'Unspeakable Suffering' Prompts More Funding for Animal Services

They’ve placed phone calls, sent emails and even created a petition demanding change at Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Residents in the hundreds have spoken out about conditions at the agency, many recounting tales of animals kept in cramped and often unclean quarters. Some have raised concerns about increasing sickness among animals at the county’s shelter. Staff members, including two of the county’s own veterinarians, have resigned, some citing a hostile work environment among their reasons.

That chorus of voices was heard July 17.

After listening to complaints from residents and volunteers and also from County Administrator Mike Merrill, commissioners voted unanimously to increase the agency’s funding by $250,000 to enable the hiring of six new employees. Those employees will include two new veterinary technicians and others to ensure the health and safety of animals in the county’s care is top priority.

The Commission also reaffirmed its support for the Be the Way Home plan. That plan was adopted a few months ago and details steps the county must take to increase live outcomes at its shelter while reducing euthanasia rates. It also established a controversial trap-neuter-release program for feral cats.

“I want to be crystal clear: There is a sense of urgency in dealing with this,” Commission Chairman Ken Hagan said. “Just as it was unacceptable for this county to kill 70, 80, 90 percent of the animals that came in, these issues that exist are unacceptable.”

Overcrowding, Lack of Care Raise Red Flags

In recent weeks, reports of overcrowding at Animal Services and a lack of proper veterinary care for dogs and cats have come to light. Some have complained that animals that leave the shelter become sick within days from conditions they’ve contracted while in the county’s care.

“Over the last year, it has become increasingly difficult for me to ethically send clients to Animal Services to adopt,” Dr. Christy Layton told commissioners. “Overcrowding and sickness has become increasingly worse over the last six months.”

Volunteer Nina Bretkowski spoke of “unspeakable suffering” some animals have faced while in the county’s care, waiting for veterinary attention.

Liam, a small brown dog, came into the shelter on June 22, Bretkowski told commissioners.

“He sat for eight days and got sicker and sicker,” she said.

When Liam was released to her care for fostering, a rescue vet told her “less than a third of his lungs were functioning. He should have been vetted sooner.”

Liam died in her arms after the vet recommended euthanasia.

“The blame for his death cannot lie with the shelter staff,” she said. “The blame lies solely on the lack of structure.”

Commissioners Will 'Be Watching'

Commissioners also reaffirmed tentative support for Animal Services director Ian Hallett, but warned they would be “watching.”

Transitioning to a structure designed to reduce euthanasia isn’t without obstacles, commissioners said, but they made it clear changes in the agency have to take place.

“The operational and management issues are where we should focus on,” Hagan said. “Mr. Merrill should consider making changes to ensure he has the right staff on board. This commissioner is not going to accept the current state of affairs.”

Merrill told commissioners county staff is working with outside agencies, such as the University of South Florida, to improve conditions for both people and pets at Animal Services.

Hallett assured commissioners he would work with the public, volunteers and staff to mend fences and get everyone focused on attacking the issues instead of each other.

It is unclear at this time how soon additional staff will be hired, but plans are in the works to bring in non-violent county prisoners to help clean kennels. Additional part-time cleaning help has already been hired and temporary measures have been taken to plug holes in the veterinary staff, Merrill said.

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