First and foremost, thank you, Commissioners, for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community. I moved to this beautiful area a little over a year ago, and I can honestly say it is a wonderful place to live. However, shortly after settling in, I began witnessing deeply concerning cases of animal neglect and cruelty. I have personally encountered dogs, cats, and even chickens abandoned, injured, or suffering—often daily.
Having previously lived in Palm Beach County, I was aware of the challenges facing animal welfare, but what I have seen here in Polk County is far more severe. The lack of strong, enforceable animal protection ordinances is deeply alarming when compared to other counties in Florida.
My perspective comes from experience: I worked for two years in an animal shelter and have been a medical foster for over a decade. I’ve cared for countless animals—many victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Through this work, I’ve learned that animals feel pain, experience emotions, and deserve compassionate, humane treatment. They rely on us to protect them, and it is our duty as a community to rise to that responsibility.
With this in mind, I respectfully propose the following roadmap to address Polk County’s animal welfare crisis in a humane, effective, and sustainable way:…