Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Animal Services will be holding a "Paws on Parole" benefit on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at Westside Park located at 1001 NW 34th St., Gainesville.  Inmates from the Gainesville Correctional Institution Work Camp have trained the Paws on Parole dogs.  The inmates were trained in the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizens Course.  Canine Good Citizen Certificates are awarded to dogs that complete the course.  The ultimate goal is to make these dogs more adoptable.

The event this Saturday will also include a bake sale and dog contests such as tunnel races, best tail wag and best smile.  Click here to view the event flyer. 

For more information on the Paws on Parole benefit, call Alachua County Animal Services Public Education Program Coordinator Hilary Hynes at 352-264-6881

The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) will have an information table at the event.  ACEPD is conducting a public outreach campaign (funded by the Gainesville Clean Water Partnership) to teach citizens how to address pet waste at home and around the community. ACEPD will be giving out free bag dispensers to take along as you walk your dog and information on the environmental and health hazards of pet waste left on the ground.

To learn more about pet waste or other environmental issues visit www.AlachuaCountyWater.org.

For more information, contact Stacie Greco, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department 352-264-6829 or sgreco@alachuacounty.us.