Deputy Chance Standing Up Against Abuse By Pam Bonsper When he was found, his mouth was duct-taped shut, his tongue was hanging out, he was dehydrated, and he was bleeding from open wounds. “No words can express how disgusting it was. It would have been a matter of minutes before he died,” recalls Sheriff Marceno of Lee County, Florida. “He was a turning point for our department. When I saw him I thought: If I ever got in a position to help more animals from this fate, I would do it.” Immediately following that horrible scene, the very
Now wearing the uniform, Deputy Chance began
young dog was rescued by the department, given
to change the department’s focus on animal abuse.
the name “Chance,” and adopted by one of the
Chance soon became the catalyst for the Deputy
department’s lieutenants. The sheriff states, “I’m
Dogs, Pets on Patrol Program. The sheriff explains.
very proud of Lt. Castellon, who stepped up and
“He is the face of this program. In it, citizens
adopted Chance and worked so hard with him.”
actively work with law enforcement as a team. We have a great relationship. The community is a very
It wasn’t long before Chance’s true nature
big part of the piece. People know their neighbors.
overshadowed his tragic past. He began running
It’s getting them to report something when they see
and playing and SMILING. And it wasn’t long
it. We tell them: See it! Say it! And Make the Call!
before forensics nabbed the abuser with DNA
We flag people’s homes if there is any sign of abuse.
evidence found from fingerprints on the backside of
We have a unit that works 24/7 to check things
the tape. The abuser was found guilty of aggravated
out. We follow through and if the abuse continues,
animal cruelty and given five years of probation.
we go back. The message we send is: If you abuse
Chance became a local celebrity. Withstanding the traumatic abuse and not giving up, he became
an animal, we have zero tolerance: you will get punished.”
a hero, inspiring others to overcome difficult
As in all law enforcement agencies, Deputy Chance
challenges. His responding to the work and love
couldn’t just rely upon his good ideas and good
given to him by his rescuers was soon followed
looks. He had to go out there and work! Deputy
by Sheriff Marceno deputizing him into the
Chance became the spokesdog for the Public
department.
Affairs Unit. He was given the title “The Good Will
22 | coastalcaninemag.com | Summer 2021
