By Becky Bywater
Animal advocates throughout Polk and beyond Polk County have been calling for reform to reverse Polk County Animal Control being the number one highest kill shelter in the state for eight years.
Paul Nutcher wrote an article on June 5, 2025, “Animal advocates clash with Polk County commissioners over sheriff’s animal control shelter.”
An article in the October 2025 Polk County Sheriff’s Office Community Update states: “Last year, Sheriff Judd returned $5.9 million back to the County Commissioners. This included $2.5 million in unspent funds, $2.1 million in interest, and $1.3 million in FEMA/FDEM reimbursements.”
Why did the Sheriff’s Department return money that could have been allocated for a spay/neuter voucher and trap/neuter/return programs, plus installing A/C and heat?
Why didn’t the county commissioners ask some of the returned funds be spent on animal control needs that are consistently being brought to the attention of the sheriff and the county commissioners?
There is no A/C or heat in the facility. According to the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office record of square footage of the buildings and using maximum cost per square foot for installing in a commercial building in Florida, that would be less than $1 million.
Becky Woods Bywater, Lakeland”