While Animal Advocates stood at the podium begging for change, some of Polk’s “leaders” ( Commissioners Bill Braswell and County Attorney Randy Mink) sat there looking checked out — heads back, eyes closed , sleeping— like the mass killing crisis in this county is just background noise.
This is the county that under Polk County Animal Control managed by Sheriff Grady Judd killed or disposed of 6,273 animals in 2024.
More than any other shelter in the entire state of Florida.
2.5× more than Miami-Dade — a county with three times the population.
Source: University of Florida Shelter Medicine
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/research/current-studies/florida-animal-sheltering/shelter-level-data
This isn’t a “stray problem.”
This is what happens when those in power refuse to enact humane ordinances, ignore advocates, and treat mass killing as routine “population control.”
And while the numbers climb, they sit in their chairs — motionless. Disengaged.
These so-called leaders are an embarrassment to Polk County.
Polk County isn’t just on the list — it’s at the very top of a statewide body count.
That should fury every single taxpayer and every single person who loves animals.6,273 lives lost.
Policies unchanged.
Officials asleep at the wheel.
This is moral collapse on leadership All county commissioner and Sheriff Grady Judd.
This is why advocates keep showing up month after month. This is why we will not be silent.
Polk County leadership has blood on its hands.
𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌:
District 1 – Becky Troutman | (863) 534-6450 | [email protected]
District 2 – Rick Wilson | (863) 534-6434 | [email protected]
District 3 – Bill Braswell | (863) 534-6050 | [email protected]
District 4 – Martha Santiago, Ed.D. | (863) 534-6422 | [email protected]
District 5 – Michael Scott | (863) 534-6049 | [email protected]
Grady Judd Animal Control 863-298-6200
Well, having nodded off during a meeting or two myself – it’s hard to lay blame BUT – I was not compensated nearly as well as these folks.
Ridiculous when people are giving their opinions on what they want to see change. These people are flighting for an injustice. An abuse that should be illegal. But why can officials get away with abuse?
This is so disrespectful to fall asleep!! He should be fired honestly. Tax payers are not paying for this, they are paying for officials to lead and make the county a better place. He can go nap on his own dime!! NOW FIX THE DAMN HORRIBLE CONDITIONS AT THE SHELTER!! FIX THE WEBSITE SO PEOPLE CAN SEE THE ANIMALS!! BE HUMANE!! THEOSE ANIMALS LIVES ARE DEPENDING ON IT!!! GOD CREATED ANIMALS NOT TO BE STARVED AND ABUSED AND WHY ARE THEY BEING ABUSED AT THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT AND SERVE AND BE A EXAMPLE OF JUSTICE??
I have never seen such arrogant civil servants in state of Fl. They work for you. Disgusting and shameful.
Dear God may they never be in a position like this again