Target: Walter Krujaick, Director, Osceola County Animal Services, Florida.
Goal: Order an independent investigation into the illness response, guarantee urgent veterinary triage for all affected dogs, and impose appropriate penalties if neglect is confirmed.
An upper respiratory illness has been circulating among dogs at the county shelter, prompting a pause on new intakes. While adoptions continue and the illness can be treated with medication, the intake halt leaves vulnerable strays and surrendered pets in limbo, where delays in assessment could increase suffering. These animals—already stressed and potentially symptomatic—risk worsened outcomes if not promptly seen by a veterinarian.
Officials have stated they are monitoring the situation, yet transparency about daily case counts, triage capacity, and contingency housing reportedly remains limited. Without robust overflow plans, clear public guidance, and rapid veterinary screening, sick or exposed dogs could be left outside a controlled clinical setting, where their conditions may allegedly deteriorate. If any animal was denied timely care or kept in circumstances that exacerbated illness, such actions would apparently violate basic duties of care.
To ensure trust and protect animal welfare, an immediate third-party review is necessary. This review should publish findings on protocols, timelines, and veterinary oversight; establish emergency triage for animals turned away; and, if substantiated neglect or misconduct by staff or contractors is found, apply appropriate disciplinary measures and refer any criminal matters to the proper authorities. Sign below to demand an independent investigation now and, upon findings, enforce meaningful consequences and corrective reforms.
PETITION LETTER:
Director Krujaick,
A contagious respiratory illness has led the county shelter to pause dog intakes while adoptions continue. This situation has allegedly left at-risk animals in limbo, where delayed examinations and treatment could cause preventable suffering. Community members are asking for clarity, swift care, and accountability in how these dogs are managed during the pause.
We respectfully urge your office to commission an independent review of intake, triage, and treatment practices during this outbreak; to publicly share daily updates on case counts, veterinary capacity, and overflow plans; and to guarantee immediate veterinary screening for any sick or exposed dogs that would otherwise be turned away. These steps would strengthen public confidence and, most importantly, safeguard animals’ health.
If the review substantiates any neglect, mishandling, or policy violations that contributed to unnecessary suffering, we ask that you impose appropriate administrative penalties and, where warranted, refer the matter for prosecution under applicable Florida law. We support a humane, transparent response that protects animals now and prevents lapses from recurring.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pranidchakan Boonrom
