Community Corner
Hillsborough’s Animal Services ‘HOPs' To the Aid of Would-Be Pets; Rescue Groups Showcased
Five years ago, Hillsborough County Animal Services saw more than 36,000 animals. At a holiday themed event April 23, with egg hunt and bunny hop contest, animal advocates talked about why that number has dropped and ways to bring it down even further.
Yelps, yaps and the occasional meow greeted hundreds of visitors to the “Help Our Pets” (HOP) adopt-a-thon and holiday themed event at Hillsborough County Animal Services on April 23.
“Red Ruff” and “Blue Mew” from PETCO and more than 30 rescue groups and shelter partners were on hand for the family friendly — and free — activities that included an egg hunt and a bunny hop contest as well as opportunities to learn more about pets from vets.
Several dogs and cats were adopted at the event, which was aimed not only at spotlighting the pets up for adoption at the animal services shelter on Falkenburg Road, but also highlighting the .
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“Many of the animals adopted at this time of year are on impulse but we see a lot of people ending up returning them here,” said Marti Ryan, spokesperson for animal services.
With an open-admission policy, the county shelter never turns away an animal. Five years ago, more than 36,000 animals came through the doors of animal services, Ryan said. Last year, that number dropped to 22,000 and Ryan credits four factors:
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- More spaying and neutering,
- More outreach and education,
- More adoptions, and
- Greater enforcement. Hillsborough County law enforcement has the highest rate of enforcement in the state, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Ryan said. “That says something about the level of commitment this community has to this issue,” she said
Ryan credits people like Dave Melton of Florida Shar Pei Rescue with helping to educate the public and helping to find homes for cats and dogs.
Shar Pei Rescue was one of many animal rescue groups with booths at the April 23 event. While each group is devoted to a different animal or breed, they all usually gets their animals from animal services.
Melton early on at the event had two inquiries about adopting one dog and hoped to have at least one animal adopted by the end of the day.
But, like Ryan, Melton also endured the muggy outdoor event in hopes of educating the public. Ryan’s advice for those looking for a pet is simple: stop in at animal services.
“You don’t know what you are getting at a pet shop. It could be the product of a puppy mill,” Ryan said. Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding centers operated with an emphasis on profits above animal welfare. “But if you come to any of the rescue groups or to animal services you know the animal has shots, is neutered or spayed, is microchipped and has seen a vet.”
Once the decision to adopt has been made, finding the right match is next hurdle to overcome. Volunteers Jackie and Joe Osborne said they can help make that match between person and pet.
“We can help match up the right dog with the right person,” said Jackie Osborne. “Not everyone is a good match for a Rottweiler or pit bull [terrier].”
As for Ryan, efforts such as those on display April 23 have one goal in mind:
“We hope to send some animals to new homes today and even if not everyone adopts, at least the people who came here today will know what we do and where we are,” he said. "We have to stand up for these animals.”
Hillsborough County Animal Services is at 440 Falkenburg Road in the Greater Brandon area of Tampa. Call: (813) 744-5660.
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