As an animal lover, rescue volunteer, cat foster, and taxpayer in Miami-Dade County, I am appalled by the conditions at the Medley overflow location for dogs. The shelter has a lack of air conditioning, which is a necessity in Miami as we reach unbearable temperatures averaging around 85°F this past week, according to Weather Underground, not to mention that the actual temperatures inside the shelter are most likely higher. With June approaching, Weather Underground also reports that the average high temperature in Miami will be around 90°F. According to USDA guidelines, "Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85°F for more than 4 consecutive hours." Yet, these dogs are enduring temperatures that meet and exceed this limit, as they are inside the shelter with little to no air conditioning to cool the area or circulate the air. 

There has already been significant controversy regarding this shelter, especially last year when images and videos were released showing its conditions (https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/08/12/animal-advocates-hold-protest-as-dog-shelter-worries-continue-in-miami-dade-county/

We need Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to take immediate action and build a new no-kill animal shelter to accommodate the overflow from the Doral shelter and provide proper housing for cats as well, she must also take proper action to alleviate the heat for the dogs that are currently thereby adding high capacity AC units and powerful fans, while the new facility is being built.

On top of this, we demand that Mayor Levine Cava reduce or eliminate dog breeding in the county of Miami-Dade. With such a high number of dogs in our Miami-Dade shelters, there is no reason or need for dogs to be bred, especially considering some will end up in our shelters after people abandon them. We have a huge pet overpopulation issue, and it's time we solve the problem from its root cause too. We must also impose tougher penalties on pet owners convicted of abusing, abandoning, or dumping their pets. There should be 0 tolerance for animal abuse and animal mistreatment in Miami-Dade. 

In 2012, around 65% of voters voted for approving The Pet Trust. The voters showed they wanted the city to implement this plan, and even agreed to pay for it. 12 years later, The Pet Trust plan still has not been implemented. Miami-Dade has the tools, money, resources, and man power to solve the issue, but it seems the well being of Animals is not of any importance to our politicians, so we must let them know that it is of great importance to us! We demand that The Pet Trust plan be implemented by the county to help save countless animals.

Our animals deserve better living conditions. Animal rescues and local animal advocates have borne much of the burden to help these innocent animals, but as animal rescues now reach capacity consistently with no end in sight, it is time for the city to take responsibility and do more to help our community animals. Sign this petition to demand humane treatment and adequate facilities for our furry friends!