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COLUMBUS—Margo Savage was honored on Monday, August 19, by the Polk County Board of Commissioners with a proclamation upon her retirement from the Polk County Cruelty Investigators Program.

Savage has dedicated 20 years of service to the program, which she played a pivotal role in establishing. After she and her husband helped the Animal Control Office in June 2003, she recognized that the Officer needed others to help in certain situations. On May 24, 2004, she proposed an initiative in which the state offered to appoint local Animal Cruelty Investigators to the Polk County Board of Commissioners.

Savage and her team of investigators have made a profound impact on the welfare of animals in Polk County, restoring the health of over 850 equines and numerous other animals, including dogs, cats, alpacas, llamas, cows, pigs, and even a notoriously ill-tempered emu.

In the proclamation, the board said it wished to “express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Margo Savage for her visionary leadership, her dedication to the protection and care of animals, and her significant contributions to the community.”

The Polk County Cruelty Investigators Program is one of several volunteer groups that citizens can join. As an Animal Cruelty Investigator, a volunteer would follow up on reports of animal cruelty in the county and work with the Animal Control Officer to resolve issues. Training is required, and members must take the oath of office required of public officials.

To find out more information about volunteer opportunities, visit polknc.gov.