In 2023, the Coral Springs Police Humane Unit saved almost all of the animals it took in

Coral Springs, Florida – The Humane Unit of the Coral Springs Police Department rescued the lives of almost all animals in need of assistance in 2023, earning them a spot among the country’s “elite” animal care groups.

During a commission meeting on August 7, commission members and the Best Friends Animal Society commended the work of senior CSPD Humane Officer Monica Fedderwitz, officers Karin Niemeyer and Haylee Marken, and their unit for saving lives.

The nonprofit animal society runs the biggest homeless animal sanctuary in the country and offers adoption, spay/neuter, and educational programs all over the nation.

According to Best Friends, 295 animals came into the Humane Unit’s shelter in 2023, and 294 of them were saved.

In a letter to Captain A.J. King of the CSPD Humane Unit, Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends, stated, “This accomplishment represents so much more than just a statistic.” It is a testament to your ceaseless efforts as well as those of your committed employees, enthusiastic volunteers, and unwavering supporters. It stands for a kind and caring culture. It stands for creative, well-considered programming. Additionally, it demonstrates remarkable leadership.

Membership in a “elite group” of American no-kill animal organizations, according to Castle, was granted to the unit for the rescue of “cherished family members who are only alive because of your dedication and hard work.”

In the end, “you and your team are creating more and more opportunities for people and animals to experience love every day.”

Enforcing laws pertaining to animals, responding to calls about stray and injured animals, providing care and food for imprisoned animals, reuniting lost pets with their owners, and finding homes for stray animals are all under the purview of the Humane Unit.

At the Aug. 7 meeting, CSPD Chief Bradley McKeone stated that he did not believe any other unit in the department “had the dedication, the compassion that you guys have.”

McKeone stated, “You make a difference every single day.” “I recognize it. The neighborhood is aware of it.

Niemeyer stated that without the assistance of its command staff, the city government, patrol units, investigators, CSI units, residents, and “the endless efforts of our [rescue groups] that help us day in and day out to find homes for these animals that nobody wants,” the Humane Unit would not have been able to save so many animals.

“It takes a village to save animals,” as the proverb goes, said Niemeyer.