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Pasco Animal Services, technician Honored By State Group
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Published: December 26, 2007
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - They're the cat's meow. They're dog's best friend.
Pasco County Animal Services Division and one of its animal care technician, Troy Lamson, have won plaudits from the Florida Animal Control Association.
The association has named Pasco Animal Services its 2007 Outstanding Agency of the Year. It is bestowing its 2007 Animal Caretaker of the Year Award on Lamson.
The County Commission recently approved a proclamation congratulating the Animal Services staff, led by manager Denise Hilton, and Lamson for the honors.
For more than 20 years, the agency formerly known as Pasco Animal Control has developed education programs on animal care, dog bite prevention and rabies awareness., a proclamation noted.
The agency is in charge of a new program, Pet Friendly Evacuation Shelter. For the first time the county will reserve space for pets of evacuees during hurricanes or other crises.
In addition, Animal Services staff members volunteer at Safety Town. They promote safety around animals to school-aged children visiting the safety education center in the Shady Hills area.
The state association was impressed by the division's pet therapy program for victims of domestic violence. The county animal shelter near Land O' Lakes houses pets that come from homes in domestic violence cases.
An Animal Response Team has formed to provide emergency preparedness materials to pet owners throughout Pasco County.
A cruelty investigation program has proven effective.
Sterilization incentives and programs are aimed to alleviate pet overpopulation problems.
In 2005, the animal services division also had reaped the National Humane Education Achievement Award.
The 2007 Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of Counties recognized volunteer programs.
Lamson, the Caretaker of the Year honoree, began his career with Animal Services in January 1995 as an animal control officer.
Later that year he transferred to the animal shelter as an animal care technician I.
He earned a promotion in 1997 to his current position as a lead worker animal care technician II.
"Troy has an outstanding work ethic and always goes out of his way to assist others," the county proclamation reads in part.
Lamson has a perfect attendance record at work since 2002.
In the meantime, a recently formed support group, Friends of Animal Services, has conducted its first official meeting.
"I'm very proud of everyone who has stepped up," Commissioner Michael Cox said.
The Friends leaders hope to attain 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status from IRS early in 2008, Cox said.
The group is taking donations and arranging for pet adoptions during community events.
For more information go online to the Pasco Animal Services Web site or call 727-834-3216.
The Friends group has its own Web site.
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