As someone who loves animals, I am deeply concerned about the potential promotion of current Shelter Supervisor Brittany D'Azzo to the Director position at Alachua County Animal Resources.  Being a resident and animal advocate in the community, it is essential to voice my concerns due to Brittany D'Azzo's troubling history in animal management and welfare. Her background at Polk County, a shelter known for its extremely high euthanasia rates and unaccounted disappearances of animals, raises red flags about what her leadership could mean for our community's beloved animals.

During Brittany D'Azzo's tenure as a supervisor at Polk County, the statistics were alarming; a significant number of animals were euthanized. This directly contradicts the vision many of us have for our local shelter, where the primary goal should be to find loving homes for as many animals as possible. The unexplained loss of animals during her supervisory period must also not be overlooked. To find out more about Polk County's troubling issues, follow this Facebook Page (Animal Defenders of Polk County, FL) and review the attached links:

Animal welfare advocates call for change amidst 'dog overpopulation and euthanasia crisis' in Polk County

Viral photos of living conditions for cats at Polk County Animal Control spark debate

Polk County continues to rank #1 in Florida for shelter animals killed

'So many won’t make it out alive': Last year, 401 animals died in Polk County shelter's care; 564 escaped

During her time at Alachua County Animal Resources, there has been an increasing and alarming trend in these behaviors and outcomes; Alachua County is gradually becoming the next Polk County. Ever since Brittany D'Azzo has taken over, the euthanasia rate at ACAR has increased and the live release rate has decreased.

In addition to these troubling trends, there have been growing concerns regarding the day-to-day care and welfare of animals within the shelter. Reports indicate a decline in cleaning protocols, with animals being left to sit in urine and feces for extended periods of time. This not only creates inhumane conditions, but also increases the risk of disease transmission and overall stress for the animals.

Further concerns have been raised about the lack of regular enrichment and basic care. Dogs are not consistently being taken out of their kennels on a daily basis, forcing them to either hold their bladder for extended periods or relieve themselves in their confined space. This is not only detrimental to their physical health, but also severely impacts their mental well-being and adoptability.

There has also been a significant and alarming turnover rate among staff. Multiple well-respected and experienced employees have left the organization in a short period of time, many of whom were deeply committed to animal welfare. Such a mass departure raises serious questions about internal leadership, workplace conditions, and the overall direction of the shelter.

Furthermore, a former employee has come forward with detailed accounts outlining ongoing issues within the shelter under Brittany D'Azzo’s leadership. These firsthand accounts provide additional insight into systemic concerns that cannot be ignored. You can find the link to the email here. 

Compounding these issues, a formal investigation has reportedly been opened into Alachua County Animal Resources regarding allegations of animal abuse and neglect. These developments should not be taken lightly and warrant careful consideration before any leadership decisions are made. 

Additionally, concerns about leadership have not been limited to Alachua County alone. Prominent individuals familiar with Brittany D'Azzo’s tenure at Polk County have reportedly reached out to local commissioners, warning against her promotion due to her past performance and its impact on animal outcomes. Please review the emails:

Leadership at ACAR

Perspective Regarding Alachua County Animal Services Leadership Background

Concerns Regarding Alachua County Animal Services Leadership Background, Data Integrity, and Transparency

This shelter deserves compassionate and effective leadership, someone who will prioritize the welfare and safety of the animals under their care. Promoting Brittany D'Azzo to this pivotal role will jeopardize the efforts that have been made to improve conditions and policies for the animals in our community. We seek a leader with a proven record of reducing euthanasia rates, implementing successful adoption programs, and increasing transparency within animal resource operations. It is abundantly clear that Brittany D'Azzo DOES NOT possess this background nor these skills. 

Promoting Brittany D'Azzo is not in the best interest of our animals. By signing this petition, you are agreeing that you DO NOT want Brittany D'Azzo to be promoted as the next Director of Alachua County Animal Resources.

Please also email the Alachua County Commissioners and the County Manager to express that you do not want Brittany D'Azzo to become the next Director of Alachua County Animal Resources. 

1. Board of County Commissioners General Email - bocc@alachuacounty.us
2. District 1: Mary Alford - malford@alachuacounty.us
3. District 2: Marihelen Wheeler - mwheeler@alachuacounty.us
4. District 3: Anna Prizzia - aprizzia@alachuacounty.us
5. District 4: Ken Cornell - kcornell@alachuacounty.us
6. District 5: Charles "Chuck" Chestnut, IV - cschestnut@alachuacounty.us
7. County Manager: Michele Lieberman - mlieberman@alachuacounty.us