Several speakers at the Oct. 28 public comment period told the Board of County Commissioners they want an independent review and more transparency at the Brevard County animal shelter.

Courtney, founder of Ila's Journey Rescue, asked the board to order “an independent review and audit of medical practices, euthanasia decisions, pharmaceutical use, and intake‑return to field protocols” and to create a community oversight council of veterinarians, rescues and residents to ensure accountability. “The employees inside the shelter are not the problem. They are overwhelmed, under resourced, and not supported by the system above them,” Courtney said, citing cases of animals with untreated infections and interrupted antibiotic regimens.

Marnie Bowles said the sheriff had responded to prior complaints and the sheriff’s written reply indicated no policy changes, but she said recurring reports from adopters, rescues and former volunteers point to systemic issues. She described intake number 988684 (Anna Mae), who was reportedly cleared for return to field and later found to have lung masses after private clinic x‑rays. Bowles asked the board for (1) a brief discussion with county staff about oversight options, (2) a third‑party operational review of medical treatment protocols, pharmaceutical use tracking, return‑to‑field criteria and euthanasia documentation, and (3) better public data (monthly intake, adoptions, transfers, returns to owner and euthanasia figures) and plain‑language SOPs with quarterly community review.

Why it matters: commenters said funding lines exist in the county budget — citing a $500,000 allocation for pharmaceuticals and $90,000 for animal food — but they alleged an oversight failure in using those resources. Requesters emphasized the ask is for oversight and transparency rather than punitive action.

The board did not take immediate action on the public comments during the hearing; county staff and the sheriff’s office were represented in the meeting and the board received the concerns as public testimony.