Appearing before the Flagler County Commission on Monday, numerous current and former volunteers at the Flagler Humane Society, including a former board member, spoke critically, sometimes bitterly, of an organization beyond its capacity to care for a growing number of animals, a governing structure too lax with policies and procedures, unaudited books, unjustified euthanasias, and a climate of retribution that led to the discharge of three volunteers who spoke out about the recent euthanizing of Guapo, a pit bull mix.
“Maybe this is an issue that we as a county take over running that place and that might be the answer, because then we’d have control,” County Commissioner Greg Hansen said. “These are alarming statistics. I’ve inspected it once. They knew I was coming. So I don’t know if that was a real good inspection. But everything looked great. There were no big barking dogs, and everything looked nice. But like I said, they knew I was coming. Maybe it’s time to change, make big change here.”
Fellow-commissioners were especially concerned about what they perceive to be a lack of accountability for the tax dollars going to the society.
The county appropriated $284,000 to the society this year. It is set to appropriate $304,000 for the coming year.
For the 2022 tax year, the last year for which a filing is available, the Humane Society recorded total revenue of $4.3 million, an enormous jump from 2020, when revenue was $1.5 million. In 2022, revenues include $1.9 million from program services run by the society and $1 million from grants and contributions. Pay for Amy Carotenuto, the society’s director, was reported as $57,777, with total salaries and wages for all society employees reported to be $1.26 million. The society reports paying $305,000 for “occupancy.” It had total expenses of $3.9 million.
“There’s no financial audit. What’s on there are federal tax returns, which doesn’t tell you anything,” Commissioner Donald O’Brien said. “This organization has well over a million dollars in revenue or money flowing into it. So I don’t know what the requirements are for a nonprofit and what our oversight should be, but I don’t think it’s enough, with with the growth that we’ve had in the county over the last five years.”
Commissioner Leann Pennington said the facility is running out of space, and is not fulfilling its responsibilities with animal control. “I don’t think we’re the only government officials having issues with animal control, and I know that one of the animal control agents that we swore in has left because of issues,” Pennington said. “We’re not getting the services we are expecting the residents to receive. And on top of it, as they talked about, animals are not necessarily getting the care we would expect them to receive.”
The portrait of the society former and current volunteers painted was alarming, but it was one-sided: there were no society representatives there.
“Nobody seems to know what one person is doing there,” Kathy Sarris, a recently discharged volunteer, said. “The reason I was terminated, and the others, was because we commented on Guapo’s euthanasia, which was an unnecessary killing, along with the other 79 dogs that they honestly reported last year, and the almost 60 cats. What they need to do instead of euthanizing these animals is give them half a chance.”
“All animals, whether sick, injured or aggressive, being surrendered, along with residents and families visiting the shelter, all enter and exit through the same doorway into a crowded reception area,” Wendy Trimarche told the commission. Trimarche is a longtime board member and volunteer with the Indian River County and Vero Beach Humane Society who recently moved to Flagler County and started volunteering at the Flagler County Humane Society. Red flags accumulated the moment she started going to the building at 1 Shelter Drive, off of U.S. 1.
“Cats in hallways, living in hallways, dogs living in crates on the floor,” she said. What she saw was a facility exceeding its capacity, with no strategic plan for the future. She claimed the society has some 50 staff members with no accredited human resources person there (the website’s staff page lists nearly 50 people). The board of directors is always in flux, she said, veterinary standards are lax, finances are not audited beyond a federal tax return posted on the website. Trimarche recommended regular audits and the development of a strategic plan.
The euthanizing of Guapo was spoken of repeatedly by the people addressing the commission. “There were many others in my two years as a volunteer also euthanized, many of them healthy,” one volunteer said. “It is heartbreaking losing a pet, but when it’s a healthy dog, it’s even harder. Where’s the accountability for Flagler Humane Society? They have no protocol in euthanizing pets.” She spoke of lacking standards–lack of drinking water for dogs, no daily walks, understaffed kennels, lacking leadership.
According to its 2023 report, the society took in 2,479 animals that year (942 dogs, 1,537 cats), all but a few adopted out or returned to their owners. Thirty animals died in the society’s care, and 145 animals were euthanized, two of them at the others’ request.
Anne Thompson, yet another volunteer–she started volunteering in January–had recently retired from owning a doggy daycare and boarding facility for 15 years, where she took care of 80 to 100 dogs daily. Her offer of help with free home visits and follow-up calls to help animals de-stress from kennel stays was turned down, which prompted her to speak out. She referred to what she considered an unnecessary euthanasia of Guapo based on what she considered subjective judgments. ” Before euthanasia, there needs to be thorough testing. It is not a decision for one person alone,” Thompson said. ” I know you can do better for these dogs, especially as the human population is increasing. Dogs, too, are family members.”
A former society board member said he resigned in 2023 “primarily because I found it to be an organization that was totally resistant to positive change. I was asked to come to a meeting of some of the current volunteers a week ago, and was very disappointed to learn that many of the problems that existed when I left the board 15 months ago exist today.” He described the consequences of a maxed-out shelter suffering from “explosive growth,” and said either an additional shelter or other rescue organizations must be considered in addition to the society, to relieve the pressure. Yet another volunteer described a reigning indifference to procedures, lacking policies and poor communication from staff.
