Residents press Flagler County to fund animal control and designate land for a new shelter

Several residents urged the Flagler County Commission on Aug. 4 to take action on animal control and to designate land for a new, publicly supported animal shelter.

Wendy Tramarci told commissioners that animal control in Florida is typically a government function and that relying on a privately owned shelter leaves enforcement gaps; she said no new kennel capacity has been added in the county in more than 20 years while the county population has more than tripled. Cathy Sarris urged the commission to designate county land for a shelter to strengthen fundraising and to coordinate with municipalities on where animals will be housed after rescue or impoundment. Both speakers said the local, privately operated Flagler Humane Society is routinely at capacity and lacks funds or a plan to expand to meet demand.

Speakers asked the commission to move beyond discussion to identify land and funding and to coordinate with municipalities and potential construction partners (for example, vocational/training schools that have building trades programs). No staff report or formal county action on shelter siting or funding was taken at the meeting; several commissioners and staff acknowledged the need for further discussion and possible budget consideration in future cycles.