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CESM MInutes 01/16/2026 (Draft) Animal Control Hearing January 16, 2026 1 MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY SPECIAL MAGISTRATE ANIMAL CONTROL HEARING Naples, Florida, January 16, 2026 LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Collier County Special Magistrate, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in REGULAR SESSION in Administrative Building “F,” 3rd floor, Collier County Government Complex, Naples, Florida, with the following persons present: SPECIAL MAGISTRATE: Honorable Patrick H. Neale ALSO PRESENT: Timothy Crotts, Code Enforcement Assistant Director Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement Specialist January 16, 2026 2 Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Special Magistrate will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto, and therefore may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Neither Collier County nor the Special Magistrate shall be responsible for providing this record. 1. Call to Order – Special Magistrate Patrick H. Neale Presiding The Honorable Special Magistrate Patrick H. Neale called the Hearing to order at 9:04AM. All those testifying at the proceeding did so under oath. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Approval of Agenda Ms. Buchillon reported the following changes to the Agenda (listed below as Agenda item numbers): Under Item 7.A – Hearings, the following cases were moved to 6. – Stipulations : 2. CASE NO: CEAC20250012893-01 - Kevin P Hennings 11. CASE NO: CEAC20250013786-01 - San Juana Harding 12. CASE NO: CEAC20250013786-02 - San Juana Harding Under Item 7.A– Hearings, the following cases were withdrawn: 1. CEAC20250012893 – Kevin Hennings 7. CEAC20250014415-057 - Sonia Cabrera Special Magistrate Neale approved the Agenda as modified. 4. Approval of Minutes None 5. Motions A. Motion for Continuance of Imposition of Fines and Liens None B. Motion for Extension of Compliance Deadline None C. Motion for Rehearing None 6. Stipulations 2. CASE NO: CEAC20250012893-01 OWNER: Kevin P Hennings OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-35(1)(J). Injury to person, citation issued on December 2, 2025, 1st offense, "Jimmy". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1821 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL 34145 January 16, 2026 3 Assistant Director Crotts requested the hearing. The Stipulation was entered into by Kevin Hennings and his attorney Eric Olson on January 15, 2026. Special Magistrate Neale found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered to: 1. Pay Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 2. Pay an Administrative Fee of $7.00 incurred in prosecuting the case. 3. Pay the Civil Penalty of $300.00 per Citation. 4. The total charges of $357.00 must be paid within 60 days of this hearing. 5. Failure to pay all fines within the timeframe as ordered shall result in a lien placed against the Respondent and/or property. 7. Public Hearings A. Hearings 7. CASE NO: CEAC20250014415-01 OWNER: Sonia Cabrera OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-38(2)(C). Failure to complete a Renewal Application, Citation issued on December 17, 2025, 4th offense, "Cali". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4626 31st Pl SW, Naples, FL 34116 Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Sonia Cabrera was present. Officer Frank testified:  The Respondent failed to renew their Dangerous Dog application and multiple attempts were made to contact her from 7/25/25 – 11/20/25 with no response.  On 11/5/25 she went to the Respondent’s address of record and found the premise vacated with the apartment manager, noting she had moved a month earlier.  On 11/16/25, she visited the prior address of the Respondent and spotted the car belonging to Ms. Cabrera and spoke to her mother. Her mother notified her the Respondent was not present, however the dog was at the Respondent’s home, however she did not know the address.  She requested Ms. Cabrera’s mom to have the Respondent contact her, but no communication occurred.  Accordingly, multiple Citations were issued for a violation of the County Ordinance. Manager Mucha testified on 1/25/25 he notified the Respondent via email of the requirements for annually registering a Dangerous Dog with the County. Evidence Entered: Exhibit 1: Email dated 1/27/25 Exhibit 2: Photo of Animal Control Notice posted 11/25/25 Exhibit 3: Photo dated 12/16/25 Exhibit 4: Original Order dated 11/1/2019 Officer Frank testified “Cali” has not been registered with the County as required in the Ordinance and the case involves a 4th offense. In addition, the vaccinations and licensing are not up to date for the dog. January 16, 2026 4 Ms. Cabrera testified:  She recently fulfilled the licensing and vaccinations requirements for “Cali.”  