On Aug. 5 and 6, numerous current and former volunteers for the Flagler Humane Society, along with others, appeared before the Flagler County Commission and the Palm Coast City Council to criticize the society with allegations of lax standards, too-easy euthanasias, a seriously overcrowded shelter, lacking accountability and some retribution against volunteers who raise issues. Amy Carotenuto, the director of the shelter, responds.
By Amy Carotenuto
Thank you for the invitation to respond to the misinformed who are attacking the shelter. I believe this gives me the opportunity to educate the community and hope that you will see the good work we do every day at Flagler Humane Society to give voices to the animals in need.
These accusations are not true. Those who are speaking so negatively about our established organization have their motivations and opinions. However, their opinions are not based on facts.
I could respond to each and every one of their accusations, but it would be more effective to stick to the documented facts, starting with statistics that show the data on the animals that have come in last year and so far this year. Those figures include their outcomes, our euthanasia data (see 2023 here, 2024 here), and reason for those decisions.
Euthanasia is not determined by one person, as we are accused of. Euthanasia decisions are complex and heartbreaking. They are based on the practice outlined in our Standard Operating Procedure manual. (See the complete SOP manual here.) You can also see here our statistics compared to statewide and national statistics from our PetPoint software company. As you will see, our numbers are good, with euthanasia ratios well below state and national ratios, despite our limited resources.
See as well these reports from January 20223 to today of animals adopted, returned to their owners and transferred to adoption partners or rehabbers.
As to my credentials, I have been a Florida Animal Control Association certified euthanasia instructor since 1992. It has always been my personal mission that euthanasia is performed with skill and compassion. (I am the president of Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association and I am on the board of Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations. I’ve helped write the Best Practices for Humane Care and High Live Release Programming manual. I’ve worked to strengthen animal protection laws both locally and statewide.)
I would like to address the reference to the “No Kill” shelter label. The “No Kill” label is an industry benchmark. We, at Flagler Humane Society, qualify to use that label because we have over a 93 percent Live Release rate. There are no true “No Kill Shelters.” There are other shelters that turn animals away or keep them in cages forever in order to maintain that status. That is not our practice, and we look for ways to maintain the mental and physical health of the animals we take in. True shelters face the decision of being merciful and euthanizing a pet with a painful, incurable disease. We believe if we cannot manage an animal’s pain or determine an animal is too dangerous to be adopted, then we do what is best for the animal and the community.
Kyndra Mott, our animal care and placement manager, follows guidelines offered by ASPCA, Maddie’s Fund, Fear Free and others. Currently, these national organizations have stepped back from recommending strict battery testing for behavior. This type of testing has been found to be unreliable and has resulted in more euthanasia. It is recommended to observe behavior just like we do here at FHS. The animals are treated like we treat our own pets. Their behavior is watched during their time inside, during walks, medical treatment, feeding and play group. We have recently incorporated organized play groups under the safety guidelines of national organization “Dogs Playing for Life.”
As for the euthanizing of Guapo, the volunteers that are furious with us are referring to a very large, very powerful pit who nearly killed another dog and had on more than one occasion showed offensive aggression with children. Most of the volunteer dog walkers never walked him because he was just too much to handle. Policies and procedures were taken to evaluate the animal and a very sad decision was made.
As the director of the humane society, I take full responsibility for the decision and believe that the dog was a risk if sent out into the community. I would rather have these people upset with me than have a child or anyone else hurt. As for volunteer Cathy Saris, her dismissal was not because she spoke about euthanasia. She was released because she would not follow FHS rules. She was demeaning to the staff and she posted such comments on social media as the following:
Why don’t they tell us the real facts? The animals have no voice, we need to speak up for them. It’s always human error but unfortunately the dog gets euthanized, again and again. Children anywhere are a liability. Liability, liability, liability. It’s time to get another reason. I couldn’t be the person to walk them to their death or participate in this horrid ordeal. How do you sleep at night?
I absolutely cannot have the staff talked to or or referred to in that manner, nor would it be permissible in any organization. Our dedicated staff works too hard to be subjected to that sort of accusations and language, especially considering the difficult and stressful environment. We already have difficulty finding employees that will stay long term (and there are potentially alarming numbers regarding the safety of animal care workers.)
