The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a complaint of animal cruelty and violation of state law by the county’s animal services division.
An unsigned written complaint, filed by a group called Shelter Reform for Sumter County, is part of an effort to persuade county officials to adopt no-kill policies for the county shelter.
The complaint accuses the county of violating a requirement that stray dogs must be held for three days before they are euthanized.
Board Chairman Doug Gilpin said the county follows statutory requirements.
Of 244 animals brought to the animal services shelter in August, 82 were euthanized and six died in the kennel, according to the latest animal services report.
For the second consecutive month, members of Lost Pets of The Villages brought their complaints about the shelter to the Sumter County Board on Tuesday night.
Karen Taylor of Webster said 13 dogs were put to death on May 10, including many who came into the shelter the same day.
“This is unacceptable to me,” she said, adding that the county’s kill rate is about 40 percent of the animals who come there.
Carolyn Wilkins of Bushnell criticized what she called “the practice of euthanizing animals to make room for more animals.”
“It’s time the killing stops,” said Angie Fox of The Villages. “Please stop hiding behind the humane society.”
A partnership that began more than two years ago allows the county to transfer adoptable animals to the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County.
Commissioner Steve Printz said he didn’t like the implication of some speakers that county officials do not care about protecting animals. He suggested that the audience direct their efforts to helping the humane society so more animals can be adopted.
“These numbers are a little bit disturbing,” he said. “Your efforts and your voice are being heard.”
Printz said the sheriff’s investigation will discover whether there are problems at the shelter. He said he is very familiar with shelter operation and is proud of the staff.
“Not one adoptable animal has been put down in the last nine months,” he said.