Letters to Brevard Commissioners Needed Immediately......

Your Letters to Commissioners Needed Immediately!

Please send before the Commissioner Meeting on 4/14/09



Contact your Commissioners and County Manager Stockton Whitten:

D1.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, chuck.nelson@brevardcounty.us, trudie.infantini@brevardcounty.us, D4.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, D5.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, stockton.whitten@brevardcounty.us




At the bottom of this email is an email I sent to the Brevard County Commissioners. During a recent tour of the South Animal Care Center with a Commissioner and the County Manager, I personally witnessed what I feel are clear violations of Florida's Animal Cruelty Laws. I was horrified by what I saw. I saw dogs on Adoption Row completely exposed to the cold, harsh winds. I saw dogs kept in a room with no water, no mats, and no mental or physical stimulation. I will never, ever forget their faces. These dogs deserve to be treated humanely.


In my email to officials, I detailed the specifics of the cruelty and included the Florida Statutes to back up my claims. I asked the Commissioners to open the spot of Director of Animal Services for applications.


I hope all of you will write a polite letter to the Commissioners. The simple solution for them is to open the application process for a new, permanent Director (the current Director is only Interim and was hired with no animal experience). We need everyone to write letters ASAP to show support for a new Director. I cannot express enough how powerful your letters really are!! The animals need our help now and we are so close to real change, thanks to you!

Please write! Be Their Voice!


Contact your Commissioners and County Manager Stockton Whitten:

D1.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, chuck.nelson@brevardcounty.us, trudie.infantini@brevardcounty.us, D4.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, D5.commissioner@brevardcounty.us, stockton.whitten@brevardcounty.us




My letter I sent regarding my experience:





Hello,




I am emailing to express my absolute disappointment regarding my most recent tour of the South Animal Care Center (SACC). What I saw shocked and disgusted me. SACC is being allowed to commit what is clearly criminal animal cruelty under Florida Statutes, and the current Interim Director and Shelter Manager are allowing these criminal acts to continue..



During my visit, I observed cold, shivering dogs on "Adoption Row." The dogs were suffering unnecessarily as the cold wind rushed through their kennels. There was nowhere for them to go within the kennel to escape the elements. Some dogs did not even have a mat or blanket. I watched as one dog shivered horribly. This suffering could have easily been alleviated with additional blankets, or perhaps the staff could have closed the dividers on the kennels for a short while until the wind died down or the facility warmed up. It was much warmer only an hour later when I left than it was when I arrived. The dividers in the kennels should not be shut all day, but one hour would have made a difference for the cold dogs.



The "Quarantine Room" was absolutely unacceptable. Upon request, the Shelter Manager opened the door to the room. The dogs in the room had no access to food or water. There was a horrific smell that was much worse than the rest of the facility, and I observed a considerable amount of feces. The dogs only had access to one half of the kennel runs, and had no choice but to sit in their own feces. There were no mats or blankets to provide physical relief. Keep in mind these dogs in quarantine and court hold could remain there for several months on concrete. The Manger stated that these dogs are never walked or allowed outside. There were no toys in the kennel, such as durable Nylabones or Kongs, which research shows would provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for the dogs. Because of this, the dogs are being driven crazy, and the unnecessary stress causes the dogs to bark dangerously loud. When dogs are neglected like this, the barking can become very loud, much louder than what would normally
be expected in a shelter. This can damage a human's hearing and it causes unnecessary pain and stress for the dogs. The dogs I viewed in this room were terrified. For example, one dog was so terrified it began to uncontrollably defecate everywhere. There are simple solutions, such as those mentioned above, that can be implemented to decrease the excessive barking and ease the physical and mental suffering of the dogs.Yet, this cruelty is allowed to continue.



Further, during the visit to SACC, I asked the Shelter Manger, Mary Berley, many questions. Her answers were highly evasive. However, she did admit that they do not weigh animals to calculate the appropriate dosage of the euthanasia drug prior to euthanasia, but rather the technicians "guess" the weight of the animals. Euthanasia must be conducted humanely, and this requires using an appropriate dosage of the drug, not an “estimated” dose that leaves significant room for error.




I have included some relevant Florida Statutes in this email. The actions and neglect taking place at SACC are criminal and must stop immediately.




I am asking for the immediate removal of the Brevard Animal Services and Enforcement (BASE) Interim Director. He allows staff members, such as the Shelter Manager, to continue employment at BASE, and condones the criminal activity of staff. As long as the current management continues to be employed at BASE, there will be no permanent change in the shelter conditions. The situation regarding BASE has been ineffectively drawn out for far too long. The current director had no animal experience prior to being hired, and is too inexperienced to fix the numerous problems. The only efficient solution to the current problem is to open the application process for the Director position, and hire someone with the appropriate qualifications to be Director. A Director with animal care and management experience can make sure the shelters are run appropriately by the county.



I am asking that you please open the application process for the Director position immediately.






