Palm Coast City Hall’s maintenance crews might still this morning have been cleaning up the bloodbath Amy Carotenuto and the Flagler Humane Society she leads endured Tuesday at the hands of City Council members and numerous residents who spoke, some of them former volunteers at the society.
It was a replay of withering criticism against the society at a County Commission meeting last August. Some of the criticism was unfair, based as it was not on any lawbreaking or workplace improprieties, but on on allegations by unnamed individuals or by critics in the room of methods some disagree with, such as the society’s supposed propensity for unnecessarily euthanizing animals (which Carotenuto disputes) and its chronic though unintentional overcrowding.
Some of the criticism was self-inflicted, such as Carotenudo’s failure to read a room clamoring for more transparency as she stuck by her position, echoed by the society’s attorney, that the society did not have to release its by-laws. Carotenudo also had no response for Mayor Mike Norris’s criticism of the society’s “nepotism.” Justly or not, the impression was of a society keener on circling wagons than being accountable.
The society is a non-profit. It is required to make its tax filings available for inspection, and as an agency receiving public funds–as it does from all local governments–it is required to make all records pertaining to those funds public. There is no requirement for it to publish its by-laws, but it is common (and best) practice for non-profits to do so.
Carotenuto appeared before the council, as she has previously over the years, to provide an overview of the society, especially with four new council members seated since last fall. Theresa Pontieri is the only hold-over, and the only member who has taken up Carotenuto’s invitation to tour the society’s 15,000 square foot facility off of U.S. 1 in person, though that did not keep Pontieri from grilling Carotenuto, who nevertheless held her own (as she usually does).
The presentation went well enough. Carotenuto summarized the history of the shelter, which opened in 1980, its existence as the only full-service animal shelter in the county, its annual intakes (1,667 cats in 2024, 1,059 dogs, 78 birds, 33 reptiles, and so on, with the bulk of the 2,915 animals, 1,707, coming from Palm Coast.). For a variety of reasons that focus on keeping pets and their families together, intakes have not substantially grown even though the population has.
“We are one of only 13 counties that are deemed no kill, and our numbers are actually closer to 95 percent live release rate, which is really unheard of for an open admission shelter,” Carotenuto told the council. She presented general numbers, without documentation. Others would contest the numbers, also without documentation, though in response to a Pontieri question, Carotenuto said euthanasia numbers can be proven.
Animals stay at the shelter for a month on average, costing about $500 per dog and $344 per cat, “and that’s only if they come to us without any illnesses or injuries. That also doesn’t count overhead such as insurance, utility bills, that kind of thing.” Government contracts account for a quarter of the cost. (Palm Coast pays $95 per dog or cat. “$95 is far too low, we won;t be able to continue going at that rate,” she said. The county pays $132.) The society carries out animal control services for the local governments. It provides pet-evacuation sheltering, and educational programs. Its board is putting together a five-year plan “to address our needs, the community’s needs and expected growth,” Carotenuto said, though the society does not have the money to build a bigger shelter.
The grilling started immediately with questions about finances. “My concern is the over capacity,” Pontieri said.
“I don’t know where this huge catastrophic language started about being over capacity. All shelters run full,” Carotenuto said. “We’re not bursting at the seams like has been has been talked about.”
“Respectfully, Amy, at the last meeting, there was a joint county-city meeting, and it was admitted that there were capacity issues,” Pontieri said. (The shelter was not discussed at the last joint government meeting precisely, but at one in August, and recurringly before the council since; a new resident in Palm Coast and the member of a humane society board in another county, for example, addressed the City Council at the beginning of the month, citing capacity and other issues, including lack of training. “If the Flagler Humane Society say they can no longer intake more animals, whether they are full or other reasons, where do our abandoned animals go?” the resident asked, though the society has not suspended intakes. )
Pontieri was also displeased with the society’s lack of planning for a larger shelter, even if it is not prepared to pay for it now. “It’s incumbent upon you, as the Humane Society, to have a plan in place and to start financially planning to expand,” Pontieri said. “I don’t feel like, candidly, this has been contemplated prior to the last year or so. And so if that’s the case, how do we throw that into hyper drive to have a capital plan in place and see what financially you all are going to need? I know I’ve been asking for this for at least a few months, and I still haven’t seen anything. So maybe your board is working on it, and I don’t know about that, but it’s a concern, and I think it’s something that needs to be addressed by the Humane Society sooner rather than later.”
Carotenuto said it’s a multi-million dollar cost that would have to be a joint effort. The society’s fundraisers won’t be enough. “But we do have the land for it, and we have the expertise and the energy for it, so it would just really take a partnership,” she said.
