Alachua County opens formal investigations into allegations of animal abuse at its animal shelter

Authorities in Alachua County have begun formal inquiries into claims of mistreatment involving animals housed at the Alachua County Animal Resources shelter in Gainesville, Florida. The move comes after a detailed message outlining numerous concerns was sent to county commissioners on March 2 by a former shelter employee who previously served as an outreach coordinator.

The email listed a wide range of accusations related to how the shelter is run and how animals are cared for. According to the former employee, workers who raised concerns about the well-being of animals were allegedly singled out or treated unfairly. The message also stated that the shelter has been operating without a veterinarian or permanent director since August.

The complaint also pointed to the background of the current shelter supervisor, Brittany D’Azzo, who has applied for the director position. She previously worked at the Polk County animal shelter, where past news coverage reported troubling allegations about operations there.

Among the issues described in the letter were claims that dogs are not removed from their kennels every day as recommended by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. The message also described sanitation problems, including failures to properly clean dog kennels, play areas, and cat enclosures. Water bowls were reportedly covered with algae, and the facility was said to be dealing with a rat problem.

Health concerns were also raised. The former employee wrote that disease outbreaks have occurred several times in the past six months and that parvovirus has become common among the dogs at the shelter. Some animals were allegedly left without water, and sick animals were reportedly placed in areas where they could be adopted.

The email also accused shelter leadership of manipulating statistics related to animal outcomes. According to the claims, some animals in foster care went missing, and staff were allegedly instructed to record those cases as adoptions in order to raise the shelter’s live-release rate. The letter further alleged that two ferrets were prevented from being transferred to a rescue organization so certain staff members could keep them as emotional support animals.

Several troubling incidents involving individual animals were also described. One puppy was reportedly euthanized after testing positive for parvovirus, allegedly after being left in a freezing kennel following surgery. A littermate was returned to a homeless owner without notifying the owner that the puppy had been exposed to the virus. Another case described a German Shepherd that allegedly suffered for several days before collapsing and being discovered.

Additional concerns included claims that medical staff sometimes left medication in bowls without ensuring animals actually received the treatment. The letter also stated that many kittens die shortly after arriving at the shelter.

The former employee further alleged that after a rise in dog euthanasia numbers, shelter leaders brought in cats from another county because they could be adopted more quickly, which would improve the shelter’s reported live-release rate. The message also claimed the shelter’s overall live-release rate for 2025 had fallen below 90 percent but that reports were later adjusted.

Another accusation involved a spike in euthanasia during December. According to the letter, once officials learned a group of dogs would be arriving from a separate case, several dogs were selected to be euthanized to free up kennel space.

The email also stated that when staff members and volunteers contacted county commissioners to object to the euthanasia decisions, some volunteers were later banned in what was described as retaliation. The complaint further claimed euthanasia records were altered to make it appear that more supervisors had approved certain decisions than actually had.

The message also questioned why a number of long-term dogs were transferred to a nonprofit organization that reportedly conducts euthanasia training. The county has not released the name of the organization, citing public records laws.

After the allegations circulated on social media, county commissioners began receiving a large number of emails from residents. Many of those messages called for three actions: a full independent investigation of euthanasia records and animal care procedures, the suspension of Interim Director Gina Peebles and Supervisor Brittany D’Azzo, and removing D’Azzo from consideration for the permanent director role while a broader search for leadership is conducted.

A local animal rescue group owner also wrote to commissioners urging them not to select D’Azzo as director. In the message, the rescue operator said the last six months had been the worst period she had seen in terms of transparency, respect, and care for animals, staff, and volunteers. She urged officials to reconsider D’Azzo’s candidacy while the allegations are being examined.

At least one member of the county’s Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has also asked for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

In response to the concerns, Alachua County Human Resources Director Suzanne Swain said the county has opened a formal investigation. She stated that officials are reviewing the allegations under established policies and procedures and intend to examine all relevant information thoroughly.

County Commissioner Mary Alford also said the county manager plans to hire an outside investigative firm to review every claim contained in the letter. She noted that the process will likely take time and require significant resources but said it is necessary.

County Manager Michele Lieberman later provided additional details to commissioners in a March 6 update. She confirmed that an independent third-party firm has been hired to conduct the investigation. The county attorney’s office and human resources department are overseeing the process, and officials will provide further details about the investigation’s scope once it is finalized.

Officials said inquiries from residents are being directed to the human resources director, and members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Board have been informed that the investigation is underway.

Lieberman also noted that the shelter has undergone operational reviews in the past, including evaluations conducted in 2012 and 2019. If additional issues arise that fall outside the scope of the current investigation, the county may order a new operational audit.

She also provided updates on staffing. A nationwide search was conducted for both a veterinarian and a permanent director. A veterinarian candidate has accepted the county’s offer and is scheduled to begin work on May 4. Three finalists have been identified for the director position, with interviews planned for March 11.

Lieberman also reported progress on plans for a new shelter facility. The county has received a finalized lease agreement from the University of Florida for the location. Architectural and construction management firms have been selected, and work on the project is expected to begin soon.

Finally, Lieberman said the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will begin taking over part of the investigation responsibilities starting March 8. Regular coordination meetings are planned between agencies to help ensure a smooth transition.