Sadly, Polk County has the worst statistics of any county in the state of Florida. In 2018, 10,932 animals were killed at Polk County Animal Services. That is about 30 animals PER DAY! Almost 2/3 of the animals that entered the shelter never made it back out. This is unacceptable.

Polk County Animal Services is funded by taxpayer dollars through a budget approved by the County Commissioners for the Sheriff's Department. We, the taxpayers of Polk County, demand review and reform of the outdated sheltering practices at Polk County Animal Control with a goal of a no kill community and 21st century sheltering model for our county. All healthy or treatable animals should be placed for adoption, a comprehensive Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return program for community cats should be created, and low-cost spay/neuter programs should be offered for reducing pet population.