{"id":59813,"date":"2025-12-10T19:50:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T00:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=59813"},"modified":"2025-12-10T20:02:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T01:02:47","slug":"another-letter-to-polk-county-officials-with-no-response-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2025\/12\/10\/another-letter-to-polk-county-officials-with-no-response-back\/","title":{"rendered":"Another letter to Polk County officials with no response back"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cc: County Official below<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subject: \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dear Mr. Scherer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I write respectfully on behalf of animal welfare advocates (a few of whom are CC\u2019d here) and concerned members of the public to request clarification on several operational matters at Polk County Animal Control. These questions have been raised repeatedly at Board of County Commissioners meetings and through various channels. This letter seeks information to better understand shelter policies and procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sheriff Judd has built a national reputation for innovative law enforcement and accountability. With his name on Polk County Animal Control, there is an unprecedented opportunity to transform \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a’\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d-\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b into a national model that other sheriffs study and replicate\u2014demonstrating the same leadership that has made Polk County a law enforcement benchmark. The questions below identify specific areas where evidence-based programs could achieve the dramatic improvements seen in other Florida counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc01\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc12 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e: Public records requests to Polk County Animal Control are consistently incomplete, delayed, or ignored. I received only 9-line budget items instead of comprehensive documentation and received no response to requests for incident reports on animals euthanized with holds, remediation protocols for accidental euthanasia, or public access investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27:
What quality assurance processes ensure complete responses to public records requests?
When records are stated to not exist, what documentation confirms this determination?
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\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc04 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc01\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d: Since June 2025, animal welfare advocates have attended monthly Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings requesting ordinances to address animal welfare issues, including TNR programs, tethering standards, outdoor shelter requirements, pet sales regulation, breeder oversight, community cat management, animal abuse registries, spay\/neuter voucher programs, and enforcement penalties, among many others. These preventive measures would align with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc31\ud835\udc2d: \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd1.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd3 states: “It is therefore declared to be the public policy of the state that \ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c be used to \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc24\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c. Determining which programs result in \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c and in \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c for \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c is crucial to this effort.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d:
Commissioner Rick Wilson stated at the September 2, 2025, BOCC meeting (Hour 2:33:15):
“\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f’\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25. \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f’\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc30 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32, \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc30\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc13 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc2c.”<\/p>\n\n\n

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Commissioner Bill Braswell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Commissioner Bill Braswell stated at the June 3, 2025, BOCC meeting (Min 23:00):
“\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc13 \ud835\udc20\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f’\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc32. \ud835\udc18\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc24 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f.”
<\/em>At that same June 3, 2025, meeting, Commissioner Wilson stated the Board would discuss these concerns with the Sheriff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many additional concerns have been raised since June 3rd, yet no ordinances have been enacted.
\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27: The Commissioners have publicly stated they will only enact animal welfare ordinances if requested by the Sheriff’s Office. This places \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 for the absence of comprehensive animal welfare ordinances in the Sheriff’s Office and, by extension, Animal Control leadership.
If the Board of County Commissioners is placing ordinance responsibility on the Sheriff’s Office, I respectfully suggest: The simplest approach would be to study ordinances from most other Florida counties to identify best practices. Alternatively, a working group could be convened with shelter medicine professionals, animal welfare attorneys, and representatives from counties with successful programs. Potentially more valuable would be conversations between the Sheriff and neighboring sheriffs for input on ordinances and obstacles they’ve overcome. Many counties have already done this work\u2014there is no need to start from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c:
Has Animal Control leadership been attending BOCC meetings or sending official representatives to discuss ordinance needs? Will Animal Control send a representative to the November 18th meeting at 9:00 AM and attend subsequent invitations to meetings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Animal Control communicate to the BOCC which ordinances are necessary to improve animal welfare outcomes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Commissioners state they are waiting for the Sheriff’s Office direction on ordinances, who from your office provides this guidance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27 – \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc01\ud835\udc08 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32: The FBI recognizes animal abuse as strongly linked to other forms of violence. It was the National Sheriff’s Association that advocated to the FBI to add animal cruelty as a separate data set (https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/news\/stories\/-tracking-animal-cruelty<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without comprehensive ordinances (including an animal abuse registry, tethering standards, regulation of pet sales, and enforcement mechanisms), Polk County lacks preventative\u2014and even robust remedial\u2014tools that other jurisdictions use to identify and track potential threats to public safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc10\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12 – “\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc12” \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc06 \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n

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Polk County Attorney Randy Mink<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On August 20, 2025, I sent the following request for legal clarification to County Attorney Randy Mink. As of this date, I have not received a response. I now direct these same questions to you as the Director responsible for Animal Control operations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfcf: \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c
Does any ordinance prohibit or restrict the feeding of cats or dogs outside?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If such ordinances exist, please provide specific code section references.
