FLORENCE-Mayor Andy Betterton has issued a letter confirming that he is donating a van to a local non-profit group that helps transport rescue animals from Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services to their new homes.
As the Mayor, I have a duty to follow City policies and to protect the City from liability. For safety and liability reasons, the City of Florence and Lauderdale County only allow employees to drive City and County vehicles, so volunteers at Animal Services simply cannot drive City vans to transport animals. I believe, however, for the benefit of the shelter and the community, that the current practice of sending as many shelter animals as possible to rescue organizations must continue. Way too many unwanted dogs and cats end up in the shelter largely because way too many people in Florence and the rest of Lauderdale County fail to have their pets spayed and neutered. Until this changes, we should do everything we can to find loving homes for these animals.
In 2013, just like today, Animal Services and volunteers wanted to deliver shelter dogs and cats to various rescues around the country, and volunteers needed to be able to drive the transport vehicle. To solve this problem, the City acquired a van through a Petco grant and donated it to a local non-profit group so volunteers could drive it. I was on the City Council at the time and voted to approve this. Therefore, in an effort to continue the transportation of shelter animals while also protecting the City, I want to donate one of the Animal Services vans to a local non-profit group as a solution. I will be sending this to the City Council for approval when the details are finalized and certainly expect their support. ~Andrew “Andy” Betterton