She did not register the dog as required due to a lack of funds however she is submitting the application today. Respondent Evidence Entered: Exhibit 1: Proof of licensing Officer Frank confirmed the vaccinations and licensing have been updated in the County system. Assistant Director Crotts noted in accordance with Florida Statute a fine of up to $1,000 may be imposed for the infraction and Collier County Ordinances allow a penalty being imposed of $10.00 per day the owner is not in conformance with County regulations. He recommended a fine of $1,000.00, a penalty of $3,670.00 for the 367 days of noncompliance (1/15/25 to 1/16/26), Operational cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed in the case. Additionally, he requested language according to Collier County Code of Ordinances Section 14-38(2)(D) be incorporated into the Order: “The owner must allow access to the dog for the purposes of impoundment if the registration is not completed within 72 hours of January20, 2026. The owner is responsible for all costs related to impoundment. Failure to successfully re-register the dog after 30 days of impoundment will result in forfeiture of ownership of the dog. Animal services may dispose of such an impounded dog, in a humane manner, at the expense of the owner.” Special Magistrate Neale, after reviewing the evidence and hearing the testimony found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County’s Ordinance and ordered her to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.00, penalties in the amount of $3,670.00 for the 367 days of noncompliance, Operational Costs of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $4,727.00. Said amount to be paid within 120 days of this hearing. Additionally, in accordance with Collier County Ordinance Section 14-38(C) failure to successfully re-register the dog within 72 hours of 9:00am January 20, 2026 will result in impoundment of the animal and all other provisions of Section 14-38(C) apply. 4. CASE NO: CEAC20250014415-02 OWNER: Sonia Cabrera OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-33(2). Failure to vaccinate, citation issued on December 17, 2025, 3 rd offense, "Cali". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4626 31st Pl SW, Naples, FL 34116 Sonia Cabrera was present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County noting the Respondent failed to vaccinate “Cali” as required under the Ordinance until recently and the information has been updated in the County system. Assistant Director Crotts noted in accordance with Florida Statute a fine of up to $1,000 may be imposed for the infraction. He recommended a fine of $1,000.00, Operational cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed in the case. January 16, 2026 5 Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County’s Ordinance when the Citation was issued on 12/17/25 and ordered her to pay a fine in the amount of $500.00, penalties in the amount of $557.00. Said amount to be paid within 90 days of this hearing. 5. CASE NO: CEAC20250014415-03 OWNER: Sonia Cabrera OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-38(3)(A)(4). Dangerous Dog — Relocating/confinement, citation issued on December 16, 2025, 1st offense, "Cali". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4626 31st Pl, Naples, FL 34116 Sonia Cabrera was present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Officer Frank testified the Respondent vacated her premise of record and failed to notify the County of relocation as required under the Ordinance. Ms. Cabrera testified she was unaware she had to notify the County when she moves. Officer Frank testified the Respondent signed the acknowledgement of the dog being declared Dangerous in 2019 and was informed of the requirements to harbor the dog. Assistant Director Crotts noted in accordance with Florida Statute a fine of up to $1,000 may be imposed for the infraction and recommended a fine of $1,000.00, Operational cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed in the case. Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County’s Ordinance and ordered her to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.00, Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $1,057.00. Said amount to be paid within 120 days of this hearing. 6. CASE NO: CEAC20250014415-04 OWNER: Sonia Cabrera OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-33(1). Failure to license, citation issued on December 17, 2025, 3rd offense, "Cali". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4626 31st Pl SW, Naples, FL 34116 Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County noting the Citation was issued for failure to license the dog. According to County records, the Respondent licensed the dog on 1/6/26 and the infraction is a 3rd offense. Sonia Cabrera had no comment. Assistant Director Crotts recommended a fine of $500.00, Operational cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed in the case. January 16, 2026 6 Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony noting the Respondent came into compliance, found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County’s Ordinance and ordered her to pay a fine in the amount of $150.00, Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $207.00. Said amount to be paid within 60 days of this hearing. 