People who make First Coast Crime Stoppers tips leading to arrests in Jacksonville animal cruelty cases are eligible for rewards up to $3,000.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After getting a major break in an animal cruelty case earlier this year thanks to a First Coast Crime Stoppers tip, Animal Care & Protective Services Jacksonville is making the two organizations’ partnership official.

Tipsters who offer information leading to an arrest in ACPS’ most tragic cases are now eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 through First Coast Crime Stoppers. The aim is to encourage more people with information to come forward by offering an anonymous tip option, and possibly deter animal abuse in Jacksonville altogether.

In November, the community rallied together to find a suspect after a Great Dane was found starving to death on the side of a Jacksonville road. The dog, named Oak and initially called “Miracle” by his finders, made his way to the shelter but ultimately could not be saved.


ACPS credits the quick arrest of the suspect in that case, Dawn Lipford, to a tip made after it announced an $8,000 Crime Stoppers reward for information.

“This partnership with ACPS sends a powerful message and reflects our shared commitment to protecting animals from cruelty,” First Coast Crime Stoppers Executive Director Chase Robinson said. “By offering cash rewards for information leading to arrests, we’re urging the community to speak up anonymously and help protect innocent lives that cannot defend themselves.”

ACPS investigators are now hoping for case-breaking information in the death of a dog they call “Valor.” Valor was discovered by an officer in December, strapped to a tree and shot multiple times near a pond off Emerson Street and Hendricks Avenue.


“Media coverage and anonymous tip submissions make a big difference in cases like these,” ACPS Chief Michael Bricker said. “The impact from information provided by community members will lead directly to bringing justice in some of our most tragic cases.”

Anyone with information on Valor’s case is encouraged to submit a tip online or by calling 866-845-8477.