PALM BAY, Fla. – Neighbors are trying to make the crime-ridden “Compound” in Palm Bay safer.
Over the years, FOX 35 News has reported several shootings, death investigations, and homicides in the undeveloped stretch of land. Now, neighbors are concerned about dogs being dumped on the site. They say it happens all too often, and they’re doing what they can to help.
“We’re all taking action, as much as possible,” said Anthony Vitale, who joined efforts to save the abandoned dogs.
Dog lovers like Vitale are taking action after Lisa Jinkins posted a plea on Facebook, asking for help on social media. He wants to see if people will join him to start scanning the compound for abandoned dogs.
“Get them to safety, get them food and water,” Jinkins said.
She was tired of seeing posts about abandoned dogs in neighborhood groups and decided to start a volunteer group to rescue and rehome them.
“Once I saw Lisa’s post, it immediately struck my heart,” said Vitale. “It’s desolate. There’s no access to food or water. There’s no foot traffic, so basically they’re being left out here to die.”
Jessakae Evans was another volunteer who joined the efforts. He has rescued abandoned dogs in South Florida and thinks the issue is getting worse in Brevard County.
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“It just made me sick to my stomach when I saw that skinny dog,” Evans said, noting how his eye caught Lisa’s post.
In just one week, Lisa has recruited several volunteers and veterinary technicians who are ready to take action.
“We are going to go to it,” said the organizer. “We’ll just see where it takes us.”
They are still looking for foster families and trying to rescue the dogs before the summer.
“It’s brutal out here. Summer’s coming. The elements here are horrible,” said Jinkins.
This is just the latest issue plaguing the compound. We have reported to many bodies that have been found out there, but the community is banding together to try and make the space safer.
“Too many things going on here that we don’t want to pay attention to, but it needs to be paid attention to,” concluded Evans.
This is really a grassroots effort. These organizers are still looking for volunteers, space for dogs, and new ideas to help with this issue. They started a public Facebook group. You can join the group and learn more here.
