In the early 1960s, my mom planted the seeds of compassion in Naples by founding the Humane Society of Naples, and my dad designed it with a vision of kindness towards every animal. As a pillar of our community, it has always been a haven; a NO KILL SHELTER where animals are protected and love abounds.

However, this legacy is under threat. Since October 2025, when the shelter was renamed Patty Baker Humane Society following a generous $5 million donation by Patty Baker and her husband, a dark cloud has cast a shadow over its operations. Under the new leadership of Executive Director Becca Morris, who has only held her position for seven months, 14 innocent dogs have been put down in a heart-wrenching breach of the shelter's foundational promise.

The secrecy of a 'Secret Board' and its decisions are deeply alarming. These actions betray not only my mother's and our community’s commitment to the NO KILL mission but have led to heartache and distrust. We can no longer sit silently while policies leading to unnecessary euthanization threaten animal lives and go against the very principles on which the shelter was founded.

These killings must be stopped immediately. There are humane alternatives and solutions that honor the NO KILL ethos while addressing the needs of the animals in our care. We need transparency in the board's decisions and accountability from those in leadership positions.

Please join me in calling for an end to these unwarranted killings at the Patty Baker Humane Society. We owe it to the animals to preserve the sanctuary my parents worked so hard to establish. Sign this petition and share it with as many people as possible. Together, we can restore the Humane Society of Naples to its original mission of compassion and care without compromise. Thank you for your support.