“I experienced an irate staff person yelling at dogs as well as other volunteers,” the resident said. “Another staff person told me herself that the dogs are all quiet in the morning when she comes in, and she finds it funny to yell loudly and wake them all up, causing more anxiety.” She added: “Flagler Humane Society is not a no-kill shelter. I believe Flagler County can do a better job of assuring pets are not neglected at a local shelter.”
County Administrator Heidi Petito said her administration could meet with the society. But the county’s authority is limited. “They are a nonprofit with their own board, so we don’t technically have oversight,” Petito said. “Even though they share the name Flagler County, people assume we have something to do with it.”
Commission Chair Andy Dance wants to see a closer examination of the operation, and a chance for the society to speak for itself: “From the oversight standpoint, I agree with the comments that based on our contributions, that seems to be that some of the oversight for us to make sure that our taxpayer funds are being spent wisely and appropriately are maybe a little lacking.” He suggested a workshop to hear from the society’s side.
“I think it’s a bigger problem in this is just a piece of it,” Pennington said.
Villein says
How about the county does the animal control portion of it, which requires professional training and supervision. Build a kennel sufficient for ten years of anticipated growth. And leave the adoption to the humane society with their current facilities and staff. If they can’t adopt out the animal, the county would make the decision on euthanasia using a standardized protocol.
Joe says
The staff at the FHS are trained and do a great job at what they do.
Animal lover says
Villein,
There does need to be a bigger facility built because look at the growth and population of Palm Coast or Flagler? It has jumped up in the last decade with no shelter growth? The housing market is huge but animals don’t have jobs to make money for a residence. We are their voice. Help is needed not accusations, did Guapo have an underlying condition such as aids, parvo, or cancer? Animals have a great way of hiding illnesses to not show a weakness, in the animal kingdom they would be picked off and eaten. That is why animals don’t show that weakness. A veterinarian would make the correct decision regarding the future of that animal. Some times euthanasia is a better alternative to a life of pain, medicine, seizures, or a stroke. I have had over 30 cats and my family has had a total of 9 dogs and 15 plus cats. I only ever had one bought cat but all others were rescues. I have seen all things that can happen to different animals and euthanasia always hurts the heart. You deal with many what ifs but ultimately I think of the animal first.
Vincent says
Check out the cost of running a shelter, vet salaries, medication from pharmaceutical companies, those cost would raise property taxes to run a county shelter. Do you research before suggesting things.
The FHS has very qualified vets on staff so once again do your research.
Flagler Local says
This is why I met the surrendered dog in the parking lot I was considering rescuing. No dog should be treated this way. We need more rescues like Smart with the funds to really save these animals!
This place is a horror show! Been misran for decades!
Thank you Pierre and the county commission for the concern. This place needs an INTERVENTION!
Sue says
Why is that when one is a convicted felon. There are always ghost in other closets.
Wild Bill says
I would never donate to the Humane Society because they put Pit Bulls back into society rather than put them down. While Pit Bulls can be wonderful family dogs, there is a reason they are called Pit Bulls – they were bred to fight and to kill. When I lived in Independence MO, they killed three people in town in one year so they were finally outlawed in the City. As I recall, Kansas City MO also outlawed having them in the city. We should outlaw the dogs in Palm Coast. Chances are that, if a Pit Bull is turned into the Humane Society, it is because they have scared the owner. Euthanasia is the proper disposition of these dogs. One is truly afraid to walk thru the pathways between dog cages at their facility because of the dogs ferocious barking and throwing themselves at the fronts of their cages to get at you.
ConeOne says
No…. They were oroginally used for herding, hunting or guardian purposes, but most were bred and kept primarily as companions.
Laurel says
ConeOne: “Pit” “bull.” They are bred to fight in pits.
Their ears are cut off with scissors, without pain killers, so the opposing fighting dog cannot grab on. They are bread to be aggressive. They are taunted and tormented to bring out this aggression. They are bred to have strong jaws, and feel less pain around the head. They are trained by using other dogs as bait. They have an extensive record of attacking, and often killing, children.
This is not a companion animal.
SR says
Dogs are fighting dogs when trained to be. Being pitbull has nothing to do with that. You can train a Yorkie to kill if you wanted you. It’s smaller so wont do as much damage. Dont be ignorant. All dogs diserve a chance. They roam around these lands like us we have taken over trees and land of many animals. Dogs are included. We were placed to share.
SR says
By the way are baby Max is a 94 lb pitbull. He was trained to fight. And was abused before coming to the shelter. He is the best loving animal on the planet. I look at him as a human because is the most caring intelligent pitbull that has gone through hell of a life. Also he is 8 so he has had lots of experience being trained aggressivly. And yet came out to be the biggest couch potatoe on the Planet. We love our baby Cow. Keep your head up FHS ur doing what yall can do for these wonderful animals. And thank you for our wonderful family of dogs including MAX!
Kaitlyn Holling says
Maybe contact a Flagler Humane Society representative before publishing this misinformation from uninformed people? We are working tirelessly, underpaid, and understaffed to care for the animals that this community has failed and thrown into the shelter. Maybe come here yourself to see everything we do and the HUNDREDS of animals we care for daily before publishing misinformation trying to attack us.
