Judd needs to stop hiding and answer the questions
WARNING (^^^^GRAPHIC PICTURE BELOW ^^^^^)
We have had some inquiries as to what can be done to help change things in Polk County with regard to the Community Cats and stray animals taken in by animal control and ultimately euthanized.
Just for background, Polk County Florida has the highest euthanization rate of any County in the state, we are 5th in the Country. January thru July 2022 Polk Animal Control euthanized 520 dogs and 1573 cats. 31 dogs and 199 cats died while in our shelter waiting for vet care.
With over 300 dogs in the building and hundreds of cats, AND ONLY ONE VET ON STAFF, the capacity for care is impossible. They are not taking owner-surrendered animals at this time, so all of these animals are considered “stray”. Keep in mind that every “stray” animal had a home at some time.
***** This picture is of a kitten with a ruptured eye from the Polk County Animal control website. Sadly with no vet care to remove the eye. Very painful. Not acceptable. *****
Some of the changes needed are:
- More funding for Animal services
- “At least” one more full-time vet
- More staffing to get eyes on these compromised animals daily to triage them if needed
- Better relationships with rescues to pull animals
- More transparency so the public can step up to help
- More transports of animals north for adoption where there are fewer animals needing homes
- County-wide spay/neuter voucher program so people can get their animals fixed at a reasonable price to curb the population
- A new facility that is not next to the dump, where the public wants to go to adopt (and has no rat problem)
- Do not pick up or admit ear-tipped cats (the sign of an outside cat who has been fixed). Leave them be.
- Proactive Leadership that is animal welfare focused not law enforcement focused
Yes, these things cost money. The budget for the care of these animals needs to be increased and used wisely. It will cost taxpayers money, but it is the right thing to do. Contact your Commissioners and tell them it is time to do something positive to better our Animal Control facility and care.
District 1 – George Lindsay, Vice Chair – 863-534-6450 –
District 2 – Rick Wilson – 863-634-6434 –
District 3 – Bill Braswell – 863-534-6050 –
District 4 – Martha Santiago, Chairman – 863-534-6422
District 5 – Neil Combee – 863-534-6049 –
There are district maps online if you need to find out what district you live in. Please call, email, and then call again. Tell them you are not happy with the state of our animal control and you want to change. Use the talking points listed above. Be polite but firm. Let’s start this ball rolling. We need change for these animals who did not choose to find themselves in this sad situation.
Please share, spread the word, and be proactive. Thank you