The numbers speak for themselves. 2,552 animals were killed. 647 dogs, 1652 cats, and 253 others. 425+ ANIMALS PER MONTH. Here are some comparisons to 2024:
2024 – January thru June
795 dogs and 1832 cats were killed
1,535 dogs and 1,577 cats were adopted out
2,121 dogs and 3,608 cats were brought into the shelter as strays
580 dogs and 169 cats were returned to owners
4 dogs and 288 cats escaped from the shelter
404 dogs and 118 cats were confiscated by Animal Control
Total Intake was 3035 dogs and 4120 cats
2025 – January thru June
647 dogs and 1,652 cats were killed
1329 dogs and 1943 cats were adopted out
2035 dogs and 3830 cats were brought into the shelter as stray
599 dogs and 107 cats were returned to owner
0 dogs and 198 cats escaped from the shelter
280 dogs and 126 cats were confiscated by Animal Control
Total Intake was 2722 dogs and 4141 cats
As taxpayers in Polk County, Florida we should all be ashamed of our leadership who continue to support this killing factory. Please join us on July 15th at the Board of County Commissioners meeting in Bartow to speak out about this hellhole posing as a shelter. 9AM.
If you cannot attend, email your Commissioners and tell them the 5.5 million taxpayer dollars allotted to the Sheriff for Animal Control is not being used to “shelter” animals. It’s being used to kill healthy, adoptable animals.
We need new animal welfare-based leadership
We need Low cost spay/neuter programs and a foster program
We need Open rescue opportunities without fear of retaliation.
We need to Initiate a Trap/Neuter/Return program for community cats, allowing the cats to live their lives in their territory without risk of rounding up and extermination as happens now.
We need to Enact Anti-tethering laws.
We need to license breeders.
We need to organize a robust Volunteer network
Other counties around us have done it. It is time for Polk to come into the 21st century with regard to animal welfare.
And lastly appoint a Citizens Oversight group of Animal Welfare advocates to work with the County on a new Animal Ordinance and new updated policies.
Polk is a fast-growing County and we cannot be silent any longer with regard to Animal Welfare. This is not the same old Polk County of yesteryear. New people, New ideas, New taxpayers. New Ordinances.
We will continue our mission to lessen the number of free-roaming cats in Polk County by Trap/Neuter/Return, but without funding, we are at a standstill. Donations are greatly needed and any amount helps.
Paypal – @streetcatproject
Cash App – #TNRinPolk
Click donate on our website – www.streetcatproject.org