Council member Ty Miller acknowledged that basing criticism on anecdotal evidence would be a “disservice.” At the same time, “it does make me pause,” he said, especially when the finances lack transparency.
“There’s a lot of things that are being said that are nowhere near true,” the society director said. “Social media–I’m sure you know, everybody’s been the victim of social media bullies.”
“Some of my biggest concerns are that a lot of this information is coming from people that worked at your facility. So if not them to know what happens there, then who?” Miller asked.
Carotenuto attributed that to “disgruntled employees,” and reiterated her offer of tours or unannounced visits. Then came the mayor’s request for the by-laws, which Carotenuto rebuffed, and with the society board having four of its six members being married couples. “That is, that is unacceptable for me, personally and professionally,” Norris said. “Those four people control the board, and I have a hard time with that.”
“You know,” the mayor continued, himself rebuffing the invitation to visit, “the allegations that I’ve heard, and I try to stay away from that, but you know, that’s why I am not willing to go to the Humane Society, because I don’t want to deal with that. And I think all animals should be treated. with care and compassion.”
“And they are at Flagler Humane Society,” Carotenuto said.
“Well, there’s a lot of people in this audience that are going to get up and say quite contrary to what you’re saying, Amy, just so you know,” the mayor said. He was right. The next 45 minutes were a parade of society critics and advocates dueling in grim allegations on one hand and defensive praise on the other. The outcome was unclear, beyond the sum-up Pontieri attempted: clearer planning for the future, for a bigger shelter especially, a better accounting of fees paid in line with needs, and more transparency and accountability from the shelter. “I think that there’s a failure to plan here that is very bothersome, and there needs to be some accountability for that,” Pontieri said. “If the board needs to change, if leadership needs to change, there need to be changes.”
She added: “We’ve heard stories from both sides here. Some say Humane Society is great. Others say it’s it’s not. There’s a lot to be wanted. So I’m coming at this–I love animals. I have a very deep compassion for animals. But from purely putting all that aside, from a business perspective, there are issues that we need to address, and I look forward to more discussions based on that with this Council.”
After the society took a beating before the County Commission last August, it was commissioner and council members themselves, at a joint meeting weeks later, who urged critics to tone it down and pledged to look for solutions. But it was also at that meeting that officials asked the society for better planning–a message that appears to have gone unheard.
JimboXYZ says
Sounds like it’s more of a blame shift to the Humane Society than really holding the pet owners that failed those animals. Every time I’ve ever been to the place, there are an overwhelming number of breeds that generally are the usual suspects, read that any way you like but the majority of the dogs are pit bull like breeds. The section for the smaller breeds has always been smaller for quantity. So one has to do the math on the real reasons those larger breed animals outnumber the lap dogs. Why the dogs are in there in the first place and look at the pet owners themselves. Just me, I think those breeds are dumped on the humane society & they do the best that they can with the staff & budget that they have. It’s like any other social issue in the community really. I think a lot of the smaller breeds are elderly/senior dog dumps just the same, whether the owner passed away or the dog has some special needs issues for a health condition. Vet bills aren’t cheap to see a dog thru it’s geriatric phase of life.
Joseph. says
Bloodbath and a Witch Hunt by individuals that are constantly spreading lies and rumors about the Flagler Humane Society, the Executive Director Amy Carotenuto and the staff.
Just because others do not like someone personally it doesn’t warrant lies and rumors being told about them and not listening to facts and truths.
The Mayor Norris of PC in front of a whole room of people stated he cannot visit the Flagler Humane Society to see the cruelty. There is no cruelty going on at the Flagler Humane Society and for someone holding a public office position as Mayor to say that without proven facts was very shocking and disturbing.
And for all those that claim to be animal lovers this is hurting the chances of those at the Flagler Humane Society getting adopted and it also is probably affecting their donations which in turn again hurts the animals in their care.
Stop with the lies and rumors if in fact you really care about the animals.
Jay W. says
Vincent Lyon, their attorney, was off. He showed no real knowledge of basic law, was rude and should be checked for a medical condition because he sounded impaired and I be seen him speak before. It was not normal for him. I’m not suggesting he was under the influence, he seemed slurred. Maybe a medical episode.
Keep Flagler Beautiful says
That’s exactly how Carotenuto operates. She’ll say only enough, then if a question arises that she doesn’t like, she says she has to go into a meeting or there’s some other excuse. NOT transparent. I always got the distinct impression she was not committed to animal welfare, but rather to her “safe” job and regular paycheck. She needs to go. I believe dogs may have suffered at that shelter and maybe been euthanized unnecessarily, in spite of well-meaning shelter staff and volunteers. Even at an open house I attended, which is when you’d expect a shelter to be at its best, there were many sad-looking dogs without beds, lying on blankets or towels on a concrete floor in their kennels. The previous donations I had made would surely have bought a bed for every dog there. Hopefully things have improved for the animals, since I haven’t had the heart to revisit the place in several years. I’ve also stopped donating and removed Flagler Humane from my will, as I have no faith that the bequest would be spent prudently. That place needs a new, caring, professional director. When that happens, I, and my donations, will return.
