WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Two men accused of multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty were among the first arrests made by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s newly formed Animal Cruelty Unit, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw announced ahead of a Thursday press conference detailing the unit’s launch.
The new unit, which has been in development for several months, will focus on investigating reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and other violations outlined under Florida’s animal protection statutes, according to the PBSO news release.
Bradshaw outlined the unit’s structure, investigative priorities, and community reporting tools during Thursday’s 10:30 a.m. press conference at PBSO headquarters. Representatives from Animal Care & Control were also there to discuss how the partnership will strengthen enforcement and improve outcomes for animals across the county…