February 20, 2018, Levy County Animal Control: “Gator” where he languished scared and most likely in pain for 20 hours or more before being euthanized by Alachua County Humane Society. Levy Animal Control email blast to rescue groups: “Gator who has just been picked up with shotgun wounds. He will be rescue only. Please let us know if any can help him.” Photo by Levy Animal Control
Part II – Looking for that “Special Someone” Upcoming Election for Levy Board of County Commission.
Linda’s Suggested Political Platform #1.
Reform or Contract Out Levy County Animal Control.
This post is dedicated to “Gator”, who thru no fault of his own ended up in the “Hell Hole” known as Levy County Animal Control where he languished scared and most likely in pain for 20 hours or more before being euthanized by Alachua County Humane Society.
Animal Control sent an email blast to 112 rescue groups to help Gator instead of handling themselves.
Emails are as follows:
#1. Feb. 20, 2018, 9:21 a.m. FROM Levy Animal Control
Hi Everyone,
Attached please find pictures of Gator who has just been picked up with shotgun wounds. He will be rescue only. Please let us know if any can help him.
Thank you. Levy Animal Control
Note that it is 5 ½ hours later Gator and is still waiting for help! WHY did this happen when we have a full-time veterinarian on staff!
#2. Feb 20, 2018, 2.58 p.m. FROM Levy Animal Control
Hi All,
I just wanted to remind everyone of Gator, the injured dog. He is still needing help. Thank you. Levy Animal Control
#3 Feb. 21, 2018, 9:01 a.m. FROM Levy Animal Control
Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to inform all of you that the Humane Society of Alachua County will be getting Gator, the injured dog. A big thanks to them!
GATOR’s FATE:
A FB post from Alachua County Humane Society announced Gator’s status. “Today the Alachua County Humane Society pulled Gator from Levy County Animal Services. Gator was transported from LCAS directly to Jonesville Animal Hospital. Unfortunately, upon arrival it was determined that Gator’s injuries and medical issues, including gunshot wounds, were more than what could be treated. Gator was humanely euthanized as a result. Donations that were made toward Gator’s care will be used to help pull and treat additional dogs from Levy County.
After reading the emails and posts I sent the following email to BoCC and still no response from any of them.
Wed 2/21/2018 8:29 PM
Board Members:
The below email from Bridgett Domenico, went out to a whole host rescue groups and organizations requesting them to help. By the wording of the email, Gator was not x-rayed when he came into the kennel and has not been x-rayed. Why not? Based on information provided to me when I requested a copy of the radiology and lab services contract it appears that Chiefland Animal Hospital is contracted to provide radiology and lab services. I have attached a copy for your convenience.
Why is Gator not receiving the care he needs based on the contract with Chiefland Animal Hospital? The people of Levy County pay for and expect the humane treatment of animals in their care. With a $364,674 annual budget this year, there is no excuse for this inhumane treatment. If I am wrong, please update me as well as all the others in the group email so they know why Gator has not been given the care that we, the citizens of Levy County, have paid for.
Linda Cooper
:
Animal Control 2018 Budget Not Including Donations:
Payroll: $319,484
Operating: $45,190
Total: $364,674
ALL the dog and cat food is donated by the ton which was the reason the absentee Director David Weatherford needed a new 2017 Chevy Silverado 2550 Silverado pick-up to transport the feed. This same truck is used as his take-home vehicle. Levy County has two animal control officers that are on call and both have take-home vehicles.
Why is Levy County paying out almost 88% of AC budget for an absentee Director and a do nothing veterinarian whose inability or unwillingness to initiate action caused needless suffering for Gator?
Suggestions to Fulfill Political Platform #1:
1. Remove both the Veterinarian and Director of Animal Control. Neither are worth the money the county is paying and reflect badly on Levy County. They also got a $1,600 annual pay raise.
2. Open up the shelter at least ½ day on Saturday for convenience of people to adopt animals. If landfill employees have to work Saturday, why not Animal Control? Are animals left unattended over the weekend?
3. Make it policy to remove the animals to an exercise pen when the pens are cleaned. Not sure how many of you would like a cold shower while your room is being cleaned in freezing temps. It is my understanding that over the years fencing has been donated but disappeared and never used for LCAS construction.
4. Make sure donated beds are returned to the pen, dry and not stacked in a corner somewhere because it is not convenient to return to the kennel.
5. A more aggressive spay/neuter program for feral cats. One day a month and 8 cats is not a success story.
6. Have a regular detailed quarterly report. The $5,030 Shelter Pro software the department requested last year (not budgeted, had to get permission to rob the General Fund to pay). Shelter Pro is a phenomenal reporting software system. The quarterly report given at the last meeting was something a 6th grader could have done in Excel and about as informative. Dr. Darlene Esler had to ask Board to hear as a non-agenda item in order to give the report. Director Weatherford has not been at the last several meetings, only Dr. Esler.
7. Reduce the budget by using volunteers, perhaps UF Veterinarian College could become involved with spay/neuter, and caring for the animals. One thing AC is very good at and that is discouraging anyone from going out to their facility.
Change has to start at the top. The BoCC is complicit in what is going, they chose to ignore and turn their head the other way. They all know what is going on and chose to turn a blind eye. Their method of operation is to ignore until you will go away.
Perhaps BoCC election November 2018 will bring that change. We can only hope.
Posted March 1, 2018
