Did you know that, according to Florida Statute 823.15, Polk County, Florida’s Code of Ordinance —including its Polk County Animal Control Shelter—appears to be in violation of state law?
#1 — Statute 823.15 clearly states that uncontrolled breeding poses serious risks to animal welfare, public health, and community resources:
“It is therefore declared to be the public policy of the state that every feasible means be used to reduce the incidence of birth of unneeded and unwanted puppies and kittens. Determining which programs result in improved adoption rates and in reduced euthanasia rates for animals in shelters and animal control agencies is crucial to this effort.”
https://m.flsenate.gov/statutes/823.15
Polk County’s continued refusal to support effective spay/neuter and TNR efforts flies in the face of this mandate. Their high euthanasia is against statute and the fact that they board of commissioners have NOT enacted Breeder Regulations to curve population or promote Spay/Neuter programs and they dont require mandate microchipping of pets like other counties do.
#2 — Also, this part shocked me: The way the shelter reports adoptions versus transfers to rescues appears misleading and possibly deceptive.
They’re reporting transfers as adoptions, which makes their numbers look better and helps them qualify for more funding. But in reality, they’re just shifting the burden to rescues that survive on donations—not solving the problem.
I really hope you attend the June 3rd Commissioners’ meeting! People are mobilizing, and your presence would make a huge impact.