Lee County commissioners say they’re willing to revisit animal shelter policies after a woman’s cat was euthanized less than two hours after arriving at Domestic Animal Services.
Angela Tardif stood before the board on Tuesday morning, demanding answers and change.
“Kevin was dropped off at 8:36 a.m. By 10:30, he was gone,” Tardif told commissioners. “He was my family.”
The story sparked an emotional response not just inside the meeting chambers, but across the county. Tardif says she’s received hundreds of messages since her story first aired on Gulf Coast News.
"I'm determined. I'm very overwhelmed. But I'm also very determined. I have a very clear mind on what I want. I'm not an irrational person. I feel like what I'm asking for is very fair. The accountability of the employees and a change to their policy, I think it's fair," she said.
Currently, Lee County has a zero-day hold policy for stray, untagged cats. Assistant County Manager Marc Mora says that’s now under review. He got the opportunity to sit down with Tardif and talked about concerns.
“It’s good to listen to the frustration,” Mora said. “Today was a good first step in resolving some issues. And concerns that are in the community.
Commissioners expressed sympathy and said changes to ordinances are on the table. He said the county will look at ordinances, previous cases, and take proper steps.
"I'm glad I can use Kevin's story is as heartbreaking as it is. No one can bring Kevin back," she said. "But it feels good to help people find closure."
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