Despite improvements in the Sumter County animal shelter operation, animal activists continued to press their demands Tuesday for a no-kill shelter that would allow volunteers.
The shelter repeatedly has achieved a 90 percent live-release rate that is the standard for no-kill shelters. But Sumter County commissioners have refused to designate the shelter as no-kill and the county does not allow volunteers to help in the shelter as in other counties.
A new program may allow some animals to be placed in homes that would provide foster care.
About two dozen activists attended Tuesday’s meeting of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners.
Barbara Combs said commissioners should have more respect for Angie Fox and her Lost Pets of the Villages group, which searches for lost dogs so they can be returned to their owners.
“They are volunteering to save animals,” she said. “These people are working so hard and they deserve our support.”
Combs said the organization’s Facebook page has 3,400 members. Last month, Fox asked to meet with commissioners but was rebuffed.
Offering an alternative view, Marilyn Iskra described the activists as “a relentless group of people who mean well” but aren’t helpful.
She praised the Sumter County shelter for having an open admission policy where no animals are turned away. No-kill centers like Lake County refuse to accept more animals when full, she said.
Activists, however, criticize Sumter County for creating space by euthanizing animals.
Ursula Watson said allowing volunteers would take the pressure off shelter staff. She said volunteers could take photos of dogs, walk them and provide other services.
Melanie Davidson said county officials should work with the activists.
“We want build a partnership,” she said.
