A group of 12 shelter animal advocates in Florida sent a letter to the governor and the state attorney general requesting an investigation of Putnam Co Animal Control for animal cruelty and other illegal acts. Among the allegations made in the letter:
- Animals are left to suffer in cages without treatment for serious injuries and illnesses. Some of them have suffered to death.
- Animals are killed via “cruel and barbaric methods” including heartstick without sedation.
- Dogs are left in the cages while they are being pressure washed.
- ACOs have taken pets from their yards and listed them as stray.
- Animals are not scanned for microchips upon intake.
- Microchipped/tagged animals are “routinely” killed without ever contacting the owners.
- Friendly animals are labeled aggressive and killed.
- Animals who have rescues or adopters on the way are killed.
- Animals are killed while cages sit empty.
- Sick animals are not isolated and the facility is not properly cleaned on a daily basis.
- Donated vaccines were left untouched in the refrigerator until they expired while county officials claimed that consistent vaccination upon intake has not been possible due to lack of vaccines.
- Repeated offers of veterinary care from various members of the community have been refused.
- Donated medicine and equipment have gone unused.
The letter specifically mentions that previous efforts to address the issues on a local level have failed. It sounds like at least one local official has read the complaint and swiftly issued a meh:
Brian Hammons, the director of Putnam County planning and development services who oversee the animal shelter says it has received the letter and had no plans on acting on it. And had no further comment.
I am not a public official so maybe I’ve got this all wrong buuuut: If I received a letter signed by 12 of my constituents alleging criminal acts being committed on a daily basis at a facility I’m in charge of, I’d be inclined to say something to the media that at least gave the impression I was vaguely concerned. Even if I wasn’t. Even if I had zero intention of performing due diligence and was content to let the alleged criminal acts continue unchecked. Even if my only action plan in response to the letter was to fold it up and use it as a coaster for my coffee, I do believe I’d try to avoid letting on about that publicly. Just to keep my job maybe. Or is Brian Hammons the One True King of Putnam Co?
(Thanks to everyone who sent me this story.)