If no such ordinances exist, would this mean there is no legal authority to request people to stop feeding outside?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd0: \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc15\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc29 \ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\/\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20
Some municipalities within Polk County assign ownership based on feeding for a set period: Polk City and Winter Haven after 3 days, Mulberry after 7 days. Other municipalities do not appear to have ownership-through-feeding provisions: Lakeland, Haines City, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Wales, and Town of Lake Hamilton (based on my review of these specific municipal codes).
\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27: Directives instructing residents to cease feeding outside cats or dogs without legal authority may constitute overreach and could result in violations of \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd6.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd0 \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd6.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd1 (animal cruelty) if “owned” animals are deliberately starved. For municipalities lacking ownership-through-feeding provisions, does any county or municipal code authorize Animal Control to declare feeders as owners?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd1: \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2c “\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2c.”
Polk County Animal Control has issued “green slips” stating: “Outdoor dogs and cats must have appropriate shelter.” (Documentation attached). Does Polk County or any municipal ordinance require an outdoor shelter specifically for cats? Section 4-27 of the Polk County Code references dogs but does not mention cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd2: \ud835\udc04\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current complaint process relies on single-complainant reports or single sworn statements without corroborating evidence, even for owned pets. Other counties require enhanced standards to prevent hearsay-based enforcement actions and reduce retaliatory complaints:
Sworn affidavits from 2 separate households for noise complaints
Photographic or video evidence for property damage claims
Would Animal Control consider adopting \ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2c and ensure fair enforcement?<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\ud835\udc09\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd3 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12 – \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In July 2025\u2014exactly one year after implementing an informal phone ban and following extensive media coverage of shelter conditions\u2014Polk County Animal Control formalized restrictive policies through \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd2\ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd3\ud835\udfce.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd6 (dated July 9, 2025):
\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc08\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d:
Written ban on phones\/electronic devices in “controlled areas” (previously enforced informally since July 2024)
Relabeling of kennel areas as “controlled” and “restricted.”
\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc23\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc32\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c:
Extension of perimeter fencing 6-8 feet, making formerly public areas now private
Termination of the volunteer program
Placement of “Bad Dog” warning signs at the entry and at the entry of dog wings (now controlled areas)
Requirement for a government-issued ID just to walk the premises
Barring rescue organizations from formerly accessible areas<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. How do these restrictions enhance rather than limit public oversight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. If these restrictions are justified by safety concerns, why did no safety incidents occur during the decades when public access, phones, and volunteers were permitted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. According to University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program staff who oversee data for 153 shelters across 64 of Florida’s 67 counties, \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b has implemented similar phone bans or access restrictions in adoption\/kennel areas. If safety is the concern, how do 153 other Florida shelters operate safely without these restrictions?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc08\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d: These unprecedented restrictions\u2014\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a’\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd3\ud835\udfd1+ \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\u2014have been raised by citizens at every BOCC meeting since implementation. Rather than enhancing security, these policies create a \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d that undermines confidence in shelter operations. When neighboring counties operate transparently without similar measures, Polk County’s restrictions invite scrutiny rather than demonstrating professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc17\ud835\udc13 – \ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0a\ud835\udc04 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

University of Florida Data (2024):
Polk County Animal Control: \ud835\udfd4,\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd5\ud835\udfd1 non-live outcomes (\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a)
Miami-Dade County: \ud835\udfd0,\ud835\udfd3\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfd3 non-live outcomes (despite having \ud835\udfd1.\ud835\udfd3\u00d7 Polk’s population)
\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27: The University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program explains that high intake-per-population rates indicate \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c, \ud835\udc27\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2c. If irresponsible ownership were the primary factor, counties with higher populations, urban density, and socioeconomic challenges would show higher intake rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Animal Control leadership explain that Polk County’s intake and euthanasia rates significantly exceed those of larger, more densely populated counties? Wouldn’t these numbers justify a greater need for ordinances to prevent animals from entering Polk County Animal Control in the first place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b \ud835\udc10\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2c – Allegations via BOCC sworn statements:
