Animals at this high kill shelter are being mistreated. They are sentient beings who have no voice. Volunteers at this shelter are made to sign contracts that may subject them to legal action for speaking out against witnessed abuse. Volunteers have also been given termination papers for speaking up in defense of the helpless animals.

Many Polk County Animal Control volunteers were given letters that state, in part, "Because of your actions while serving as a volunteer at the Polk County Animal Control Facility, which have served to dramatically disrupt and undermine the day to day operations of the Polk County Animal Control: Your privileges as a volunteer are hereby immediately terminated; Your presence is no longer welcome in any part of the Polk County Animal Control Facility; You must immediately cease to affiliate yourself with the Polk County Animal Control Facility. It is signed "Kindest Regards, Matthew Denton, County Manager."

Every citizen should be concerned about this censorship.