SPCA Tampa Bay, a respected animal welfare organization, has recently made a decision that has raised concerns among animal advocates in Pinellas County & now across the country.

SPCA Tampa Bay has chosen to partner with Pinnacle Pets, the nation's largest pet wholesaler, and Sunshine Puppies, a puppy store with three locations Tampa Bay, FL.

Last Friday, SPCA Tampa Bay posted this video on their Instagram announcing the partnership -- https://www.instagram.com/p/CyB9QtNxB3V/

In addition, Martha Boden, SPCA Tampa Bay CEO, was quoted saying,

"Nothing against the block-headed dogs, we love them just as much as anyone else. But bringing in dogs and puppies like Pomeranians, ShiTzus - you know - the dogs that the public really wants to adopt, will help bring more people to our shelter, and really that's what it's all about, isn't it?"

As seen in The New Barker 10/05/23 story "An Unsavory Partnership? You Decide"

Currently, there is a nationwide shelter crisis due to lack of resources and over population. Florida ranks fourth highest euthanization rates in the country and Pinellas County ranks in the top five of the state. The intake levels at shelters are at an all time high & animals are losing their lives due to lack of resources to care for them.

In light of this crisis, to utilize precious resources to partner with puppy mills & distributors, is the opposite of animal welfare & advocacy.

We believe that this partnership not only harms innocent animals but also undermines public trust in an organization that should be safeguarding animal welfare. Therefore, we call on the board members of SPCA Tampa Bay to reconsider this partnership and replace current leadership who approved this decision.

By signing this petition, you are standing up against this decision. It's time we ensure our local organizations truly represent our values as a community committed to ethical treatment of all animals.

Please sign this petition today.