Animals are being fed only once daily
Dogs of all sizes are receiving identical food portions regardless of weight
Insufficient exercise\/enrichment for caged animals as required by \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd6.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c: What is the official feeding schedule, and how are portion sizes determined? Can you provide daily feeding logs documenting dates\/times, portions per animal, and staff responsible? If such logs do not exist, how does Animal Control ensure compliance with statutory feeding requirements? Florida Statute 828.13 requires caged animals to be temporarily released for exercise\u2014what protocols ensure compliance, and how is this documented?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2c – \ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c: Are all animals sedated prior to euthanasia? With an average of \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd4+ animals euthanized daily (based on 2024 statistics), what staffing and facility resources are allocated to euthanasia procedures? If sedation is standard protocol, is there a dedicated room and staff person assigned specifically to sedation procedures?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Upon review of the Special Operations Division Procedure (SOPD) manual obtained through public records, it does not clarify that all animals are sedated. The manual mentions “when\/if” sedation occurs, but not that all animals receive sedation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 – \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d: In August 2025, statements were made before the BOCC that approved volunteers waiting since February were informed that the volunteer coordinator had quit and the program was terminated. Similar statements were heard at the October 2025 BOCC meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c: What has prevented the volunteer program from continuing with a new coordinator? What training was provided (or would have been provided) to volunteers? Considering the shelter’s high workload, have inmate workers been expanded to compensate for the loss of volunteers? What type of training do they receive in animal welfare?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27: Terminating the volunteer program eliminates \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc2d at a time when public concerns about shelter operations are heightened. If a former county shelter director were willing to provide training to upcoming volunteers, would you consider accepting five volunteers (perhaps more) currently willing to assist? Three have already passed background checks and were previously approved to begin service in February 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc01\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple individuals who visited Polk County Animal Control\u2014both before and after the access restrictions implemented in July 2025\u2014have reported concerning conditions, including
Animals in cages without food or water
Uncleaned cages containing feces
Persistent strong odors throughout the facility
Adopted pets that were sick
These observations have been made as recently as August, September, and October 2025. Some visitors have documented their concerns in public Google reviews and social media posts, creating a pattern across multiple independent observers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c: The consistency of these reports raises serious questions about daily animal care protocols and compliance with Florida Statute 828.13, whether the July 2025 access restrictions were intended to improve conditions or prevent documentation of existing conditions, and the absence of internal quality assurance mechanisms to identify and address care deficiencies. This pattern makes independent verification urgent. Either these observations are inaccurate (in which case verification would clear the shelter’s reputation and prove operations meet professional standards), or they are accurate (in which case immediate corrective action is needed).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc11 (\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0f-\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11-\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04-\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0d) \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc06\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0c \ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e: \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd1.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd3 requires crucial effort from animal control agencies to use “\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc24\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c” and to determine which programs reduce euthanasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c:
Of \ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd2 Florida counties with shelters, \ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfcf counties with open intake shelters have better live outcome rates than Polk County (exceptions: Baker, Gadsden, Glades)
\ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd1 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd2 counties kill fewer animals than Polk County Animal Control
Polk County continues to have the \ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a for 7+ consecutive years (per University of Florida data and media reports)
Polk County does not implement policies aligning with Florida Statute 823.15’s mandate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c:
\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 (established 1878): In 2017, the nation’s top legal authority\u2014composed of 400,000 lawyers\u2014enacted \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udc01 after comprehensive analysis. Key findings:
\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d: Humane trap \u2192 Veterinary evaluation \u2192 Sterilization \u2192 Rabies vaccination \u2192 Ear-tip \u2192 Return
\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32: TNVR rarely requires new legislation\u2014only correct interpretation of existing laws.
