From 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023 Lee County Domestic Animal Services euthanized 2,482 dogs, cats, and domestic animals. These numbers are staggering! That is killing 6.8 animals every single day. We believe many of these animals were adoptable and did not deserve to die.

As residents of Lee County, FL, we have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking reality of adoptable dogs and cats being euthanized. This is not just an isolated incident, but a systemic problem that needs immediate attention and action. 

We do not want to be adversaries to the shelter. We would love to implement proven strategies that have worked in 500+ other shelters across America. We know there will be plenty of excuses, but these shelters have been in higher intake areas, bigger cities, urban communities, and on the brink of bankruptcy. We face a fraction of their issues yet we’re killing at alarming rates. If they can do it, we can do it.

How?

With compassionate leadership to drive our shelter reform the community will partner and volunteer. Currently LCDAS doesn’t have the community’s support. Hop on social media and it’s clear to see people are afraid to turn animals in. The stigma is the shelter is a killing factory and employees don’t care. We don’t necessarily believe that, but complacency and the myth of overcrowding is ingrained so deeply we have a need for reeducation.

One example of shelter reform is offsite adoption programs. Local pet supply managers are on board with us having monthly adoption clinics. We can implement this life saving strategy immediately.

We need leaders that are willing to stand up and stand with us. When you do that, every adoptable animal will go to a loving home instead of a black plastic bag where they’ll rot away in the landfill.

If Lee County Commissioners and the directors of LCDAS do not think they can make these changes happen and refuse to work with us we ask that you allow our Lee County Sheriff’s office to take the wheel.

We believe if the Lee County Sheriff's office takes over domestic animal services it would lead to better enforcement of animal welfare laws, and improved conditions for these animals. The Sheriff's office and The Anti-Cruelty Task Force are paving the way for other counties and states for the safety and protection of animals. Now we ask them to extend their commitment to include our county shelter.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a change that could save countless lives. Let us work together towards a future where no adoptable pet is euthanized due to lack of resources or management. Please sign this petition urging Lee County Commissioners to allow the Sheriff’s office to take over domestic animal services.