Rwboggess says
I have always had a pet since I was a kid…and feel that every pet/animal needs to be treated humanely. I don’t really know enough about the Flager Humane Society to voice an opinion one way or another. What I do find interesting – and in some respects – unacceptable – that a member of the City Council can dress down the Humane Society for their lack of planning and preparation for the future when these very same leaders have failed HUMANS and residences of Palm Coast by their very own failure to plan for traffic, water, sewer and wastewater management. How dare they do that!!!!! What a hypocrisy!!!!!!
Vincent Lyon says
I appreciate your concern, but I’m not having a medical issue. I did not come intending to speak so I was taken off guard by a lot of the things that came up that were not presented to us beforehand.
So I was a bit nervous. And had no notes to go by.
In addition, I am not the society’s attorney. That keeps being thrown around. just because I am an attorney and I am on the board of directors does not make me the society’s attorney.
I don’t know why you say I showed no knowledge of basic law, since every legal claim I made was correct and after the break the city councilman acknowledge that I was correct.
Tracy Lou says
What’s the problem with not being able to go there? I mean, it’s open every day. Just walk in and do a walkabout. I do quite often. It’s clean. Doesn’t appear overcrowded. Plenty of folks around, cleaning, bathing, feeding, etc. I don’t get it. Just go and look.
Doug says
How is this a problem ? our con leader said immigrants were eating all the dogs and cats! You mean he’s just a racist stain that killed our nation so his buddies could profit even more!
Marty says
I have been a volunteer dog walker at the Society for 4 years, being there weekly. I see most of the criticisms voiced as unjustified. There is absolutely no abused animals that I have ever witnessed. I find it disingenuous that all but one Palm Coast Council Member has ever visited the organization, and the mayor’s excuse for not intending to visit as nothing short of lame. If these people care so much for animals, show it by visiting before spewing so much criticism. As for the council finding fault with Carotenuto’s lack of planning, that is so filled with hypocrisy, considering their lack of proper planning for their own city. What is the use of planning for a larger or improved facility when they can barely fund the existing operation? Instead of the “bloodbath” that Amy received, the council should have asked her what they can do to help. I’d also be interested to know whether any of those animal loving council members donate to the Humane Society. Moreover, it appears that Palm Coast should increase the allowance for each animal received from the city. All this “bad press” does is discourage others for supporting the Society.
Allison says
If the City of Palm Coast and obviously Mayor Norris has issues with the Flagler Humane Society which has been around longer than most of them, why haven’t they privately met with the Flagler Humane Society and Executive Director?
I am shocked that the City of Palm Coast would believe what is being said about a long stating business without professionally speaking with that organization.
Is this how the City of Palm Coast does business with other businesses? Just curious, something just doesn’t seem fair, or correct.
Laurel says
Apparently, Mr. Lyon, you were not aware that:
1.) Volunteers and objectors are more knowledgeable than the full time workers and professionals, and
2.) If someone here doesn’t agree with you, you must be on something, and
3.) PC commission and admin don’t need no stinkin’ facts, such as documentation, or to see with their own eyes, but prefer to jump to conclusions, throwing the blame of financing such a public need elsewhere.
This ” we know better” behavior is very common to shelters all around the country.
People should spay and neuter their pets to prevent a lot of this, but it’s easier to blame others.
Benny says
The city should be supportive of this facility, tour it as a group if necessary. This was a very poor job by the city and Mayor Norris, for condemning a facility you have never had the time to visit.
I have neighbors who volunteer there, and they love it. Be the solution and not the problem.
Big Mike says
My wife and I are regular donators to the Humane Society. We haven’t been close to its operations so we continue to monitor the public discourse. We are reinforced by Marty’s remarks (above) and disheartened by those of the Mayor and council members who refuse to visit the facility. Leadership is a tough business and not everyone will agree on the direction provided. You can’t make proper decisions without complete information. Get out from behind the council table, gather the information and then we will listen to your ideas. Until then we will continue to support the Society and it’s leadership.
Former employee says
What ever happened to the employee she was protecting that allowed a dog to go without medical care and suffer? I used to respect Amy and the shelter but a lot of questionable things I’ve seen.
Jbone says
Our crooked politicians want the land????