Glenn says
For those that are taking all these accusations as actual fax you all should be ashamed of yourselves.
People get your facts and actual truth straight before you are throwing stones.
There is a rescue group that has done nothing but bad-mouthed Flagler Humane Society for their own personal gains. And who has it hurt the animals they say the care about.
False statements isn’t positive for our community nor the homeless animals at the Flagler Humane Society.
Please get your facts before judging.
DAvellar says
Bravo. You all do an amazing job. Thank you for loving the animals
Local Resident of PC says
We need the money reserved to the Humane Society be evenly distributed to other rescues. Why should FHS with their horrible reputation for decades be allowed to operate this way??? I fully support the county being an overseer and EVENLY distributing funds, based on number of animals.
Skippy says
Where are you getting your information from because it is incorrect and stop spreading things that aren’t true.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Please somebody step in to save these poor animals. All they live for is to make humans happy, unconditional love. I wish I had the answer, I wish I could help.
Ray W. says
My wife has long taken in rescue chihuahuas, often in their old age. While I love them all, she showers them with love and affection. We have two right now. I don’t have answers to the sad situation of abandoned pets. I can only encourage people to take in older dogs (or cats) in need.
feddy says
I adopted 3 dogs from there within 2 years, 1 older dog, 1 mid aged and a younger and they all were great dogs and the older dog lived out her remaining life in comfort and loved. My interaction with the staff at the humane society was always great and they were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Greg Smith says
Sounds like the leadership (Director Amy Carotenuto) at the Humane Society needs to go. County Commissioners it is time to put the talk aside and take swift action. It is time to clean house. Amy Carotenuto seems indifferent to the care and outcomes with these animals. Yelling to wake the animals up? Whoever this employee is needs to be terminated immediately as they have no regard or compassion for these animals. These attitudes and lack of effort in caring for the animals is a direct reflection of the poor leadership being exhibited by Director Amy Carotenuto. County Commissioners please fix this heartbreaking lack of accountability. These animals and volunteers need a Director who will be their champion and give them a fighting chance in the future.
Nicki says
How about getting the facts. In every business as I am sure you know management will make a decision that not everyone will agree with.
Amy has never been neglected or been cruel to any animal not even a fly on the wall. There is a rescue group out there that is spreading negative stories in hopes the county will support them and dissolve the FHS and what is heartbreaking is the county is buying into this before having the truth and the actual facts.
These are statements being made from lies, exaggerations and pure gossip.
Lynn A Myers says
How one-sided this article by a reputable news source is; no effort was made to reach out to the Flagler Humane Society to hear their side of the story. News sources are supposed to be unbiased in their reporting, so that their readers have all the information in order to make their own decision about an issue. I challenge the staff at FlaglerLive! to contact not only the Executive Director of the shelter but their staff and their over 300 volunteers who devote their time and talents every month to making the lives of these homeless pets better.
FlaglerLive says
The report was about what the County Commission heard and said on Monday. We have asked the society’s director to respond directly, addressing all the concerns raised, in a piece we can run.
Karen says
The article should not have been published until you had all the facts. Shame on you FlaglerLive! What happened at the meeting was also one sided. The thought that decisions would be made based on the information provided by disgruntled volunteers is truly disgraceful.
FlaglerLive says
A large and diverse group of people addressed the County Commission and the City Council, bringing up the issues stated in the article and eliciting enough concerns from both governments, both of which contribute tax dollars to the society, to kick-start plans for further discussions, possibly workshops, and other measures. To suggest it shouldn’t have been reported until “all the facts” were in, or to discredit the speakers simply because of their history, is absurd. The article reflected the conversation, just as today’s article by the society director reflects her side of the conversation.
Were's the $$ going says
Try to contact animal services for trapping of some stray pregnant cat and was told they don’t do that. Had to call a local rescue and they responded promptly and got the cat. A shame our tax money couldn’t help.
Kat says
This article is heartbreaking on several levels. First and foremost I am an animal lover and advocate. In our home, we always choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue as opposed to buying an animal. Unfortunately, I personally know of some people who choose not to spay or neuter their dogs because they can make money off of the puppies. The people I am personally thinking about do this with large dogs. Our shelter is overflowing with large dogs, many of them pit bulls, or pitbull mixes. These can be the hardest dogs to find homes for and the ones that are most frequently euthanized across the country due to inadequate room in shelters.
As our community grows, so will the number of animals in need. Our Humane Society is going to need help, probably both from within and outside our community. I would love to see them partner with Best Friends Animal Society (they are based out of Utah, but partner with shelters all around the country). Best Friends has been working for years to reduce euthanasia rates.
I appreciate Andy Dance’s response. I’m not discounting or discrediting any of the people who resigned or were dismissed, but I do think there needs to be a balanced presentation of both sides. And then there needs to be community involvement in helping to identify problems, then develop solutions.
