Skip to main content
File #: 2025-20673   
Type: Proclamation and Presentation Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 9/18/2025 Meeting Body Board of County Commissioners
On agenda: 10/7/2025 Final action:
Title: PRESENTATION - The Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience Program - Kyra Lynch, Animal Services Director (Presentation Only)
Sponsors: Loretta Shaffer

 

SUBJECT:

Title

PRESENTATION - The Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience Program - Kyra Lynch, Animal Services Director (Presentation Only)

Body

 

INITIATOR:

DEPARTMENT:

Kyra Lynch, CAWA, Director

Animal Services

 

DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:

A collaboration between Marion County Animal Services and the Florida Department of Corrections, led by Wendy Hillyard, ushered in the start of the Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience (FIDO) program for Marion County.  On March 23, 2015, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed, marking the official launch of the program.

 

The first FIDO class, named Star Paws, was introduced at the Marion County Correctional Institution Work Camp, which took place from October 27, 2015, until January 5, 2016, and included four (4) dogs: Chewy, Luke, Trooper, and Princess.

 

The first class of the FIDO program was a resounding success, and has since continued to grow, with 36 more classes graduating from the program. The 37th class is currently hitting the books, studying hard, and learning the basics of dog obedience. In just a few weeks, they too will graduate and move on to loving forever homes, continuing the proud legacy of the FIDO Program.

 

BUDGET/IMPACT:

None

 

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Recommended action

Presentation only.

end