Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies today completed a two-day seminar hosted by the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine at the Walton County Fairgrounds.  The seminar provided multiple Walton County agencies with hands-on training regarding the safe recovery of escaped or endangered large animals. 

Students were trained to use a special apparatus designed to lift and move large animals, such as horses and cows, to safety.  In the event large animals need rescue, the apparatus can be deployed and the animals can then be examined by a specialist and/or returned to their owner.

The WCSO along with Walton County Fire Rescue, Walton County Animal Control, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Alaqua Animal Refuge received training at the seminar.

The goal of equine veterinary extension is to establish educational programs, which serve the needs of the equine industry in Florida and promote the health and welfare of the horse. Equine veterinary extension serves as a liaison between the University of Florida’s veterinary communities, the horse industry in Florida, horse owners, and county extension faculty.

For more information regarding the University of Florida’s veterinary program, visit www.vetmed.ufl.edu.

For Further Information Contact:

Mike Morrison
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(850) 951-4959 (office)
(850) 401-4612 (cell)

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