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Resident group praises Gadsden County Animal Services, asks why county is considering transfer to sheriff's office
Summary
A member of Friends of Gadsden County Animals told commissioners the shelter has improved to a roughly 50% save rate and asked why the county is considering putting animal services under the sheriff's office; she urged better facility conditions and continued support from volunteers and the nonprofit.
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. ' A local volunteer with Friends of Gadsden County Animals told the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners during public comment that the county's animal services program has improved substantially and asked why county leaders are considering moving oversight of the shelter to the sheriff's office.
Kate McFaul, who identified herself from 1206 Walton Drive, Tallahassee and said she helps run Friends of Gadsden County Animals (FOGA), told the board that the shelter's save rate has improved to roughly 50 percent after several years of volunteer support, transport and veterinary assistance.
"Animal welfare issues are people issues. They're intertwined at every turn," McFaul said, describing volunteer efforts to vet animals and arrange transports to other Florida and South Georgia shelters. She said the shelter currently operates with two staff members and that volunteers and the nonprofit have helped the program make significant progress.
McFaul said she understands no final decision has been made about moving animal services under the sheriff's office, but she asked commissioners to explain why the transfer is being considered while the shelter is showing measurable improvement. She also urged the county to provide a facility with outdoor access so dogs can be exercised and cleaning protocols improved to reduce disease transmission.
Why it matters: The public comment came as commissioners discussed sheriff-related budget items and the possibility of restructuring how certain services are provided. McFaul's remarks asked the board to balance operational and facility needs with any governance changes.
Response and context: County staff and some commissioners acknowledged the question but did not announce decisions during the meeting. Commissioner Christian Woods praised animal services staff and said he was listening to proposals about improving the program. "I'm listening to Mr. Green, the things that you proposed and the things that you're trying to do to step up animal control," Woods said.
Outcome: The remarks were delivered during the public comment period; no formal action was taken on animal services governance during the meeting.