Our work is hard physically and emotionally as the animals come in and out of the facility. We ache for them when they come in battered and discarded. And we celebrate when they go to a new adopted home, praying that it will be their forever home. I believe we need to be humane not only toward the animals we care for but toward each other as well.
Another recent critic claimed to be a dog trainer that we turned away. Quite the opposite. She wanted us to pass out her business cards with adoptions. We agreed, but asked that she come in and work with a couple of shelter dogs, so that we could observe her training methods (We don’t want to recommend someone unless we know they have humane methods that include positive reinforcement.) She did not. We never turned away her help.
I hope that this perspective gives you a window into the life of a non-profit humane society. I’ve been devoted to the humane movement since 1984. Several of our staff have many, many years of experience. What we do may not always be popular because we investigate animal abuse cases, and we enforce local and state laws to protect the animals that do not have a voice. I live and breathe what I preach to the best of my abilities and I run an organization with these values.
Amy Carotenuto is the director of Flagler Humane Society.
Kat says
Thank you for what you do, I know it is incredibly difficult.
Justbob says
The “Humane” in Humane Society and “euthanasia” is an oxymoron.
Judy BZ says
I am so glad to finally hear Amy’s side of the story. I am a long-time donator to Flagler Humane Society and with this new information will continue to do so!
Wild Bill says
Reference the response by Ms Carotenuto regarding the Flagler Humane Shelter questions: I recognize that her job is a tough one and the volunteers there are to be commended for their work on their behalf. My only issue is that they don’t euthanize every full -blooded or part Pit Bull that comes thru their door. The only reason to have a Pit Bull is to guard your drug operation. If a Pit Bull is brought into the Shelter, it is no doubt because the owner is afraid of the dog or afraid it will kill someone. Pit Bulls may be good family dogs – but if someone comes to the door or the dog gets out, someone is going to be hurt. These dogs should never be put back out into the community. They were bred to kill. Period. The Shelter has too many Pit Bulls, likely because they scare the bejesus out of anyone walking by their kennel. Euthanasia is the only answer.
Snoopy says
I let the first comment you made about “Pit Bulls” fly. Now, your just blowing hot air. People like you survive by generalizing. Yes, I’m flipping the mirror around on you. A true Pit Bull is a specific dog not just bred, but trained or forced to fight. All this other stuff your coming up with is opinion. Any “Bully Breed” dog or Terrier can be erroneously classified as a Pit Bull if left up to the likes you to decide. What the heck is a full blood or part blood Pit Bull. The crazy thing is you probably hunt and own guns. Is it “Wild Bill or Wild Shrooms??? You’re watching too many crime shows or Fox News.
Be fair says
Just not true. I suspect cooker spaniels can be just as bad– trust me, I’ve owned a few. Where are your statistics to back up your claims?
Molly says
Well… I’ve had seven rescue pitbulls. Not one has ever harmed a single person, dog, cat, or even fly. They don’t need to be leashed or muzzled or restrained. They swim, they hike, they play with children and are soft and gentle with the elderly. All of them. So… this is simply inaccurate. Please refrain from such uninformed comments in a public setting.
Robert Joseph Fortier says
Thank you for your comment. I have had many pits in my life, as well as German Shepherds.
They need to be trained just like any canine.
Justbob says
What everyone should realize is that it’s not the breed that’s the problem; it’s the humans mistreating these dogs. Pit bulls can be the sweetest and loving of all dogs, but if any dog is trained to be vicious then they will be vicious. It’s not the breed.
Vincent says
My pit was not given up because of any fear by the owner.
She was given up because the landlord found out about her and threatened to evict the tenants.
She’s a sweet baby, though she does become a terror when motorcycles go by.
Laurel says
As I have stated, I have a very good friend who has worked in shelters for more than 30 years. Two shelters were in medium cities and two were in big areas (county and city). She worked her way into management in all four. So for over thirty years, I have heard the same stories from her about “no kill shelters” and people who just think they know how to do things better. I’m very glad that Ms. Carotenuto has responded here.
