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"This from a state that governs the absolute worst animal shelters in the entire U.S. -- facilities like Yadkinville, that not only gas but gas up to 80 animals at a time in a machine intended for two or three."

- Dawn Taylor Bechtold, President - U.S. Animal Protection

DeSoto County, Florida

Your Assistance is Needed!

Abuse and negligence occurring at the DeSoto County, FL Animal Control.
The ACO, Jennifer Foster, has been accused of multiple violations of
county code and state law and it appears that county officials are protecting her and ignoring the signed affadavits of former employees and rescuers and pictures supporting the accusations. The allegations against Ms. Foster include:

- Leaving a dog caged in an animal control truck overnight and for
an entire summer day without water or food
- Kicking a kennel with a poodle in it and screaming at the dog "you
don't f**king bark at me…I can't wait to kill you." She then
proceeded to kill the dog. Kicking cages and screaming at animals
occurred on multiple occasions.
- Keeping animals in cages and not allowing any exercise. Two
specific dogs were kept in cages for months without ever leaving or
being allowed physical human contact.
- Keeping several animals outside in the sun without cover or
shade. Many animals suffered heat attacks. This lack of adequate
cover or shade is a violation of county ordinance.
- Not properly sedating animals prior to euthanasia. Animals were
often re-sedated inhumanely; many attest to seeing Ms. Foster using
her foot to hold down an animal and then injecting them with
FatalPlus through the heart or belly instead of a vein. Animals
often would wake up at the dump and need to be brought back to
animal control. Additionally, animals were often left alone during
euthanasia (also a violation of county code).
- Euthanizing animals out of anger, even animals that were claimed
by rescue or even by owners, and then instructing employees to lie
about what had happened.
- Allowing friends to use veterinary services with the resulting
costs being shouldered by the county.
- Overcharging adoption fees; it appears that the money resulting
from the additional charges is unaccounted for.
- Not reporting cash donations; these were used at Ms. Foster's
discretion.
- Repeatedly turning away assistance from rescues, including tarps,
food, cages, and other essentials. When items were accepted, they
often could not be accounted for on subsequent visits by the donator.

We need your help to put a stop to this immediately. Please contact
District Attorney Howard Holtzendorf, State Attorney Earl Moreland,
Sheriff Vernon Keen, and Sheriff's Lt. Curt Mays and ask why a
thorough investigation is not being undertaken. In an article
published by the Sun Herald (See http://www.sun-
herald.com/NewsArchive2/101405/tp3ch8.htm?
date=101405&story=tp3ch8.htm), it states that an investigation is
underway, but those who submitted signed affidavits have yet to be
contacted. County officials have had the above information for
nearly a month and it appears they are trying to sweep this under
the carpet. WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS WOMAN TO CONTINUE SERVING AS ACO;
she clearly does not care for the animals and has been extremely
negligent in her duties. When you speak to the officials in charge
of the investigation, let them know that you have seen the photos
supporting inadequate care of these animals (visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitedStatesAnimalProtection/ and
click on Photos to see the cruelty of this facility; or email
usanimalprotect@aol.com and I will email you photos). At a minimum,
Jennifer Foster should be suspended from her position while an
investigation is undertaken. Politely let them know that members of
the animal welfare community are watching their actions and that we
expect a thorough and open investigation to take place immediately
based on the evidence already provided. Ask why those who submitted
affidavits have not been interviewed and why county codes are not
being enforced. It is unlikely that you will be well-received but
please be courteous and remember why you are calling - for the
animals. Thanks for your help. Contact phone numbers, including
that of U.S. Animal Protection, are below. Please call ASAP; also,
if you have any media contacts, forward this information to them as
well. Thank you.

Sheriff Vernon Keen and Sheriff's Lt. Curt Mays 863-993-4700 (ask
why the investigation has not resulted in improved conditions and
adherence to county code at the pound; why witnesses have not been
contacted, and when we can expect to learn the results of
their "investigation")
District Attorney Howard Holtzendorf 863-494-4800 (ask why the
supposed investigation has not included an interview of those who
submitted signed affidavits and why the conditions at the pound are
not being improved - the animals are still lacking adequate shelter,
food, water, and healthcare required by law)
State Attorney Earl Moreland 941-951-5400 (let him know that the
County`s investigation has been extremely lacking and that it
appears the Florida Bureau of Investigation should be called in to
take over)
U.S. Animal Protection 888-710-4184

USAPE officials further want to see the release of Spalding County Animal Shelter's animals pending a pitbull fighting and cruelty case and a court date set for the convicted felon being held for his involvement. He still walks free after more than three years of delays and postponements. Please assist us in writing letters requesting the release of these animals.

"Stop the Profiteering. It Costs Us Everything."