\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27: Governments should interpret or adopt laws enabling TNVR programs and caregiver exemptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc04\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c:
\u2219 Alachua County, FL: TNVR reduced shelter intake by \ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd4% in targeted areas vs. \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd0% in others.
\u2219 Orange County, FL: Euthanizing a cat costs $\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd1\ud835\udfd7; sterilizing costs $\ud835\udfd3\ud835\udfd4\u2014sterilizing \ud835\udfd5,\ud835\udfd7\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfd1 cats saved $\ud835\udfd4\ud835\udfd3\ud835\udfd4,\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c:
University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and American Humane Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. What specific obstacles prevent implementation of programs mandated by Florida Statute 823.15?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Has Animal Control leadership requested BOCC adoption of ordinances to comply with this statute?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. What alternative programs are in place to satisfy Florida Statute 823.15’s requirement to use “every feasible means” to reduce euthanasia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc13 \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc05 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c:
Over the last \ud835\udfd4.\ud835\udfd3 years, approximately \ud835\udfd0,\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfd1\ud835\udfd5 animals have escaped from Polk County Animal Control
Based on conservative breeding calculations, escaped cats could produce \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfce,\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce\u2013\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd2,\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce offspring over 6.5 years
If animal rescues withdrew help and Good Samaritan TNVR teams stopped helping Polk County Animal Control, intake would climb to approximately \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd7,\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce\ud835\udfce animals annually<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This suggests Polk County Animal Control has not implemented internal programs or policy changes necessary to function independently of volunteer community support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would Animal Control consider a peer-to-peer assessment from other law enforcement agencies or sheriffs experienced in TNVR implementation, to ensure an honest and objective evaluation of Polk County\u2019s current practices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0c \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc00 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two nearby Florida counties demonstrate effective approaches to accountability that could be implemented in Polk County:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 – \ud835\udc08\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc15\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e
Lee County Animal Shelter operates with video surveillance cameras in kennel areas that provide timestamped documentation enabling a fact-finding inquiry when concerns arose in 2024 (Fox 4 News, October 1, 2024). This internal monitoring protects both animals and staff while demonstrating institutional accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc32\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 – \ud835\udc14\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27
Taylor County’s Board of County Commissioners held a workshop with animal welfare advocates (October 2024), consulted with the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program, and implemented specific improvements including re-sealed floors and enhanced veterinary care\u2014demonstrating how collaborative approaches achieve measurable results while enhancing public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc24 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32: If Lee County Sheriff and Taylor County commissioners could work collaboratively with animal advocates or the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program to improve operations, can Polk County pursue this same proven approach within the next 4 months?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc15\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc12 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc0a \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given the July 2025 access restrictions that eliminated phones, volunteers, and public access, \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc2c are now essential. Polk County could implement:
Video surveillance cameras in kennel areas (Lee County model)
University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program assessment (Taylor County model – used by 130+ shelters across 22 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands)
Bi-annual third-party inspections (regular independent verification)
Scheduled public tours (quarterly community access tour)
Real-time statistics dashboard (daily intake\/outcome\/capacity numbers – Best Friends Animal Society model)
Anonymous staff reporting system (external, independent of Sheriff’s Office)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc10\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27: Would Animal Control leadership be willing to implement at least some of these transparency alternatives?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc27: When a facility simultaneously bans phones, eliminates volunteers, restricts rescue access, extends perimeter fencing, requires ID for entry, and becomes the \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc18 Florida shelter with such restrictions\u2014while refusing to implement any alternative oversight mechanisms\u2014the question naturally arises: \ud835\udc16\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28 \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2f\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc29\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc26 \ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc20?
If conditions meet professional standards, implementing transparency measures would vindicate operations. Refusing all alternatives to the eliminated oversight suggests conditions cannot withstand scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc18 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11 \ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc14\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc0d \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc03 \ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc12\ud835\udc07\ud835\udc08\ud835\udc0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheriff Grady Judd’s name is on the entry fence at Polk County Animal Control\u2014and with it comes an extraordinary opportunity. The facility bearing Sheriff Judd’s name represents an opportunity to demonstrate that the same excellence applied to law enforcement can transform animal welfare\u2014creating a showcase operation that reflects the Sheriff’s commitment to results and accountability.