When my friend worked in Stanford, Connecticut, the shelter was under the command of the Police Department and she was pretty much on her own. She was to only accept dogs, no cats or other animals. Nearly all the dogs were pitbulls. Well, she managed to get the PD to accept cats! I don’t know if they continued her policy after she moved on, but I hope so.
Again, this is very hard, strenuous work loaded with heartbreak. It takes a certain kind of person who can keep a stiff upper lip while giving love to the animals who need it. It is very difficult to find people willing to do this work, and willing to stay. People who criticize are a dime a dozen. Maybe they would do better educating the public on spay and neutering, and pet care, instead of hampering the work of professionals.
By the way, “Tail Held High” is a lovely lady, and maybe she could use a loving home…
Laurel says
Stamford.
K says
Every engagement I have had with the FHS has been positive and kind. One time the director waited more thirty minutes after she was supposed to leave so I could bring a stray dog that I found to them. When I arrived she was neither rushed nor annoyed- she showed compassion to the dog and gratitude to me for caring enough to help.
It seems to be a requirement around here for anyone involved with a rescue or other animal organization that is not the FHS to complain about and slander them. I’ve never understood why that is. They all need to remember their goals and missions are the same- they want to help animals. Instead of feeling competitive, how about working together?
I appreciate the DATA that underscores the director’s claims. That is much more valuable than whining women on social media.
Justsayin says
You could replace Flagler with almost any other county in the state and have the same complaints. Working in an animal shelter environment is not for everybody. Every dog that comes into a shelter needs to be vetted, and not every dog is an adoption candidate. Many dogs that come into a shelter are animal aggressive or have other issues that make it much harder to adopt. The chance of a two-year-old, black and white Pitbull being adopted is slim to none. That’s just a fact
I could not help but laugh when I read some of their complaints. First, they complained about overcrowding, then they complained about euthanasia. All shelters in the state are overpopulated with dogs and cats. Very few rescues will accept dogs at this time, and the problem is only getting worse. So many people think they have a “special dog” that will make lots of money should they breed them. And when they cannot sell their puppies, they expect the Humane Society to take them.
Ask people if it’s humane to cage a dog in 5 x 10 cell for over one hundred days with little human interaction. Most will tell you NO. I think it’s more humane to put the dog down after that much time. Kennel crazy is a real thing and can be dangerous to the staff. I know it’s extremely easy for an employee to bond with the dogs at the shelter. But there will be times when the dog should be put down. You cannot intake ten dogs a week and only adopt out five. You always need room for the next dog that will come through your door.
Instead of being mad at the Shelter Director, focus your anger on the owners of these animals. We have become a throwaway society, and dogs and cats are just part of it.
Justsayin
Tammy Wozniak says
Upon reading the horrendous allegations being made against Flagler Humane Society and the Director Amy Carotenuto I was in total shock and the more I contemplated these accusations the angrier I had become.
For 15 years I’ve had complete respect and admiration for Amy due to witnessing her complete compassion and dedication towards animals. I’ve also witnessed how she strives for the same attributes from her staff members.
I expected nothing less than factual data and heartfelt explanations while responding to such ludicrous accusations.
As previously stated, I adamantly know that Amy loves, lives and breathes strictly for the betterment of shelter animals.
Polly R says
…and thats how thats done. Apologies accepted in the form of donations -TOWARDS THE SOLUTION.
Edith Campins says
I have had the opportunity to interact with the staff at Flagler HS twice in the last month or so. I have found them to be kind, compassionate, overworked, underpaid and desperate to do the best they can for the animals. There will always be disgruntled individuals who think they can run things better, who are free with their criticism , ready to blame others for what they perceive to be wrong. For many years I have been a TNR , feral cat feeder volunteer. There is never enough money, enough people, enough time to help all the animals. Instead of complaining nd criticizing how about donating, volunteering…helping.
Vincent says
Thank you, Amy, for your response to those out there that are so bitter that they have to attack you and all the good that the Flagler Humane Society does each and every day.
Their attacks have been negative and hurtful to the homeless animals at the Flagler Humane Society as well as the staff that works so hard to make all the animals at the Flagler Humane Society feel loved and wanted.
