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Local rescue warns county that mobile spay/neuter services will end; commissioners say animal services has improved
Summary
A representative of Ark Animal Rescue told the board she will stop providing spay/neuter procedures via the mobile clinic effective July 15, citing unresolved county animal-welfare issues; commissioners and staff described recent investments, hiring and collaborative grant work and agreed to follow up.
Jenny Oakwood, who said she runs Crescent City Kennel and Ark Animal Rescue, delivered an emotional public comment criticizing Putnam County’s handling of animal welfare and announced that Ark will no longer provide spay/neuter procedures via its mobile clinic effective July 15. Oakwood described a history of neglected and abandoned animals and said she was grieving the closure of a local humane society dating to November 2025.
Multiple commissioners and staff responded, outlining recent county investments and operational improvements: completion of a new facility, three added staff positions, reduced food costs, improved response time, grant-writing efforts and partnerships with the University of Florida. Commissioners acknowledged more work remains but said the county has made significant progress and agreed to meet with Oakwood and other stakeholders to discuss next steps and the future use of the mobile unit the community donated.
Staff confirmed committee meetings and records are public and available on request. The board asked staff to schedule follow-up meetings to discuss the mobile-spay/neuter trailer and other next steps.
