By James Coulter & Carl Fish
Crossed Paws Pet Rescue says its ability to continue operating is at risk following Polk County commissioners’ recent decision to deny conditional use approval for kennels at the rescue’s Auburndale property.
Now the organization says it is retaining legal counsel and asking the community for help.
In a post made to its Facebook page, Crossed Paws said it expects an immediate need of approximately $20,000 in legal expenses, with additional costs anticipated as it works toward a resolution.
“Our rescue’s ability to continue operating is at risk!” the organization wrote.
Crossed Paws stressed that the situation does not involve allegations that the rescue abused, neglected, harmed or failed to care for its animals.
The organization did not provide details about what legal steps it intends to take, saying there are matters it cannot publicly discuss while the situation is ongoing.
“There may be details we cannot publicly discuss while this matter is ongoing,” the rescue wrote. “We hope you will understand that our silence on certain specifics does not mean we aren’t fighting — it means we are fighting carefully.”
The announcement follows an Aug. 4 decision by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners involving the rescue’s 4.63-acre property at 3656 K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale.
The property is being used by Crossed Paws Pet Rescue, Inc., a nonprofit pet rescue organization founded by Stefanie Badillo.
Crossed Paws had sought conditional use approval under the county’s “Kennels, Boarding and Breeding” use.
The case had previously gone before the Polk County Planning Commission on June 3. The Planning Commission approved the request by a 3-2 vote with conditions that included fencing the kennel areas, keeping the site closed to the public and having a full-time caretaker reside on the property to provide animal care.
That decision was appealed by neighboring property owner Garry Bozeman, who raised concerns about barking and odors coming from the property.
“What they are doing is good, but it has a proper place, and it’s not in a residential neighborhood right next to me having to put up with the barking six to eight hours a day, seven days a week,” Bozeman told commissioners.
County staff also recommended denial, raising concerns about whether the kennel operation would be compatible with the surrounding residential properties.
“An animal rescue operation may introduce impacts that exceed typical residential conditions,” the staff report stated. “Staff cannot assure this non-residential use will be compatible with surrounding residential uses given the nature of the use and dimensions of the property.”
Several residents spoke against the request during the Aug. 4 hearing, while others came forward in support of Crossed Paws and the work the organization does.
Badillo told commissioners that she believed she had been doing what was required, including obtaining building and electrical permits, and said she was willing to comply with additional conditions.
“We thought we were doing everything legally. We never thought we would be here today,” Badillo said. “I respectfully ask you to consider my intentions, my willingness to comply with every condition placed on this permit, and the positive work that Crossed Paws has done for this community.”
Commissioner Bill Braswell moved to deny the request, with Commissioner Mike Scott seconding the motion.
Commissioner Becky Troutman said the decision was not about the value of the work being performed by Crossed Paws, but whether the kennel was appropriate at that location.
“This in no way is not about compassion or animal welfare, we are here to look at land use,” Troutman said. “As much as I would like to see a pet rescue place, this is not a place for the kennel.”
Commissioner Martha Santiago was the lone commissioner to vote against denying the request.
“If those dogs were not in their kennels, they would be roaming over Polk County, and we would have a problem,” Santiago said. “This is a project helping not only the dogs but also Polk County. If someone doesn’t do it, who will? Then it falls back on us.”
Crossed Paws is now asking its supporters for financial help as the organization determines what comes next.
According to its recent post, the rescue is seeking several major donors to help with its immediate legal expenses along with monthly donors who can provide financial stability while the matter continues.
The organization is also asking supporters not to contact government officials, county staff, neighbors, opposing parties or others involved in the matter on its behalf.
“Please do not engage in arguments or speculation online,” Crossed Paws wrote. “Our attorneys will handle the legal process.”
For now, Crossed Paws has not publicly detailed what that legal process will involve.
The organization says its focus is on raising the money needed to continue that effort while asking the community that has supported the rescue for years to stand behind it.
“Crossed Paws has spent years fighting for dogs who couldn’t fight for themselves,” the organization wrote. “Now we are asking our community to fight for Crossed Paws.”
If you would like to help – Direct Information From Crossed Paws:
“In order for Crossed Paws to maintain financial responsibility during this fight, please only donate for this ask via https:// secure.qgiv.com/for/crossedpawspetrescue/ as we will need to closely monitor funds we secure and what is available to us outside of operating and veterinary donation’s.”