Florida Criminal Statutes:




828.02 Definitions.--In this chapter, and in every law of the state relating to or in any way affecting animals, the word "animal" shall be held to include every living dumb creature; the words "torture," "torment," and "cruelty" shall be held to include every act, omission, or neglect whereby unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused, except when done in the interest of medical science, permitted, or allowed to continue when there is reasonable remedy or relief; and the words "owner" and "person" shall be held to include corporations, and the knowledge and acts of agents and employees of corporations in regard to animals transported, owned, employed by or in the custody of a corporation, shall be held to be the knowledge and act of such corporation.




828.12 Cruelty to animals.--



(1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.


(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.


828.13 Confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise; abandonment of animals.--



(1) As used in this section:


(a) "Abandon" means to forsake an animal entirely or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner.


(b) "Owner" includes any owner, custodian, or other person in charge of an animal.


(2) Whoever:


(a) Impounds or confines any animal in any place and fails to supply the animal during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water,


(b) Keeps any animals in any enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air, or


(c) Abandons to die any animal that is maimed, sick, infirm, or diseased,



is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both imprisonment and a fine.

Pets needing to be adopted ASAP.......

Jasmine

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix] (more like a boxer mix)

Large Adult Female Dog Pet ID: 449751



I got lost and when my owner was notified that I was here, they were going to come get me, but that didn't happen. So ... now I need a new forever home. I am about 3 years old. I am playful, friendly, smart, and calm. I do NOT get along with cats. Please come see me and get to know me. I am already spayed, so I could go home with you TODAY!
No Cats.....Spayed and UTD with vaccines.








Doc

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix]

Large Young Male Dog Pet ID: 444811


I was brought here because my owner's had too many animals. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 6 months old and 'they' say I'm a 'nice puppy'. You can believe what 'they' say, or you can come here and see for yourself. I am friendly - I get along well with children and other dogs. I am very playful - I'm a puppy after all. Please come see me and get to know me.








Hank

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix] (Hound or Pointer?)

Medium Adult Male Dog Pet ID: 451374



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 4 years old - passed the puppy phase, but still playful. I am smart and friendly. Please come see me and get to know me. Please hurry, I've been here so long & I am a very friendly, laid back boy who doesn't get excited when the other dogs are passing by but I my time here may be limited.








Hettie

Black Mouth Cur [Mix]

Medium Adult Female Dog Pet ID: 453186



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 5 years old. I am playful, smart, calm and friendly. I like to talk too. Please come see me and get to know me. I am very sweet & was found with my puppy, who has been adopted. Please give me a chance & hurry! I rarely bark, more of a groan when excited.








Bruce

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix]

Large Adult Male Dog Pet ID: 453735



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 3 years old and I would love to go home with you. I am very playful, friendly, and smart. Please come see me and get to know me. I'm not sure what my mix is but my ears do always look like that! I'm a nice boy, pls come & see me. I've been here for while now & need someone to give me a chance soon!








South Animal Care and Adoption Center
5100 West Eau Gallie Blvd

Melbourne, FL

321-253-6608

saccdogs@bellsouth.net

Visit us on Petfinder for our partial list.

Sponsored by lil Country Paws

URGENT! Zeke, 2 yr. old Pit in Kill Shelter

PLEASE CROSS POST

FLORIDA: URGENT- ZEKE....This is a high Kill Shelter

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Zeke is an absolute sweetheart! He is about 2 years old, pit bull mix, up to date with shots,
heartworm negative, and will be neutered upon adoption. He has been at shelter for so long & needs to find a loving home ASAP!
This boy is VERY calm, gentle, & walks excellent on the leash!
He was found by animal control several weeks ago & nobody came looking for him. He has a gorgeus light brindle coat! If you can rescue or adopt Zeke...........
Please contact:

SOUTH ANIMAL CARE & ADOPTION CENTER
5100 W Eau Gallie BLVD
321-253-6608
or contact Christina for more information: rnestor@cfl.rr.com

See other listings from this shelter...all these animals deserve a second chance.

SACC PETFINDER

This is a slide show of all our URGENTS, meaning they don't have much time left before they are put down. Won't you please help save a life by fostering or adopting. They deserve a 2nd chance for a fur ever home.

Visit us on Petfinder for a partial listing of pets:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL284.html

Better yet, come out to see all our animals. Your new best friend is there waiting. South Animal Care Center 5100 West Eau Galle Blvd Melbourne, FL. ( just past the flea market on the right)


Sponsored by lil Country Paws

Mass killings to start in Brevard Melbourne SACC Shelter today.....PLEASE HELP

I received this email this morning....please help!!

Because of the State of Emergency declared by both the State of Florida and the federal government on behalf of the State of Florida, new laws put into place since Hurricane Katrina dictate that all animals taken in by government-operated shelters be held for 90 days to giver owners time to find and claim their pets.