6. Stipulations (Continued) 11. CASE NO: CEAC20250013786-01 OWNER: San Juana Harding OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-36(1)(D). Failure to provide medical attention, citation issued on November 30, 2025, 1st offense, "Guero". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3481 Carson Lake Cir, Immokalee, FL 34142 Cases 12 & 13 were combined. 12. CASE NO: CEAC0250013786-02 OWNER: San Juana Harding OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-37(1)(B). Maim or disfigure - Ear crop or tail dock, citation issued on November 30, 2025, 1st offense, "Guero". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3481 Carson Lakes Cir, Immokalee, FL 34142 Assistant Director Crotts requested the hearing. The Stipulation was entered into by San Juana Harding on January 16, 2026. Special Magistrate Neale found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered: 1. The charges for Citations CEAC20250013766-01 (Failure to provide medical) and CEAC20250013766-02 (Maim or Disfigure – tail dock) will be continued for a period of 2 years from today’s hearing date and will be dismissed pending no animal related issues are violated as per the Collier County Code and Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14 or any Florida State Statute related to any animal related issues. If a violation occurs during this 2 year period, the above charges will be brought forward for hearing. 7. Public Hearings (Continued) A. Hearings 13. CASE NO: CEAC20250007962-34 OWNER: Enrique Florez Villegas OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-37(1)(B). Maim or disfigure - Ear crop or tail dock, citation issued on November 30, 2025, 1st offense, "Guero". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3481 Carson Lakes Cir, Immokalee, FL 34142 Cases 13 and 14 were combined. January 16, 2026 7 14. CASE NO: CEAC20250007962-35 OWNER: Enrique Florez Villegas OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-36(1)(D). Failure to provide medical attention, citation issued on November 30, 2025, 1st offense, "Guero". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3481 Carson Lakes Cir, Immokalee, FL 34142 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 12/15/25 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 12/15/25 The Respondent was not present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Officer Frank testified:  On November 11, 2025, she responded to the above residence to follow up on an open case.  While on the premise she observed “Guero” with an open wound.  Mr. Villegas was not present on site, but she spoke to him on the phone and he informed her the dog’s tail was run over by a car.  He provided medical treatment, however the tail ended up falling off.  She researched animal clinics in the area and there was no record of treatment being provided to the dog. Evidence Entered: Exhibit 1: Photo dated 9/9/25 Exhibits 2-4: Photo dated 11/11/25 Exhibit 5: Copy of DAS medical history for Guero Exhibit 6: Dr. Unz Certifications Witnesses Dr. Erica Unz, Domestic Animal Service Chief Medical Officer was qualified as an expert witness and testified she examined the dog and the wound is consistent with tail docking. The process involves an elastic wrapping around the tail to cut off the blood supply so it falls off. It is very painful for the dog and is usually utilized for castration of large animals. The process takes approximately 4 weeks for the tail to fall off and 6 to 8 weeks for the wound to heal. In her opinion, given the dog’s tail damage was not the subject of a vehicle accident. San Juana Harding, co-owner of Guero was questioned about the vehicle accident occurring to the dog but testified her ex-husband docked the tail of the dog. Assistant Director Crotts recommended a fine of $500.00 be imposed, Operational cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed for each case. Further, in accordance with Collier County Ordinance 14-37(2)(4) the Respondent forfeit his right to license additional animals in the County for a period of one year. Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County Ordinance and ordered him to pay a Fine of $500.00, Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for each case for a total amount due of $1,114.00. Said amount to be payable within 30 days of this hearing. Failure to pay the fines and costs imposed to become a lien on the Respondent and/or their property. Additionally, for both cases, in accordance with Section 14-37(4), the January 16, 2026 8 Respondent forfeit his right to license additional animals in the County for a period of one year. Any animal without benefit of a license in his possession shall be deemed an additional violation of the Ordinance. Recessed: 10:12am Reconvened: 10:25am 8. CASE NO: CEAC20250014313-02 OWNER: Juliza Martinez OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-33(1). Failure to license, citation issued on December 15, 2025, 5th offense, "Ace". