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Residents, advocates demand investigation into Alachua County Animal Resources after reports of neglect
Summary
Multiple residents and former staff presented allegations of neglect and inappropriate medical decisions at Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) during public comment; county manager outlined staffing, budget and improvement plans and commissioners directed further review and advisory‑committee involvement.
At the Dec. 10 Board of County Commissioners meeting, dozens of residents, volunteers and reporters urged the board to open an independent investigation into Alachua County Animal Resources after multiple accounts alleging mistreatment, preventable deaths, and failing procedures.
"Former employees have shared disturbing accounts of unethical practices," said Cheyenne Lukander, citing her reporting and interviews with former staff. Lukander called for a third‑party investigation and the suspension of Director Julie Johnson and the lead veterinarian until an independent review is complete.
Other speakers described animals left untreated, missed veterinary follow‑up and what they said were unexplained euthanasias. "This is not a lack of staffing, this is a lack of care," said Autumn Payne, a longtime animal advocate,…
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