Sergeant Sherry Schlueter

Investigative Division: Steering an Animal Friendly Force (USA)

Since 1995, Sergeant Sherry Schlueter has led the Abuse and Neglect Unit of the Broward County sherrif’s office Investigative Service Division. The unique unit - the first and only one of this kind in the USA - consists of Schlueter and six full-time detectives charged with investigating the abuse of animals, children, elderly persons, and disabled adults.

She has succeeded with determination to create a law enforcement entity that takes such cases seriously, both for the sake of the victims and for the well-being of the community as a whole. She strongly argues that violence is violence, regardless of the victim’s age, gender, species or physical condition.

S. Schlueter has turned her natural affinity for animals and her desire to help into a career that has spanned more than 26 years with no end in sight.

Vegetarian since she was a teenager, she is now a vegan relying mostly on raw foods. She is an avid long-distance runner.