About 100 animal activists again confronted Sumter County commissioners Tuesday night at Colony Cottage Recreation Center, demanding that the county move to a no-kill shelter.
One speaker was evicted from the meeting after telling commissioners that “a special place in hell” should be reserved for people who kill animals.
Despite the heated exchanges, some speakers offered to work with the county to reduce the number of animals euthanized while County Administrator Bradley Arnold also has been studying ways to save more animals.
In September, 67 of 199 animals, including 18 dogs and 49 cats, were euthanized at the county shelter and seven died in the kennel or were dead on arrival, according to the latest animal services report.
The percentage of euthanized animals in Sumter County is higher than in Lake County, which has a no-kill shelter, and Marion County, which is working toward a no-kill shelter.
Three years ago, the county became partners with the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County to increase adoptions.
The county is studying a program to trap, neuter and release feral cats back into their neighborhoods, which would reduce the number euthanized.
Arnold and two Humane Society officials recently visited Jacksonville to research that city’s feral cat program. Jacksonville also has a no-kill shelter.
The county administrator also said the Sumter County shelter has no restriction on animal photos, but visitors must be escorted.
About 20 speakers urged commissioners to support a no-kill shelter. Some were confrontational, but others called for working together.
Beth Whitcomb, owner of Woofgang Bakery, a pet store in The Villages, suggested more cooperation between the activists and commissioners.
“This is very adversarial and it’s concerning to me as a business owner and dog lover,” she said. “We need to be working together. We need to make sure as many pets that can be saved are saved.”
Leah Morse, a professional dog trainer not related to the Morse family of The Villages, offered to provide training for volunteers and shelter employees on dog behavior.
Angie Fox of Lost Pets of The Villages said the county shelter’s biggest problem is that it does not allow volunteers.
“If there were volunteers, they would be witnesses to what goes on inside,” she said. “It’s a check and balance.”
County Board Chairman Doug Gilpin admonished some speakers who he said were making unsubstantiated charges.
“We’re not doing these horrible things that many people say,” he said, adding that the county follows state statutes in its shelter operation.
Commissioner Steve Printz said he was pleased that several people wanted to volunteer.
“That’s great news,” he said. “See what you can do with the Humane Society. That’s our partner right now.”
Printz said the county is “moving down a path to alleviate some of the issues that you’ve had.”