DR Gault says
Kat,
I agree with you on working with other shelters. The FHS needs to send big dogs out and acquire smaller dogs that are good for an aging population. Florida is loaded with retirees and older generations of people. Small dogs and cats are allowed in apartments but big dogs over so many inches and pounds are not permitted. That makes the adoption of these dogs tougher. If all shelters across the land work together then dogs can be homed and adopted much easier, that would be a start but that will never stop the inability to have an animal fixed. Not for mills or sale, that makes humans hungry for money and not caring for the overall well being of a member of their family.
Deirdre says
I’d say whatever can be done to make it a better shelter should be done, but I’ve adopted several animals from them over the years, and feel we’re very lucky to have them! They offer a number of great services for the community including affordable vaccinations and vet visits.
I adopted a dog from another non-euthanasia shelter once, and after a couple of years doing everything (including very expensive professional training), I had to put the dog to sleep for biting. Broke my heart!
Those animals were living in filth in tiny cages, being pushed around from shelter to shelter, a miserable life. I’ve seen what a poorly run shelter looks like, and I would not put the Flagler Humane Society in that category. If they have problems I’m sure they can be addressed and resolved.
Aggressive animals should never be available for adoption, and very sick animals that aren’t going to make it anyway should be humanely euthanized.
Having animals that are not adoptable living out their entire lives in cages is just wrong, it’s an unfortunate truth that euthanasia has to be utilized sometimes. I doubt you can find any shelter that doesn’t have overcrowding problems.
If the Flagler Humane Society is overcrowded, we should consider expanding it or building another one, we need this in our area, and I’d say most of the people that work or volunteer there are doing their best under difficult circumstances.
Laurel says
Well, here we go. I have a very good friend who was the Kennel Manager of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. She has a long career in animal control, and runs a shelter in Connecticut, and I know that she cares very deeply about the animals her shelter takes in. I’ve heard plenty of stories over the years, besides animal hoarding and terrible abuse stories she had to confront, her biggest thorns in her sides were volunteers and keeping employee help. Volunteers are necessary, but they are also notorious for knowing how to do things *better.* Outside the shelter, the no kill volunteers are always criticizing, always blaming. When it comes to employees, it’s very hard to find those who are really dedicated, and stay. I’ve heard all the drama queen stories.
I hate the idea of euthanasia of healthy animals, but the fact of the matter is, as long as society continues to not neuter and spay their pets, the animals will keep coming in. Should they live out their lives in cages and kennels? Don’t adopt a pet if you don’t have the interest to take care of it every day of that pet’s life. My two current cats are from Flagler Humane. Our other two cats passed, as one succumbed to a latent disease she was exposed to in a hoarder house, and was dumped in Flagler Beach, and my oldest boy, from Delray Beach, died at the age of 21.
Is Flagler Humane a part of the Humane Society of the United States? If so, are they following the Society’s rules? Outside professionals should be consulted, not commissioners.
Don’t go blaming those who have to see the heartbreak, and deal with it every day. Step up, and do the right thing.
Someone who cares says
The Director Amy caratanuto needs to be brought up on animal neglect and abuse charges. She’s letting this happen under her watch. Maybe they also need to investigate how Amy the Director and the Flagler county animal control officer. Katie knew about the dog fighting ring out in the Mondex and they still returned Dogs to them.
That’s because one of them was Katie‘s ex-boyfriend.
About five maybe six years ago the state gave them Grants to add on at least five or six more kennels to the facility yet nothing ever happened with the money so where to go? And why are there 50 people on the staff being paid?. Over the years that Amy has been the Director there she has been relieved of her duties several times and they’ve tried to get other people in to clean up their act and they’ve all ended up quitting in a years Time because they won’t allow the changes to happen
With all the money that they are bringing in, they really could make a lot of changes there
Another thing is why do they have spaying and neutering but such a high cost when they should be offering more reasonable fees in order to cut down on the reproduction of animals.
The Flagler Humane Society has no relationship whatsoever with the National Humane Society organization. They were called to see if anything could be done about them and they said any of the Humane Society have no direct relationship with them. They can call themselves the Humane Society, but there is no relationship.
They need to get rid of the administration and let the county take over so our animals will not suffer anymore
Alex says
Those attacking Amy is cruel and unjustified. She is the most compassionate person who has more experience in the animal field and for those insulting her is a disgrace to her knowledge and dedication to all animals.
These lies are coming from revengeful people, and it is all unjustified.
Peter says
Once again as always you are spreading lies for your own gain. The skeleton in your closet may come out to the public.Stop lying to the public it will catch up with you.
Tony says
Right – Let the county take over – they have done enough to destroy Palm Coast – the county is pathetic !!!
kathy roberts says
That is disgusting about returning dogs for dog fighting. Over the last few years I have heard volunteers say some of the staff, if they didn’t like a dog would leave it outside all day long in the hot sun. Also not providing fresh water consistently. Amy would just pick dogs randomly or ones she didn’t like for euthanasia. Asking High prices like $400 adoption fee for small cute dogs (they try to make $$$ off desirable breeds,) Poor little pups being used for transactional gain.
I find it interesting that they ask for donations down to staples and pens; with all the funds they have……that’s kind of ridiculous. They want leashes and collars; they have a huge box full in the lobby for sale for
$1.00 each…………..they could be washed and sanitized if they are in good condition. A lot of them were in very good condition; I assume from surrenders, etc.
