Thomas Armstrong Commended for Rescue of 100 Cats

Hernando’s Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 9, to deliberate and vote on various agenda items ranging from rezoning requests to the recognition of citizens for outstanding acts. One such local was Hernando County Animal Services Staff Member Thomas Armstrong, who was commended for “Building Relationships with Animal Rescue Partners.”

The title is only part of the story, though. Armstrong used his ability to build these relationships to rescue 100 cats from their infirmed owner, a feat that Commissioner Brian Hawkins called “amazing.” The commendation was written by Animal Services manager James Terry and was read at the meeting by Commissioner Hawkins on Tuesday morning. The honor read:
“During the end of February and the beginning of March, Hernando County Animal Services received word that approximately 100 cats would be seized from a single residence,” Terry stated. “The case was a hoarding situation where a caregiver became ill. A 100-cat intake far exceeds our facility’s ability for proper housing and care. Mr. Armstrong was asked to make arrangements with partnering rescues to ease the burden on the shelter. Thomas was able to place the vast majority of these cats directly into rescue care, alleviating the burden of Hernando County Animal Services.”

Not only did his swift and decisive actions prove useful to the county, Armstrong also gave dozens of cats hope where there might not have been. Had the situation not been handled as adeptly, some of the fortunate felines could have lacked the proper care that could have been infeasible otherwise.

Hernando County Animal Services provides aid for our furry friends in a plethora of ways that include sheltering, spays, neuters, vaccinations, care, adoption services, treatment for parasites, and licensing (Hernando County residence only). According to the Animal Services page on Hernando County’s website, every animal they take in is fully vetted, and dogs are tested for heartworm disease. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is also authorized to investigate violations of the law regarding animals and are empowered to take appropriate enforcement action. If there is a situation where an animal’s health and welfare are in jeopardy, citizens are encouraged to call (352) 754-6830.

They are always looking for volunteers to keep pets company, provide bathing and grooming, socialize with them, assist with adoption, and frolic with the furry friends. Care and love are always in high demand for the animals. Anyone interested in lending a helping paw can call Animal Services for more information on volunteering. Better yet, if you are looking to add a new companion to your crew, all strays and adoptable animals are able to be viewed on the organization’s Facebook page. Not only will it give a pet a home, but it will help the county and Armstrong to boot.

“Thomas has shown a great ability to build relationships with rescue partners, and I commend him for a job well done on this case, as well as many others,” said Terry. “TJ is a professional who cares about our animals and always tries to apply the best outcome for them.”

“Well done, sir,” concluded Commissioner Hawkins. Well done, indeed.