This means that the animals that are there now and are available for adoption are being pulled TODAY to be euthanized to make room for all the animals they will have to hold for 90 days.



There is a solution to this that does not require mass euthanization ... YOUR BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CAN CALL FOR AN EMERGENCY MEETING TO FORCE OUR BREVARD COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES AND ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT TO FIND IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY HOUSING TO BE RENTED TO HOLD THE NEW ANIMALS COMING IN NOW SO PEOPLE CAN FIND AND RECLAIM THEIR ANIMALS.



As usual, nobody in our County government seems to be able to think outside the box to do something creative to save lives. CALL YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND CRAIG ENGLESON OF BREVARD COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES AND ENFORCEMENT RIGHT NOW AND ASK THEM TO FIND TEMPORARY SHELTERS TO HOLD THE ANIMALS FOR 90 DAYS SO THOSE THAT ARE AT THE SHELTER NOW DO NOT HAVE TO BE EUTHANIZED !!!!!!!!!



Their names and numbers are:



District 1: Commissioner Truman Scarborough
CHAIRPERSON
400 South Street, Suite 1-A, Titusville, Fl 32780
Phone: (321)264-6750 Fax: (321)264-6751




District 2: Commissioner Chuck Nelson
2575 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, Fl 32953
Phone: (321)454-6601 Fax: (321)454-6602


District 3: Commissioner Helen Voltz, R.N., B.S., M.B.A.
1311 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, Fl 32901
Phone: (321)952-6300 Fax: (321)952-6340


District 4: Commissioner Mary Bolin
VICE CHAIRPERSON
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Building C, Viera, Fl 32940
Phone: (321)633-2044 Fax: (321)633-2121


District 5: Commissioner Jackie Colon
1515 Sarno Road, Building B, Melbourne, Fl 32935
Phone: (321)253-6611 Fax: (321)253-6620

Craig Engleson, Director of Brevard County Animal Services & Enforcement
(321) 255-4327

If you truly care about animals, you will take 10
minutes to call all 6 people listed above !

Help us save their lives.......

Sponsored by lil Country Paws

We are a handful of people here in Brevard County, Florida
trying to make a difference. We need rescues,volunteers and adopters to help us. Our shelter is over flowing due to the large amount of drop offs and strays in recent weeks due to our economy.
Please help us try to save their lives.

Visit us:  South Animal Care Center
5100 W. Eau Galle Blvd. Melbourne, FL.
 (just past the flea market on the right)

Not all pets are listed as we have way to many and most will never make the list as this is a HIGH KILL shelter.

	Tyson	Boxer Labrador Retriever Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Jake	Bull Terrier Baby, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Bruno	Pit Bull Terrier Baby, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Zion	Rottweiler Shepherd Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Anika	Labrador Retriever Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Kyo	Labrador Retriever Border Collie Adult, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Larry	Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Henry	Rottweiler Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Reggie	Chow Chow Baby, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Libby	Boxer Labrador Retriever Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Ashley	Boxer Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Roxie	Pit Bull Terrier Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Rocco	Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador Retriever Senior, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Molly	Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Rex	Pit Bull Terrier Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Doc	Pit Bull Terrier Baby, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Tank	Pit Bull Terrier Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Violet	Labrador Retriever Adult, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Rosie	Pit Bull Terrier Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Mahogany	Pit Bull Terrier Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Yulu	American Eskimo Dog Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Bertha	Labrador Retriever Senior, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Mia	Boxer Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Red	Hound Adult, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Sadie	Boxer Chihuahua Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL

	Nadia-UPDATE	Domestic Short Hair-black and white Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Misty-VERY URGENT	Tabby Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Arthur-VERY URGENT	Tabby - Brown Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Delilah-URGENT	Tabby Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Sunny-URGENT	Tortoiseshell Domestic Medium Hair Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Nevaeh-URGENT	Calico Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Verdell-VERY URGEN	Tuxedo Senior, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Candy-SWEET-URGENT	Tuxedo Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Gracie-VERY URGENT	Tabby - Brown Adult, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Polaris-UPDATE	Domestic Short Hair-black Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	KITTEN-Tia	Domestic Medium Hair-gray Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	KITTEN-AUTUMN	Calico Tabby Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Jasmine	Domestic Short Hair-white Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Lucky - URGENT	Tuxedo Adult, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Eva	Domestic Short Hair-black Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Nancy-SO SWEET	Tabby - Brown Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Sweetpea	Tuxedo Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Alex	Abyssinian Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Bobbie-VERY URGENT	Bobtail Tuxedo Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Harley-URGENT	Bengal Young, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Elle	Tuxedo Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Lana	Domestic Short Hair-black Young, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Chantel	Domestic Medium Hair - gray and white Baby, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Streaky-URGENT	Domestic Short Hair - gray and white Adult, F	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL
	Skid Mark-URGENT	Domestic Short Hair - gray and white Adult, M	South Animal Care and Adoption Center Melbourne, FL