Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Loose Wire, an initiative focused on reducing the number of livestock that are at large, as well as cases of neglect. This operation also located and prosecuted individuals who are illegally dumping waste material. During this month-long operation, 225 external messages were developed and distributed to citizens and 88 citizen education events were hosted across Florida. 

“With ample rural areas and the current growth of local communities, Florida is a hot spot for criminal activity, ranging from illegal dumping to loose livestock, which contributes to the defacing of our state’s pristine agricultural land,” said Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “We are proud of the success Operation Loose Wire has had in reducing livestock at large and apprehending those committing criminal activities.” 

The following are the statewide totals:

• 1,142 complaints received 
• 415 animals located outside of owner’s property
• 388 animals returned to owners
• 14 animals seized
• 180 total arrests
• 48 cases referred to the State Attorney
• 252 citizens contacted regarding agricultural lands
• 387 habitual dumping areas checked

“I want to thank FSA President Sheriff McCallum for his leadership of the FSA and Operation Loose Wire. We are grateful to the 17 counties that participated in this important operation,” said Pasco County Sheriff and chair of the FSA Task Force Chris Nocco. “The goal, as always, is to protect Floridians and those visiting our beautiful state. I credit the unique approach our offices took to its success, especially to support Florida’s agricultural community. We not only focused on effective response but also on providing impactful education along with partners that will allow us to further develop community-based resources while reducing victimization.” 

The 17 sheriff’s offices that participated in the operation are from Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Seminole, Sarasota, St. Lucie, St. Johns and Volusia counties. Operation Loose Wire contributes to the FSA’s strategic plan by providing effective and timely support, training, and information exchange for Florida’s sheriffs; fostering effective law enforcement, crime prevention, apprehension of criminals, and protection of life and property of Floridians; promoting public awareness about developments in law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety; protecting the state’s future by promoting public support of programs and services focused on youth; and providing fiscal integrity of the organization.

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Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.