Jae E. says
As a former employee at Flagler Humane Society, I am overjoyed to see others seek for fairness and justice to be served by our Judges and Attorneys. By personal experience, I can say that the Flagler Humane Society has its faults. However, we as a city must work together to see positive progress.
Change requires communication and responsibility, which I have not personally seen displayed by our Mayor in light of this post. I hope our City Council can find it in their hearts to see what type of business is being run there. In my humble opinion it’d be more productive than following the dubious biases of others.
Connie says
Thank you Benny for your comment. I was shocked that the Mayor of Palm Coast doesn’t professionally get facts before making such negative comments when he hasn’t witnessed the shelter himself but seems to be believing negative rumors and gossip.
That doesn’t say much for the future of the City of PC having an elected officials that acts that way and in public. Many that attended were in shock as I was.
Instead of the City Officials working with the Flagler Humane Society and working together for the sake of the homeless animals that need all the help and support they can get.
Our town is in deep trouble if this is how the new Mayor operates.
FlaPharmTech says
Absolute BS and waste of time, resources, and money. I support Flagler Humane Society with heart and soul. The “city” of palm coast has much urgent matters to which to attend, such as our decrepit wastewater system. Grow up palm coast!
Dakota Brooks says
The real issue here isn’t how the concerns were raised—it’s that they exist in the first place. Supporters seem more focused on being offended by the criticism rather than addressing the issues.
Accountability falls on the Humane Society’s leadership, not the city council. A walk-through wouldn’t fix financial or operational issues. These are management problems, and they need management solutions.
What’s most telling is that the frustration isn’t just coming from “social media bullies”—it’s coming from former supporters. When people who used to stand by you are *this* angry and *this* concerned, dismissing them isn’t a strategy.
The animal shelter of all places shouldn’t be constantly making headlines for the wrong reasons. They may be a private organization, but continued negative attention and potential funding cuts from the city should be cause for concern.
What’s even more disappointing is that many of their supporters seem more focused on defending leadership than working toward real improvements. Instead of dismissing criticism, leadership—and those who stand by them—would be wise to take these concerns seriously and push for meaningful change.
AnimalsRAngels says
He said, She said….let’s just be intelligent grown ups and professionals, shall we?
Do a thorough investigation into the Humane Society’s operations and a complete audit of its finances then make the necessary changes and future plans based on the outcomes. Done! It’s very simple, so if there is any opposition to managing the issue in this way then maybe there IS a deeper reason why that is worthy of concern.
Courtney says
While I disagree with blaming the shelter for owners who dump and abandon their animals and believe there is overcrowding, this shelter is horrific. I volunteered there nearly 10 years ago and am sad nothing has changed since then but am not surprised. They hired people who couldn’t care less about the animals (one in particular caught on tape beating two long term dogs who only got a paid suspension then came back to work). This guy also was what caused me to finally stop volunteering after he put his hands on me and shoved me. Amy gaslit me and told me he did nothing wrong. The staff worked at a snails pace while 3 volunteers busted their butts to try to clean every cage and walk every dog before closing. It was sad and exhausting. They NEED to do better.
Vanessa says
The board is outraged because it’s easier being part of the attack on the issue than actually doing anything to help. They act like their hands are tied and can’t help. This town has grown so much but they don’t want to do anything to accommodate the larger population. Of course issues are happening they’re over worked with more animals coming in than coming out. Can’t even be bothered to stop in to see for themselves is beyond pathetic and telling. They’d rather blame than to jump into action and figure something out. Like hello this is your county everything reflects on you don’t pretend you can’t do anything to help and the boards lack of action or willingness to even be part of the part of resolving issues. Honestly what do they actually do? They don’t seem to do much to actually address any issues people have. They could volunteer they could meet with the humane society and come up with a way to help but that would take actual work. They’re taking a page out of the ole book of distract and attack instead of take action.
Vanessa says
I think them asking for help and to work with them to address the issues is probably the one thing that needs to be done. But instead of doing that they’re focused on bs so they don’t have to do anything so the money can go elsewhere to make them and the city more money. It’s pretty obvious their fake outrage is to distract from them being the ones who hold the resources that address any of these issues. You can’t give more to the animals if you have no space and not enough funds. Maybe work together and figure it out but they’d have to care for that to happen.
Polly says
Meanwhile the animal population
Continues to grow. If there was as much effort put into preventing the numbers of homeless animals as there is the effort put into criticizing the way its being handled these issues wouldnt exist. Expecting Amy to have all the answers is not reasonable. All the finger pointing and blaming and not one mention of what could be done better by someone else. Why not invest in a solution rather than building more shelters as the population grows?how would a bigger shelter handle the same issues differently? Why wouldnt those same ideas work for the shelter we already have? It time to stop making it personal and start making it about the animals .