FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – The city of Florence has approved an agreement to provide animal control services outside of city limits.
The Lauderdale County Commission will vote on this deal on Monday, May 22.
If the deal goes through, Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services Director Cheryl Jones told News 19 that they will be able to hire two new officers to work in the county. This will allow them to keep the community and their animals safe.
“It will allow us, at any time when there is an animal in danger or an animal that poses a danger, to be able to go out there and respond and try to help ensure safety. animals and people,” Jones said.
The proposed deal would only last for a year. However, Florence Mayor Andy Betterton told News 19 the deal could become permanent if successful.
“I’m confident it will be approved and we will begin operating in the county from June 1,” Betterton said.
As part of the agreement, the city and county would consider building a medical facility for the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter. Betterton told News 19 that having a veterinarian on site would significantly reduce spaying and neutering costs, surgeries and vaccinations.
Until now, Lauderdale County had no officers trained to deal with aggressive or injured animals.
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