Animal Control

Since March Ive been hearing a lot of complaints about aggressive dogs, animal abuse, loose animals, and repeat problems that never seem to get fixed.

This is a public safety issue.

What bothers me is that Putnam County’s Animal Services budget has grown from $421,000to $1.3 million in 2026 ( an over 200% increase), all while county tax revenues have increased roughly 125% over the last decade (Source 1,2), and services haven’t shown any signs of improvement.

Even more concerning is Putnam County’s own Annual Comprehensive Financial Report shows there have been ZERO Animal Control citations issued from 2016 through 2025. The report states that after Animal Control moved from the Sheriff’s Office to Planning & Development in 2014, citations would no longer be issued. The State of Florida gives animal control officers the authority to write citations and to hold violators accountable. For some unknown reason Putnam County’s “leadership” chose to stop allowing the animal control officers to fulfill the duties given to them. (Source 3).

That raises a simple question:

Has that policy made our communities safer?

Let me be clear—I am not criticizing our Animal Control officers. They do a difficult and often thankless job. If they’re overwhelmed, that’s a leadership problem, not an employee problem.

Our Animal Control officers deserve support, and our citizens deserve results.

Have you had an issue with Animal Control in Putnam County? Tell me about it below.

Joseph "Joey " Agner for Putnam County Commissioner District 4

SOURCES

Source 1: Putnam County FY 2026 Budget Expenditures Report

Source 2: Putnam County Budget & Financial Reports

Source 3: Putnam County FY 2025 ACFR, Schedule 16, Page S-25 (PDF Page 163)