For those out there who have attacked the Flagler Humane Society you all should be ashamed of yourselves but only you have to live with yourself in the end.
CrB says
I was there Saturday first thing to look for my lost cat! The VOLUNTEERS out front (soaking in the heat at 9am and it was already horribly humid) coordinating everything for the clinic were incredible to me! They new I was there for a diff reason and the compassion I received melted my heart!! Then for the staff who helped me with reports to file and things of that nature after I learned my cat wasn’t there and I was sobbing!! The care I received reassured me that the place I’ve had my cats taken to for vaccinations and getting fixed was more of a reason for me to not feed in to this negativity!!! I’ve never had an issue there!! And regardless of my cat comin home or not we have since discussed adopting again!
The place is full and no there is not enough room but these lovely workers(everyone who is in that building all day) are doing their greatest with what FLAGLER county has to offer them! And I know a few workers there and I know for a fact how much they love and care for these animals!!! And I’ve seen how it affects them even when off the clock!!!❤️
I know every time I walk out of there I always say “those people have amazing hearts”!!!!
Because I for one know I couldn’t work there!!!
Gail Downs says
I really appreciate Amy’s response to the comments being made on social media by so many volunteers and others.
I have no knowledge of that situation so I can’t comment – except to say that social media can be a wonderful source of helpful information or a weapon used against a parson or an organization that’s difficult to defend.
I have always tried to donate to FHS, as well as the rescue organizations.
I have only one story to share- when a small bird knocked itself out flying into our screen enclosure about a year ago. I called our city’s animal control number, and they gave me the number to call. That person, was it Annie, not sure but she helped me by alerting the humane society. Bring the bird in, they said! I drove up immediately and they were waiting for me, as a veterinarian happened to be there that afternoon, and they took that little bird in.
God bless them! Our community, with all the rescues, should be working together! Stop the fighting. Please work together, you could be so strong and do great things!
Carole Roller says
My concern is that the donations and money that is received is not accounted for in their expenditures.
That is a very big red flag in my book. An audit should be done by an outside organization now
James says
You obvious haven’t read all of Amy’s response. The Flagler Humane Society Board can attest to all accounting and money donated to the FHS, and they have yearly audits just like all 401C rescues should do. Maybe there are local rescues that should also show the public their donation records as well as their accounting audits. Flagler Humane Society has nothing to hide and has an open door policy.
Hmd says
Flagler county does need to find a way to mimic volusia county and the low cost options for pet owners. Halifax humane society offers low cost shot clinics which are cheaper than flager county. One rescue group in particular CCFAW has an awesome program for thier County residents to get feral cats fixed at no cost. Also the shot clinics they hold once a month can’t he beat. 10 bucks a shot. 30 bucks a pet plus gas doesn’t equal the 80 bucks flagler charges for shot clinics. Maybe if flagler county could find out what other counties do to help thier residents there may not be the huge dump rate especially for cats. Maybe even the feral cat colony issue flagler county has could be reduced. I could never personally afford 20 to 30 bucks a feral cat to get them fixed if trapped. They don’t even belong to me. But some may have the time or energy to care more if the humane society in our county could eat the cost instead of charging different prices for different areas for anyone to get thier pet fixed. So be it if a person chooses to tip a “feral” cat and keep it inside, at least it won’t be reproducing!
Jacque Estes says
I have known Amy Carotenuto since 1995. She was the director of the Flagler Humane Society when it was a small building with a few dog runs. My experiences with humane societies include writing a weekly pet column, a former member of the FHS Board of Directors, and volunteer manager at Halifax Humane Society.
Amy and her staff have always gone above and beyond for the animals in their care. When the unthinkable decision has to be made I can tell you from personal observation it is not made lightly nor callously. I always knew when an animal had to be euthanized from the long faces and eyes swollen from tears. Each pet was treated with dignity; sadly sometimes for the first time in their lives. The loss of each one hurt.
Some of my fondest memories that illustrate Amy’s dedication were in less than ideal times. The Fires of 1998 and an ordered evacuation in Flagler County had Amy taking calls from people who left their pets behind and were calling to see if anyone could check on them. “Anyone” was Amy who with permission from the owners shimmied under garage doors and climbed fences to rescue scared pups. The population was smaller and this would definitely not be an option today. But the animals’ welfare has always been Amy’s first concern.
