Lauderdale County Lets Horse Starve?

Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services is called that since the facility is financed, at least theoretically, by both the city and the county. There are exceptions, large animals being one of them. Livestock is illegal in the city, so only county authorities are going to confiscate such animals as horses and bring them to the facility to board. This arrangement could last months or even years if the animal is involved in a court case.

Therefore, the county is responsible for the upkeep of horses or other large animals that wind up at the shelter. Chapel King is the facility's social worker and says that the county isn't doing its part...with two Florence City government officials turning a blind eye to the problems this causes.

First, a letter Mrs. King recently wrote to the Florence mayor and six council members:

Dear City Council and Mayor,

I have come into the findings that the county animal control a few weeks ago brought a horse and dropped it off behind the shelter. They never showed back up to care for it, provide containers for food and water or shelter. This became a new job for the shelter staff. 

In the minutes from the county commission meeting a group of us attended 2 years ago we were told by Mr. Pettus that the county would be responsible for the large animals and providing care for them. He stated this since they don’t give more than 100,000. a year. I understand and I am well aware as a former employee of the detention center and maintained the medical budget how the city partakes in the expenses. I also have the budgets for the animal shelter, library and coliseum, as well as the county financial state audit. 

It’s very evident that the county doesn’t pay their fair share of anything that has their name attached. This “can” has been kicked down the road for far to long. I am sure the citizens of the city and county would be upset when they see what their tax dollars are going towards. I know as a county citizen that I am appalled with the money they have in reserve and are neglecting to help with their part of their shared responsibility. I hope you see you guys approach this and get a final resolution.

How did Mayor Andy Betterton and the six council members respond? Per Mrs. King:

All city council members emailed me back basically in agreement. Two didn’t email me back. I’ll let you guess who...Andy and Dick.

Main takeaway: Lauderdale has a county commission that doesn't keep its promises and will try to get away with avoiding any expense it can. Second takeaway (which you knew already): Florence's mayor and city council president couldn't care less about animals or those who work with them.

Let's all thank Handy Dandy Andy for once again showing his true hyper-chic abusive colors.