting ever being held in Highlands County. "This is a monumental day," Griffin said shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, as he and five other veterinarians wrapped up a two-hour meeting at the Highlands County Government Center. ...more

December 10, 2007

SEBRING — Highlands County Animal Control is looking a bit like Old McDonald's Farm these days, due to the recent series of marijuana growhouse busts. Animal control recently picked up 15 sheep following a growhouse raid by the sheriff's office. The day after the sheep were impounded, workers at animal control discovered they had a 16th sheep in their care. "Overnight, one of the sheep gave birth, and we have a baby lamb here now, too," said Darryl Scott, animal control director. Pens and pasture areas at the county facility are also sheltering three horses, three large hogs, four rabbits, a chicken, two yearling cows, and an 8-foot-long Burmese python. Many, but far from all, of these animals came into the county's care from growhouse raids. ...more

December 7, 2007

SEBRING — October was the best month in the 45-year history of the Humane Society of Highlands County. The 111 adoptions — of 58 dogs and 53 cats — jumped above the monthly average of 60 to 80 and the previous all-time high of 87. But the record-breaking month is cause for both celebration and concern. Expanding services is straining the non-profit organization's budget of just under $150,000, raised entirely through donations and community fundraising, said Marvine McPhee, executive director. "We're spending right now more than we are taking in in donations," said Barbara Shrewsbury, a volunteer who does everything from newsletters and data entry to cleaning out kennel cages. "We keep a reserve for times like this," she added. "But we can't keep drawing on it for very long. So, we're hoping that the more people see what is being done here, the more they can help, because we definitely need more funds." ...more

December 2, 2007

No more Mr. Nice Guy, Pasco County officials are saying to irresponsible pet owners who let vicious or aggressive animals roam free. Proposed changes to county regulations will make it easier for Pasco Animal Services officers to chase after vicious dogs or other animals and to impound them on the first offense. ...more

November 3, 2007

SARASOTA - Dog owners soon will have to put leashes on their four-legged pets before taking them out for a stroll in the city. ...more

October 16, 2007