Some people in positions of authority think they are God-like, being able to make life/death decisions for these poor animals. I hope the County takes charge of this to hire someone that is a very knowledgeable professional with a huge heart for animals/fair treatment; a person of integrity to replace some of these people. Since the county is helping fund this shelter, they certainly should have a right to oversee and know where their funds go. Continued staff that are of questionable quality; they need to go.
When I went there several months ago, they would not even allow me to see the dogs or where they are kept….they said, “it would get the animals to riled up and barking.” I thought this was very wrong. When I asked about how to donate my estate to them…..they were all interested in that. The more I learn about these people in charge, sadly, I won’t contribute any $$$ to them!
I really like the one where the mentally challenged child in the home called 911 to report the dogs being beaten & THE DOGS could be heard crying on 911 call. This is a backyard breeder of Rottweilers in “R” section. Upon following up on call…they said they had food and water. Do you think they could have removed dogs to be inspected by a VET for bruises, etc. How can they see bruises or broken bones by just looking at dogs. I am thinking the beatings/crying goes on still to this day…….the child learned that when he got the courage to call 911 to protect dogs from abuse……nothing happened to protect the dogs. The child may have gotten beat for calling. DCF might consider it emotional abuse for child to be in home and having to witness this.
Anyway, certain people in charge of these decisions need to be replaced by people who really care and are willing to go all the way to enforce laws regarding abuse/fighting dog situations, etc. PLEASE, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! Some people may have had okay experiences/ but you see just like Domestic Violence, we don’t see all that goes on behind closed doors at the Humane Society Flagler. People are seeing and saying something like the child that called. As ADULTS we tell and hope/pray that someone will CHANGE it!
Lucy says
If indeed this home is in the R section, that would come under the City of Palm Coast Animal Control.
N. Golden says
The main issues is space and staff, especially space. The over population in Flagler County over the past 2 years certainly hasn’t helped. That is apparent with the number of intake of animals especially cats! Cats double the number of dogs! The fact that FHS hasn’t expanded the facility in over 20 years makes for an overcrowded facility with no where to put all these animals, which in turn creates a tense environment for everyone. Staff can become overwhelmed and anxiety sets in. Until these 2 issues are addressed you will never fix the problem.
Also, there are other small rescues in Flagler County that the city should be assisting monetarily like they do with FHS, which would help FHS as well.
FHS, you should check with northern states such as MA, CT, etc… Many Humane societies have luck with alleviating overcrowding with relocating puppies, kittens, cats and dogs to other Humane Societies as they actually have a shortage of adoptable pets.
Bob says
There isn’t one shelter in the State of Florida right now that isn’t crowded. People are losing their homes and giving up their pets. Elderly people are passing away and their family members don’t want their pets. If people cared about their pets and if the owner passes away it needs to be written in their wills. Watch the news two weeks ago WESH reported the shelters around the state were filled.
Lori says
I volunteered in the catteries for several months, those open to the public as well as those hidden from view in the back of the building. What I saw it was an abomination. Food bowls and litter pans washed in the same sink with the same washcloth. Litter boxes, serving multiple cats, overflowing with feces and urine, even after staff had “cleaned” for the day. Food and water bowls completely empty in several of the cattery rooms and cages right before closing for the evening….
During one of my daily shifts The Humane Society received a donation of carpet squares for to add comfort to crates and cages. Paid staff took handfuls of them for themselves and encouraged volunteers to take as many as they wanted…. I could not believe what I was witnessing…
I was tasked with socializing semi feral kittens. I worked with the kittens six days a week for several hours a day. The work paid off as they began to trust me. We played together, we laid on blankets together, and several relaxed on my lap, so you can imagine my surprise when I showed up to continue my work with the kittens only to find all of them gone. I was told they were too feral for adoption and were brought to a farm to their lives as barn cats. I begged to know the location of where they had been dumped so I could check on them and make sure they were self-sufficient, but Staff refused to tell me where they were. There were rumors that they were euthanized, but I was never able to learn the true fate of those lovely kittens. Photos available upon request.
Needless to say, I never returned for another volunteer shift.
Laurel says
In regards to Lori’s post, here’s an example of how SOME volunteers react, seemingly knowing how to do better.
Truly feral cats, or even semi-feral cats, are hard to adopt out. I have had six that I can think of off hand, and even though two of them were as sweet as sugar, they were still not for everyone. They needed special attention. Often, kittens that are found outside, can be hard to socialize. They may take to a person or two, but they cower in their cages or they lash out. My one FH cat loves us dearly, but is very willing to disembowel any other person who comes too close.
Should these cats and kittens live out their lives in cages? Of course not. To be adopted out as “barn cats” is not cruel in any sense, nor should they be called “dumped.” These cats are spayed and neutered before adoption, and they have a job to do. That’s a good thing.
Also, my friend in Connecticut gets so many donations from people with good hearts and good intentions, from toys to food to beds to blankets and so on, that she cannot store it all. She doesn’t have the staff of FH, but she does give away many of these donations to pet people.
Spend time with your local shelters before jumping to conclusions from a few opposing comments.