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5111 Quail Roost Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142 The testimony and evidence entered for the case was `provided under case 10. Assistant Director Crotts recommended a fine of $500.00 be imposed, Operational Cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed for the case. Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County Ordinance and ordered her to pay a Fine of $500.00, Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $557.00. Said amount to be payable within 30 days of this hearing . 9. CASE NO: CEAC20250014313-03 OWNER: Juliza Martinez OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-33(2). Failure to Vaccinate, citation issued on December 15, 2025, 5 th offense, "Ace". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5111 Quail Roost Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142 The testimony and evidence entered for the case was provided under case 10. Assistant Director Crotts recommended a fine of $1,000.00 be imposed, Operational Cost assessed at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed for the case. Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County Ordinance and ordered her to pay a Fine of $1,000.00, Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $1,057.00. Said amount to be payable within 30 days of this hearing . 10. CASE NO: CEAC20250014313-04 OWNER: Juliza Martinez OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section January 16, 2026 9 14-38(2)(C). Failure to renew annual certificate of registration, citation issued on December 17, 2025, 1st offense, "Ace". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5111 Quail Roost Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 12/22/25 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 12/22/25 The Respondent was not present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Officer Frank testified:  On 12/15/25 she conducted a site visit to the above premise for a Dangerous Dog registration.  The Respondent was not home and unable to be reached on the telephone.  Accordingly, all 3 Citations associated with the cases were issued including failing to register the Dangerous Dog, failure to vaccinate the dog and failure to license the dog.  On 12/18/25 she revisited the site and observed the dog in the garage.  Her records indicate the Respondent has not been in contact with DAS. Evidence Entered: Exhibits 1-2: Photos dated 12/15/25 Exhibits 3: Photo dated 12/22/25 Exhibit 4: Dangerous Dog renewal letter dated 12/15/25 Exhibit 5: Dangerous Dog registration 12/9/24 Exhibit 6: Dangerous Dog Sufficient Cause Determination 3/24/24 Exhibit 7: Signed Dangerous Dog Acknowledgement 3/30/24 Assistant Director Crotts noted in accordance with Florida Statute a fine of up to $1,000.00 may be imposed for the infraction and Collier County Ordinances allow a penalty being imposed of $10.00 per day the owner is not in conformance with County regulations. He recommended a fine of $1,000.00, a penalty of $3,720.00 for the 372 days of noncompliance (12/9/24 to 1/16/25), Operational cost at $50.00 and an Administrative Fee of $7.00 be imposed in the case and the animal be impounded immediately. Special Magistrate Neale, after hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, found the Respondent GUILTY of violating the County Ordinance and ordered her to pay a Fine of $1,000.00, a penalty of $3,720.00 for 372 days of noncompliance, $50.00 in Operational Costs and a $7.00 Administrative Fee for a total amount due of $4,777.00. Said amount to be payable within 30 days of this hearing. In accordance with County Ordinance Section 14-381(D), Animal Services may impound the dog with assistance from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office until such time the Respondent satisfies Section 14-38.2.C of the Ordinance. The Respondent is responsible for all costs related to the impoundment. B. Emergency Cases None 8. New Business A. Motion for Reduction/Abatement of Fines None B. Motion for Imposition of Fines and Liens January 16, 2026 10 None 9. Old Business A. Motion of Amend Previously Issued Order None B. Motion to Rescind Previously Issued Order None 10. Consent Agenda A. Request for Special Magistrate to Impose Nuisance Abatement Lines for Cases Referenced in Submitted Executive Summary None B. Request to Forward Cases to the County Attorney’s Office as Referenced in the Submitted Executive Summary None C. Request for Special Magistrate to Impose DAS Citation Liens on Cases Referenced in Executive Summary None 11. Reports None 12. Next Meeting Date – February 20, 2026 at 9:00am There being no further business for the good of the County, the Hearing was adjourned by Order of the Special Magistrate at 10:40AM. COLLIER COUNTY SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARING ________________________________ Patrick H. Neale, Special Magistrate The Minutes were approved by the Special Magistrate on _________________________, as presented ____, or as amended ________.