We searched Seminole Woods together looking for missing pets lost in the fire that raged through the development. Many residents weren’t home and unable to get to their animals. We found many cats some miraculously alive others not as lucky.
Volunteers helped evacuate the shelter animals to the Alachua County animal services to ensure their safety.
FHS was instrumental in campaigning for and overseeing pet friendly hurricane disaster shelters in Flagler County.
Animals taken to FHS get the medical attention they need with the help of local veterinarians and experienced staff. Some like Spiderman, a terrier mix, get medical treatment in a veterinary office by day and taken home by Amy or staff for nursing care during the night.
These are only a few examples of what the FHS staff and volunteers do for the animals that are certainly not in the job description.
Please don’t take your humane society for granted. I now live in Arizona where the animal shelters are run by the county governments. The staff at these shelters try their best but the facilities pale in comparison to non profit humane societies. Shelters in Arizona are at least 30 years behind in animal care and housing practices.
The euthanasia rates are also higher at government shelters. Space, staff, and tax dollars are stretched to the limit.
In a perfect world there would be no reason for animal shelters and humane societies to exist. People would spay and neuter their pets and take responsibility for their pets for the animal’s entire life. But it’s not a perfect world and the animals’ welfare depends on people working together to find them homes.
Jacque Estes
Grateful says
Thank you for the reminder of just how long Amy has been assisting our community. I was one of those who called during the fires of 1998 as I was unable to find my cats when we evacuated. When we arrived back home we saw that the volunteer had entered the home through our back door (permission was given to do so) and put bowls of food and water in the garage, lanai and kitchen. Our cats were fine and happy to see us come back home.
Amy Raddar says
Amy is an amazing Director and always puts the well being of the animals in her care first. She has a difficult job but does it every day with grace and love. Animals are not her job, they are her life!!!! I find that it is so sad but very easy for people to make assumptions and to pass judgement on other people even though they have never nor do they have the guts to walk a mile in that person’s shoes.
Nikki Kreymer says
I am a contributor to those euthanasia rates. The overworked and dedicated people at Flagler Humabe Society will call occasionally to ask if I can foster a dog or cat as a hospice case.
These “FOSPICE” furries get to spend their last days – sometimes months- on warm beds, with full tummies, and surrounded by love. Although food&meds are offered by FHS, I personally decline. Vet appointments, if needed, are made w/Flagler Animal Hospital. The adoption counselors check in frequently and are always available if I need them.
The ending is determined by my family vets, my family members, and honestly, by the animal him/herself: what is the quality of life and is pain management no longer working?
So I have held the cat or the dog while adding to the year’s euthanasia rate. Kyndra Mott embodies the FHS philosophy towards euthanasia, (as delineated by the Executive Director, Amy Carentenuto). She has always been a caring, compassionate and tremendously competent professional helping to guide these sweet souls across the Rainbow Bridge.
Please remember that FHS works on donations. And grants, I can tell you from 1st person experience, are very hard to come by. Very. In this economy, the amount of dumped animals (yes, there are also hogs, rabbits, ferrets, sugar gliders, snakes, horses, etc dumped!), is overwhelming. As are the requests for food and services.
So go check out FHS for yourself. Go see what they’re dealing with each and every day. And please, bring a good bag of food. Or donate some towels and blankets. Or help repair something. Or post a photo for adoption…
Damien Esmond says
As someone who has once adopted a dog from Flagler Humane Society and a regular shopper in their awesome thrift store, I personally am very pleased to spend my money there to help Flagler’s animals, and find cool new things. Like I recently purchased an air fryer from them $12 ($300 retail!) someone donated and it is awesome, don’t know how I lived without one. Everyone there is so super nice, I look around my house and after a divorce 8 years ago literally half of the furniture, kitchen appliances, wall art, Televisions etc. I sourced from them at pennies on the dollar. People don’t believe me when I tell them what deals Ive found there. They are great people, on an arduous mission and fully deserve the community’s full support.