Mary Fusco says
I know nothing about FHS’s finances. That is above my pay level. However, let’s look at those that either purchase or adopt pets and then grow tired of them. Where do they go? Yep local HS. I’ve had pets for 55 years and they are a 15-20 year commitment, not until the owner decides they are a nuisance. If we had responsible pet owners, shelters would be EMPTY. How about blaming those discarding their pets like garbage. Kind of reminds me of someone dropping their old clothes off at Good Will and them complaining about what Good Will did with them. Put the damn blame where it belongs. Idiots that continually surrender pets!
Laurel says
Mary Fusco: I agree with much of what you wrote, but not all. Yes, you are correct, these beings are a full time commitment, and not to be discarded when they are not properly trained, or when true responsibility sets in and becomes a *nuisance.* They are not toys. I remember a coworker who turned over her two dogs (down south) because they barked while she was gone. Instead of training them, she got herself two new puppies! I thought of her two dogs at the shelter wondering when she was coming back. Looking for her each time a new person came in.
I’m also skeptical about those who turn over animals because they claim they cannot find a place to live. I only accepted apartments that accepted my cats. One owner actually tried to talk me out of my cats, but I hung up on him and found a great place elsewhere.
Yeah, I feel like the people who just surrender pets, for selfish reasons, are irresponsible, but I prefer they surrender their unwanted pets rather than set them loose. My little sweetie is sitting against me now, purring and placing her face into my arm. She was found on Highway 100 as a kitten, and is a Flagler Humane rescue.
For those of you who say you don’t have an answer to the problem, I do. Spay and neuter your pets! It is such an easy resolve. Don’t get an animal unless you are willing to take care of the being for the being’s life. Don’t get your old relative a kitten or a puppy. Get them an older companion that you are willing to take and care for should the relative pass on. Support the local TNR (trap, neuter, release) program.
This is not complicated stuff. The only reason we have full shelters, as Mary F. stated, is because or irresponsible and selfish people. That’s all.
LovelyLady says
I have been a volunteer at FHS for years. Nothing is perfect but there are many long time dedicated employees who have been at the shelter and seen so much from the front desk to the medical end and kennel help. It’s a very stressful job and heartbreaking when you see the condition some of the animals have come into the shelter. Old animals being dumped, animals being abused, abandoned, etc. Employees get bitten, defecated on, vomited on, scratched, yet they stay for the love of the animals. It breaks their heart to euthanize an animal. Kennel employees have a horrible job. Every morning they have to get the dogs out of the kennels into pens in the backyard and start cleaning out the kennels. And there’s plenty more to do the rest of the day. It’s a nasty job for not much pay.
Since the County is growing by such leaps and bounds, maybe it should build a new animal shelter that can house all the new animals that will sure to be surrendered because as it is now, Flagler Humane Society is struggling to find places to put all the new animals that come in. And rather than point fingers when you really don’t know the whole story, please volunteer, foster, and donate. The animals need you.
Laurel says
Lovely Lady: You are truly lovely! You are just the kind of volunteer we need more of. Thank you.
Joe says
There will never be a large enough shelter anywhere in the State of Florida.
Hobo Harry says
The animals. Great. How ’bout we take care of some humans in this county? There’s not some publicly supported human shelter that I’m aware of. The humans are just told not to beg and scurried from woods to woods around town or pushed onward to Daytona. Mental health issues they’ll say. Are the animals more mentally healthy then? No, I’ll support an animal shelter in this county with my public money when the humans can get some shelter. One for one on the dollar.
Laurel says
Hobo Harry: It never fails. Evey time someone tries to speak for those animals who cannot speak, someone else complains. You have many more options for help than the animals do. It the humans who abuse animals, not animals abusing people.
You help people. I’ll help animals. I like them more.
Let it be.
Mindy Thomas says
I am a current volunteer at FHS. I have spent many hours with the dogs at the shelter. I volunteer every week walking dogs and assisting with playgroup. The people that work there are hard working animal lovers. This was such a disappointing article to read because it takes away from all of the hard work, love, and positivity I have seen happen at the shelter everyday. The people that work there love animals. Euthanasia is never the wanted outcome or an easy decision. Volunteers are an important part of the shelter and the time people give to these animals is priceless. Volunteers should come with a willingness to help without undermining the natural flow of how the shelter operates. If you read that article and thought something needs to be done…maybe the answer is volunteer! The joy you see when an animal and a human find each other is so rewarding.
Robert says
Thank you for your kind truthful words. Those that are bashing the FHS is only hurting the homeless animals for their own personal gains to help a rescue that has bad mouthed us because of jealousy and greed.
Keep Flagler Beautiful says
I hate to say it, but I think there is truth to this. While walking around during an open house there, it was devastating to see so many sad, large dogs lying on only a blanket on the floors of their cages. The cleanliness factor was poor. And this was on a day when they were actually allowing people to go behind closed doors. Imagine what it’s like on a normal day. I also found the director of the shelter, Amy Carotenuto, to be utterly disinterested when I offered to organize what would have been a very lucrative fundraiser. She acted like she didn’t want to be bothered and said, “We usually just let people organize the events on their own,” meaning don’t expect any support from us, but do give us the money. However she does like to go to lunch. I now regret the generous past donations I have made to the shelter because I have no confidence that the money was used to improve the lives of the dogs there or to expand the ways in which they might be seen by potential adopters online, at adoption events, through e-marketing, etc. I’m glad the former volunteers spoke up at the commissioners’ meeting and wish I had known about it. I would have attended and spoken up myself. I stopped donating money to the shelter because of the above experiences and vowed I would not donate again until something was done to “clean house” and get a director in there who is actually compassionate toward the animals and motivated to help them. The current one is NOT.
