BY AMBER J. CRAFT
Special to the Telegraph
A significant boost has come to Bradford County Animal Services with a grant from the Jacksonville Humane Society and Florida Leaders in Lifesaving. The sheriff’s office division is one of six organizations in Florida selected to receive this critical funding, which totals $45,000. The goal of the grant is to help the agency maintain or exceed a 90% save rate for animals in its care, continuing the county’s transformation toward a more humane approach.
New position frees up animal control officers
Lieutenant Amanda Hinds, who oversees the division, expressed her gratitude and optimism about the impact of the grant.
“This grant money is going to provide us an extra position in the office full-time,” she said.
The new position, Live Outcome Coordinator, is designed to relieve pressure on Animal Control Officers and improve the division’s overall efficiency.
Hinds explained, “This will allow us to have two animal control officers in the field. The third person will be the Live Outcome Coordinator, who will remain in the office to handle incoming calls and animal intakes.”
The grant covers a civilian office position at animal services for one year. This new hire will play a vital role in gathering data to assist in increasing adoptions, improving community relations, expanding rescue support, and developing volunteer and foster programs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the department can sustain its impressive live outcomes, something the shelter has already been excelling at.
Hinds proudly noted the division’s current success, saying, “We are already meeting our 90% goal of live outcomes. In our 2024 review, the data showed we have a 94% save rate.”
For Animal Services, this grant represents not just a financial lifeline but a validation of their efforts to reform and build on their progress.
“We have already filled the spot,” Hinds shared, underscoring the shelter’s readiness to hit the ground running.
Operation Catnip
Alongside the funding for the new position, the Jacksonville Humane Society and Florida Leaders in Lifesaving awarded additional grants to cover two specific initiatives at Bradford Animal Services. The first is allocated to “Operation Catnip,” a program aimed at addressing the county’s stray and feral cat population through “Return to Field” and “Shelter Neuter Return” programs. These initiatives focus on spaying and neutering stray cats before returning them to their original outdoor locations, reducing overpopulation and improving the lives of community cats.
Another component of the grant is an incentive dedicated to the transfer of dogs from animal services to rescue partners. This funding will support the division’s efforts to coordinate and facilitate transfers with partner organizations, allowing more dogs to find homes or sanctuaries outside of Bradford County.
“This opportunity has given us more points of reference for other groups to reach out to pull animals from us,” Hinds explained, highlighting how this funding will strengthen the division’s relationships with rescue groups and further its mission of saving lives.
Community Support Needed
While this grant funding is a tremendous step forward for Animal Services, Lieutenant Hinds emphasized that community involvement is still essential to their success. One area where help is desperately needed is fostering, particularly medical fostering.
“Medical fosters are going to be very important for us,” said Hinds. “Anybody who has experience providing medication to animals around the clock would be very helpful.”
Volunteers are also critical in helping the division reach its goals. Hinds noted that they are always in need of transport volunteers to assist with moving animals, as well as general foster families. In addition, the shelter relies on donations of supplies to operate smoothly.
“Donating supplies is also very important for us,” Hinds added, urging the public to contribute items such as food, litter, kennels, and flea preventatives.
This grant marks the beginning of what Animal Services hopes will be many future funding opportunities.
“This is our first one,” Hinds said. “We are hoping in the future to get more grants.”
To that end, the shelter is also seeking volunteer grant writers who can help it secure additional funding.
“We are looking in the future for anybody to volunteer for grant writing,” she stated.
A new chapter for Animal Services
The division’s recent efforts reflect a broader shift in its mission and reputation. Lieutenant Hinds acknowledged that the shelter had faced criticism in the past for high euthanasia rates, but she emphasized that things have changed.
“I know that Bradford has had a bad reputation in the past for euthanasia. We have new staff and a new chapter of our focus, which is to do all that we can to keep our mission on live outcomes,” Hinds said. “We don’t want to euthanize animals.”
The future looks brighter for Bradford County Animal Services, and this grant from the Jacksonville Humane Society and Florida Leaders in Lifesaving will allow the shelter to continue its lifesaving work while building stronger relationships with the community and rescue partners. With a clear focus on live outcomes and a determination to keep improving, Bradford County Animal Services is well on its way to becoming a model of animal welfare in Florida.
As the division looks toward the future, Hinds remains optimistic and committed to ensuring that every animal in their care has the best chance at finding a loving home.
“Our primary goal is to maintain or increase our 90% live outcomes,” she said.
For those interested in volunteering, fostering, or donating supplies, please contact Bradford County Animal Services directly at 904-964-9200, or visit their website for more information.
