19-02-2025
Community upset over handling of animal services expressing displeasure with mayor
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — There were several heated moments at Tuesday's Florence City Council Meeting where community members expressed how upset they were over the handling of animal services in Lauderdale County aiming much of their displeasure in the direction of Mayor Andrew Betterton.
In fact, some are claiming the animals that aren't adopted are being unjustly euthanized.
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Emotions were high at the meeting as the community flooded the chambers making it clear that no matter the circumstances, they do not want Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services euthanizing dogs and cats in their care.
Animal advocates are pleading with city leaders for solutions.
Many Tuesdays did not hold back when addressing the mayor who they say made a move to stop rescue transports from the shelter. Much of their distaste was aimed at the mayor who they claim is leading an effort to end the no-kill policy at Florence-Lauderdale animal shelter, but Betterton says otherwise.
'The city of Florence has not changed its policies regarding animal services,' Betterton said. 'At no time have I asked the director, staff, or volunteers to increase euthanizing the animals in our care.'
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Animal advocates like Paige Cloud in Florence are pushing for rescue transportation services for the animals as they strongly disagree with the policy in place that's preventing the shelter from doing so.
'It can't happen we cannot have tons of euthanasians because animals now can't leave,' Cloud said. 'City employees take their vehicles home so why can't the shelter vans be used for the shelter's animals.'
The Florence City Council did speak about considering a way for Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services to have a rescue transportation service in the future.
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