James says
“… it was devastating to see so many sad, large dogs lying on only a blanket on the floors of their cages. …”
Did you ask to take one of the dogs out for a walk? Would they let you?
They should have a day set aside for people (not necessarily full time volunteers, but folks willing to be registered to do so) who would like to interact with the animals… specifically like walking dogs that need such attention.
But perhaps FHS has bigger issues to tackle before rethinking and expanding interactive services with their commensurate organizational overhead.
Just an opinion.
Carol Green says
Previous Lake County Sheriff Gary Borders carried out the job of taking on and running the Lake County Animal Services and helping make it a no kill shelter. At the time many sheriff departments at the time were started to be taken over and run by their sheriff’s departments. In the beginning it was a little slow and there were some fired and there were some that was hired until the employee and volunteer situation got taken care of. It is now a great facility and is run by our now current sheriff Peyton grinnell and he is doing a fine job with the staff and the volunteers that are on board there now. If sheriff Grady Judd and Flagler County sheriff would get on the ball and start taking care of these facilities like they should be you would have a lot more animals being adopted out instead of being euthanized. Euthanasia for a healthy cat or dog or any animal that deserves to have done to them. As a rescuer and sanctuary owner for many years it is so very heartbreaking to think of all of the animals that we are trying to rescue and say that are being put down needlessly. Why can’t you have adoption days adoption weekends why can’t you have special adoption program be done why can’t anyone start being a little bit more imaginative and get some of these things done so the county can bring in more funds you’ll be emptying your shelters so you can make room for other animals that need to be received and help them find a forever home instead of euthanized needlessly, they don’t deserve this.
Eustis, Florida
Gail says
It sounds like our county commission needs to jump on this problem and find a solution quickly. I don’t think most of us in Flagler County had any idea there was such a problem until the Volunteers started complaining online about euthanasia, lack of care for the animals, not listening to their volunteers and employees who were witnesses to poor conditions.
But- We need to hear from the Director of the Humane society, Amy. Before placing so much blame. The tremendous growth we’ve seen over the last few years has certainly contributed to this heartbreaking situation. It has to be dealt with. So many great people have been involved outside of FHS, helping with feeding, trapping, handling adoptions.
Perhaps we can consolidate these groups into one? Is our sheriff even willing to take on this challenge, but someone needs to.
Have a workshop please! Get it done.
Tired of it says
How easy for people who have never been to the HS to comment. Do you realize how many animals get dumped on them? They don’t have the money to hire “experts”. They get by with volunteers. Volunteers who have no expertise but plenty of opinions. Does anybody, really think the county can do a better job? I challenge any f the critics to volunteer there for a day and then opine.
Laura H says
These commissioners cannot even get a lease in favor of taxpayers put together but yet they think they can run an animal shelter as emboldened by a few no kill advocates ? Given the shelter profitability and high rate of adoptions the director should be praised and supported for the tough job and difficult decisions that are made with extremely limited resources & an ever fluctuating volunteer team.
The shelter servers more residents annually than many other “pet projects” of this commission ever have- combined.
Shark says
The Flagler county commission has some nerve blasting their record Let’s take a look at all the tens of millions they piss away because of their incompetence beginning with Captains BBQ – the bridge to nowhere – the new visitor center – and on and on !!!!
Bob says
The County Officials can’t even run the county probably let alone trying to run a animal shelter.
Backslapping Commission says
Shark: You are spot on also building Taj Mahal for themselves and their friends!
They are no one to speak most of them both past and present needed and still
need to be fired. A bunch of incompetants, including their county administrator
and county attorney which cost us taxpayers more for contracting out his work.
N. Hunter says
The humane society is dumping cats at Bull Creek. Amy directs them to.
Charles says
That is a total lie. Get your facts straight. What do you gain from lying?
Childless Cat Lady says
Everybody wants to blame people abandoning their pets, and I’m sure that is part of the problem. I think we also need to think of pets that need to be rehomed because their human died or went into a nursing home. Based on the high elderly population here, I’m sure this contributes greatly to the animals going into a shelter.
Animals are great company. Older folks need to be realistic when adopting and look for senior pets. We should start a senior for seniors program here in town where older dogs can get placed with an elderly foster so they can live out their golden years in a home instead of in a cage until euthanasia.
Thank you to all fosters, volunteers and underpaid staff.
T says
Take over make sure they are taking care off and lock up those are stealing money its for animals not your greed
John says
No one is stealing money, once again these lies are just that lies.
Tammy Wozniak says
How many of you people convicting this shelter and it’s staff have stated or at least thought at some point in your life… “I could never work at an animal shelter” or how about… “I can’t even go to the animal shelter it just breaks my heart”?? I’ve personally heard those words more in my lifetime than I care to remember.
