Deltona, FL - A public forum aiming to tackle animal cruelty in its many forms and present information on Trap-Neuter-Return programs and the realities of animal shelters are scheduled for this evening. Deltona Vice Mayor Heidi Herzberg is hosting the forum.
Herzberg says that Ponce's Law, which went in to effect on October 1 and is named for a young Labrador that was beaten to death by his owner in Ponce Inlet, will be explained. She said that she's hoping that people who are having animal issues in their neighborhood, whether they have seen cruelty or have neighbors that let their pets run loose, come to the meeting and get their questions answered.
Other people joining Herzberg in the forum include DeBary Vice Mayor Lita Handy-Peters, Ponce Inlet Councilmember Lois Paritsky, Deltona Assistant City Manager Marc-Antonie Cooper and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Herzberg said Chitwood is important because his agency is the one to enforce laws in DeBary and Deltona. Chitwood is expected to explain what the Sheriff's Office can do in cases of neglect or abuse and also tell people how they can report these incidents.
The animal cruelty forum takes place at the Deltona City Hall Commission Chambers on Providence Boulevard. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the forum beginning at 6 p.m. Herzberg expects the meeting to wrap up by 8 p.m.
