By Maria Consuelo Barrero Cat Photos by Natalie Scott
It is absolutely heartbreaking to see what is happening inside Polk County Animal Control every single day. Severe overcrowding, lack of resources, and preventable deaths continue, while animals suffer needlessly. This crisis is made even worse by the absence of meaningful volunteer programs, foster programs, public education initiatives, and a countywide TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program, which is proven to be the most effective and humane way to control community cat populations and reduce shelter intake.
What is even more devastating is the continued lack of willingness on the part of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners to enact real, life-saving animal welfare ordinances, such as mandatory spay/neuter, stronger enforcement, and responsible breeding regulations.
This is not just an animal issue — it is a community crisis. The solutions are proven, humane, and cost-effective. What is missing is the political will to act. Our animals deserve better. Our community deserves better. The time for action is now.
Please join us. Register to speak when you arrive. Tell them what you think of our Animal Control facility and management.
It is heartbreaking. Go in and adopt today. I did. Grady will make you sign a contract, and you’re on the hook for a yearly $10 pet “tax”, but it’s worth it. To me it was, anyway. I wish I could win the powerball, buy a huge farm and take them all.
This has got to stop these animals suffering is unacceptable I myself have a colony that I feed and have several of my own I think there should be a law that you’re not allowed to own a cat unless it’s been neutered or spayed
I Would vote for it