I volunteered several years at Halifax Humane Society until being offered the Animal Intake Management position and then a Rescue-Foster Coordinator position. I’ve worked with domesticated animals in several professional capacities over 45 years including founding PET PI in hopes of preventing lost pets from entering the shelter environment.
Having worked both ends of the animal shelter spectrum, I can honestly tell you volunteers and Board Members DO NOT endure the same everyday animal shelter real life situations that shelter staff bear each minute of every single day which can create misunderstandings and makes certain challenging situations difficult to understand.
I wish every Animal Shelter Board Member would be required to spend a certain amount of “hands on” hours each month working beside staff members to physically see and actually feel the difficulties involved around animal sheltering. I truly feel this could tremendously benefit shelter operations, the staff and most importantly the shelter animals and prevent unrealistic conflict that appears to be happening in this situation.
Volunteers are so desperately needed by both the shelter animals and the shelter staff but there has to be a fine line of what volunteers should bear witness to. Of course there are so many happy celebrated moments and great things happening within an animal shelter but honestly there are also much more not so celebrated, heartbreaking but necessary moments that some people are unable to endure and or unable to accept. When volunteers are unaware of all circumstances surrounding situations they witnessed, their brain fills in the blanks. Heartbreak and frustration sets in making them blame and lash out at the very people who also love and care deeply for these animals but are faced with a job society continually throws at them. Sound familiar?
Over 15 years ago I was fortunate enough to meet an extraordinary person whose entire being is strictly about helping animals. That person is Amy Carotenuto!
I adamantly know that Amy loves, lives and breathes strictly for the betterment of shelter animals. I’ve personally witnessed and can attest to how tirelessly and relentlessly Amy has worked going above and beyond to help all animals!
This extremely hurtful witch hunt is unmerited! People want to place blame…Place blame on society!
Address pet over population and back yard breeders!!
Create spay and neuter laws AND actually enforce these laws!!!
I’m confident once all the official information is available anyone with a little common sense is going to realize there has been absolutely no unscrupulous or negligent wrong doings by the Flagler Humane Society Director Amy Carotenuto or shelter staff members.
Please do not just cast blame on the animal shelter staff who are trying to do the very best job they can with the influx of unwanted homeless animals coming in each day!
I personally visited Flagler Humane Society last week and I did not witness anything that could remotely be considered inappropriate, I did not witness animals running loose or dogs crated in the lobby and I certainly DID NOT see any animals in any type of neglect.
Most animal shelter staff truly care about these animals or they would not spend their life trying to help them… there surely isn’t enough pay in this field to keep them otherwise!!!
Linda Russell says
I am a seasonal resident who volunteers at Flagler Humane Society and an inner city shelter in the north. Although both shelters are well intentioned, the conditions and outcomes at FHS are far superior. At FHS there are dogs who have been housed for two years while awaiting adoption, here at the city shelter it is a matter of months at the most. An unfortunate reality is that one cannot complain about lack of capacity while also decrying euthanasia. An article such as this, which drives away adopters, donations, and volunteers, will only hurt the animals more. Should there be transparent and written standards and accountability? Of course. Is there a need for more resources/capacity? Yes, at all shelters across the country.
Laurel says
Tammy Wozniak and Linda Russell: Thank you. The fact of the matter is it is society’s failure to properly care for, and spay and neuter their pets, yet society is happy to place the blame elsewhere. It boggles my mind how many educational programs have been presented over the years, and still, we have “kitten seasons.” There have been reduced expense, and free spay and neuter programs to help those who have trouble paying for the services. Some veterinarians have donated their time spaying and neutering feral cats.
Personally, I appreciate the work that people do to help these animals. For those whose hearts and minds are in the right places, it’s time to work together for the animals, not fight each other.
Lydia Crisafi says
Conflict of interest let Sheriff’s depth oversee it
Lucy Avellar says
I have been involved with the Flagler County Humane Society for many many years. Ihave volunteered. I have fostered, I have been the president of the board. I have read all comments. First I have always felt not questioning euthanasia should be an unwritten rule
The decisions made are extremely difficult. I assure you it is not made hastily. These employees and volunteers are there doing some tough work. Volunteers are a huge part of the shelter. Different people will always have different opinions. Some want all pitbulls put down, others want all animals saved. In a perfect world all would be saved. The director works around the clock. She brings parvo puppies home and cares for them because they may have a chance. Many have made it and been adopted out. So I am surprised she would be questioned on euthanasia. Someone said, all animals should have chance. Suppose this is true and a known aggressive dog, or a biter is adopted out and it attacks the new family. Family finds out the shelter new this could happen. Liability, you bet. And then there are the cases that end up in court. How many did the shelter fight to not give back to owner, trying to get custody of these dogs. Well, it is a court case. And the judge has the last word. How many don’t know the shelter was trying to gain custody. The court returned to owner. There is a lot involved that people don’t even know. I do agree that the shelter is overcrowded. How could it not be with the population explosion. So I say help them. Not tell untruths. I will always support them and admire all employees and volunteers
Sibs says
I would love to run for a board member of the non profit. I ran a non profit in PA for many years. I think they need to open the board positions to the GP or animal lovers to get some changes. Amy is not much help at all. She should be first to be fired.