Reporting an Animal Welfare Concern in Sumter County

Sumter County Animal Services (SCAS) is committed to protecting both people and animals through education, outreach, and enforcement of local and state animal welfare laws. One of the most important ways residents can help is by reporting concerns about the well-being of an animal. These calls are known as welfare checks and play a vital role in ensuring animals receive the care they need.

What Is a Welfare Check?

A welfare check is initiated when someone has a well-founded belief that an animal may be in distress or not receiving adequate care.
Examples include animals that:

• Appear to lack access to food, water, or proper shelter
• Appear unhealthy, severely underweight, or injured
• Are confined in unsanitary or unsafe conditions
• Are exposed to extreme weather without protection

Residents who notice such conditions should contact Sumter County Animal Services immediately to request a welfare check. Officers will investigate the report, assess the situation, and determine what level of assistance or enforcement is appropriate.

Levels of Need

Animal neglect can vary widely—from a temporary lapse in care to an ongoing situation that endangers the animal’s life.
SCAS officers respond with a balanced approach that considers both the welfare of the animal and the intent and cooperation of the owner.

1. Minor Welfare Concerns
   • The animal has food, water, and shelter but may need improvements in one area.
   • Officers may issue an Order to Provide Care and conduct follow-up visits.
   • Educational materials and community resources are provided to help the owner meet standards of care.
2. Ordinance Violations
   • When conditions violate Sumter County’s Animal Control Ordinances, officers may refer the case to the Special Master for review.
   • The Special Master may impose fines or corrective orders if the owner fails to comply.
3. Criminal Neglect or Abuse
   • If officers determine that an animal is being intentionally deprived of food, shelter, or water, or subjected to cruelty or abuse, the case may rise to the level of a criminal offense.

When Animal Incidents Becomes a Crime

Intentional neglect or abuse of an animal is more than a code violation—it can be a criminal act under Florida law.

• Neglect involves failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care.
• Abuse involves intentional harm, torment, or cruel treatment of an animal.

When Animal Control Officers encounter evidence of a criminal act, they will immediately contact law enforcement.

• The law enforcement agency with jurisdiction assumes the lead in the criminal investigation.
• Animal Control Officers assist by providing testimony, evidence, and expertise to support the case.
• If an investigation is opened, the animals involved are confiscated as evidence and transported for immediate medical assessment and documentation.

Community Collaboration and Education

SCAS’s first goal is always education and prevention.
Officers frequently work with residents to correct welfare issues before they escalate into legal action. In many cases, an educational conversation or an Order to Provide Care resolves the problem quickly and ensures the animal’s needs are met.

SCAS provides community resources on:

• Proper shelter and housing
• Access to potable water and food
• Veterinary care and vaccinations
• Responsible pet ownership education

Our Role in Enforcement and Compassion

Animal Services’ direction is to balance public safety, animal welfare, and owner education.
When possible, SCAS works with animal owners to achieve compliance through understanding and guidance. When violations or criminal acts occur, officers partner with law enforcement to ensure justice and protection for the animals involved.

Every welfare check—whether minor or severe—is a chance to make a difference in an animal’s life and strengthen Sumter County’s commitment to humane treatment of all animals therein.

To Report an Animal Welfare Concern Here

Together, we can protect the animals of Sumter County and ensure every pet receives the care, compassion, and safety it deserves.