Other sheriffs in Florida have received recognition for their animal welfare programs and animal protection taskforce, but none have the platform, resources, or proven leadership track record that Sheriff Judd possesses. Polk County could set the standard that others aspire to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32: Rather than having the \ud835\udc21\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc24\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a for 7+ consecutive years, <\/em>Polk County could become a model for transformation when law enforcement leadership applies the same data-driven, results-oriented approach to animal welfare that Sheriff Judd has applied to public safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc16\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc16\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc24 \ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc1e:
Dramatically reduced euthanasia rates (as achieved by 61 peer countries)
Cost savings from evidence-based programs (In 2017, Orange County documented $656,000 in savings)
National recognition for innovative leadership
Enhanced public trust through transparency
Compliance with Florida Statute 823.15 mandates
A facility operation that reflects the excellence Sheriff Judd has established in other areas of law enforcement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21 \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d: Animal welfare advocates are not adversaries\u2014we seek the same outcomes Sheriff Judd has achieved throughout his career: \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2c, \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32, \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d. Better outcomes for animals translate to better outcomes for the Sheriff’s Office, for Animal Control leadership, and for the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc26 \ud835\udc0b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e: Improving shelter outcomes is in everyone’s interest. Programs that save lives, increase adoptions, and reduce euthanasia enhance public perception, reduce criticism, and demonstrate professional excellence.
I look forward to your response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respectfully,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

cc:
Polk County Officials:
Sheriff \ud835\udc06\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc09\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1d (gjudd@polksheriff.org<\/a>)
Associate Attorney Sheriff \ud835\udc09\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b (jreuter@polksheriff.org<\/a>)
County Attorney \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc24 (randymink@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Board of County Commissioners (commissioners@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Commissioner \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27 (BeckyTroutman@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Commissioner \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc24 \ud835\udc16\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 (RickWilson@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Commissioner \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 (BillBraswell@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Commissioner \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc20\ud835\udc28 (MarthaSantiago@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Commissioner \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d (MichaelScott@polk-county.net<\/a>)
County Manager \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc32 (billbeasley@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Clerk \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc0c. \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1d (stacybutterfield@polk-county.net<\/a>)
Animal Welfare Advocates
( Undisclosed here)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attachments
\u201cGreen Slip\u201d documentation from Animal Control<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Map of Florida open-intake shelters<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Reference Links<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BOCC Meeting Videos;
https:\/\/www.polk-county.tv\/CablecastPublicSite\/gallery\/1?site=1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Florida Shelter Statistics (2024):
https:\/\/sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu\/research\/current-studies\/florida-animal-sheltering\/shelter-level-data<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc01\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27
Resolution 102B (2017):
https:\/\/www.animallawconference.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2017-ABA-TNVR-102B.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google Reviews:
https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Polk+County+animal+control+Florida<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lee County Sheriff Investigation:
https:\/\/www.fox4now.com\/news\/local-news\/new-lcso-begins-fact-finding-inquiry-into-claims-about-lee-co-animal-shelter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida Statutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd6.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd0 \u2014 https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2025\/0828.12<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd6.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd1 \u2014 https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2025\/828.13<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udfd6\ud835\udfd0\ud835\udfd1.\ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfd3 \u2014 https:\/\/www.flsenate.gov\/Laws\/Statutes\/2025\/0823.15<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Municipal Codes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polk County \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/polk_county\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4ANFO<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polk City \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/polk_city\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH14AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulberry \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/mulberry\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH5AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter Haven \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/winter_haven\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH4AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lakeland \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/lakeland\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITHCO_CH10AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bartow \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/bartow\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH14AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Auburndale \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/auburndale\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH5AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Haines City \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/haines_city\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH5ANFO<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Hamilton \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/lake_hamilton\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Wales \u2014
https:\/\/library.municode.com\/fl\/lake_wales\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6AN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc1b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc28: \ud835\udc0f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc24 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc32 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25 \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc25 – \ud835\udc05\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc2b. \ud835\udc06\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2bCc: County Official below Subject: \ud835\udc11\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc27 \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc25… 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