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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut unlike the first time the advocates spoke, the commissioners did not respond to the advocates at either the July 15 or Aug. 5 meetings. The last time they spoke, Commissioner Bill Braswell said Judd is responsible for animal control. They needed to talk to him if they wanted changes. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe advocates ultimately wanted a TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) program similar to those in neighboring counties such as Hillsborough, saying they cost less than the current program and save animals’ lives. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIn his third trip to the lectern in two months, veterinarian Robert Weedon of Polk City said there is \u201ca drastic need for a more feral-friendly animal ordinance in Polk County and the woefully low live outcome rate in Polk County,\u201d especially compared to neighboring counties.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe reason conditions are so bad in Polk is the lack of humane and effective management of feral and free-roaming cats known broadly as \u201ccommunity cats.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou said we are talking to the wrong people, you said this is Grady\u2019s problem,\u201d Weedon said. \u201cRespectfully, I disagree.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the governing body in Polk County, the commission can enact an ordinance per the county charter, he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt states, \u2018adopt such ordinances as may be necessary to carry out both county and municipal powers and purposes,\u2019\u201d Weedon said, quoting the charter.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In July 2023, Best Friends Animal Society submitted an offer to assist Polk County Animal Control with lifesaving at the shelter, Weedon said. And a local philanthropist had offered $20 million to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat offer was rejected. Why?\u201d he asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, Weedon himself also proposed a $250,000 fund to offer low-cost sterilizations in Polk County. Such a proposal did get support from then-Commissioner George Lindsey, but it never materialized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Weedon asked. \u201cWhy, because Grady vetoed both ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you so afraid of Grady that you refuse to exercise good judgment and make things better for the animals in Polk County?\u201d he asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI respect Sheriff Judd as a law enforcement officer, but as the leader of Animal Control, not so much,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI recognize Sheriff Judd is an avid bird photographer, and he believes cats should be killed because they prey on birds,\u201d Weedon said. \u201cWhat he does not understand is that with the support of TNVR there will be fewer cats to prey on his beloved birds.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More importantly, with managed colonies, there is evidence by providing resources such as food, there is less predation of wildlife, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have been killing cats for decades, and it hasn\u2019t helped,\u201d he said. \u201cIt’s time for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEve Salimbene of Lakeland is the founder and director of the Street Cat Project and works with Weedon to care for the hundreds of cats in colonies across the county. Like Weedon, she said a spay and neuter voucher proposal was on Lindsey\u2019s desk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI sat in his office, and he specifically told me it was on his desk, the funding was available, and then nothing. Where did the money go? Why did it not happen?\u201d Salimbene said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are looking to you (the current commissioners) for guidance. We are looking for some sort of a program to help the animals in our county. The people want it,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She listed the work the Street Cat Project has been doing to demonstrate the need. There are 55 colonies where cats are currently being trapped, Salimbene said. Since the beginning of the year, 59 colonies have been completed and there are 201 colonies on a waiting list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat right there should tell you that there is a huge need for a low-cost option. We cannot do it alone,\u201d she said, adding the nonprofit spends $50 per cat at low-cost spay and neuter facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, 425 animals are euthanized every month at Polk County\u2019s shelter, Salimbene said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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