Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Recent social media posts regarding the status of animals in Hamilton County Animal Control, located in Jasper, have led to a controversy. The posts, which include a photo of an allegedly deceased dog in the shelter's outside play area, began circulating on Monday, Oct. 23. Throughout the week, more information about the events leading up to the discovery, along with what was happening behind closed doors, came to light. Riverbend News will provide an in-depth investigation in the upcoming weeks, featuring Gary Godwin had only been in the position of county coordinator for three weeks when he began receiving calls about issues with animal control. On the Monday in question, he went to the facility and was met with a disheartening sight. The animal control officer in charge had never refused to take in any animals, causing the shelter to become overcrowded to the point where animals were being kept in the play area outside of the kennels. Here, the post reports a fight broke out amongst the canines on Monday, resulting in the death of at least one dog. One other dog, hiding behind a rake, was photographed by witnesses. This canine has since been sent to a rescue home where it could receive proper care. Godwin, along with citizens like Susan Giddon, quickly reached out to Thelma and Louise Dog Rescue, a Hamilton County-based animal rescue organization.
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the rescue arrived at the site to help clean the area and find homes for the remaining dogs. However, the sight that awaited them was devastating. The animals were crammed together in a small space without adequate food and water. Many of them were sick, malnourished and weak and, reportedly, several of them had died inside the shelter.
The rescue immediately swung into action and sought help from the community to acquire cleaning supplies. Thelma and Louise, along with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Brevard County and the Humane Society of North Central Florida, responded to the call for help and came to the rescue on Thursday, Oct. 26. The three rescues, along with Hamilton County, worked tirelessly to find a safe haven for these animals. Most of them were transferred to a rescue center to receive medical attention and be prepared for adoption. The remaining few were scheduled to be moved by Tuesday, Oct. 31. Godwin expressed gratitude towards Thelma and Louise, describing them as a "God-send." The county appreciated the assistance provided by all three rescues and was relieved that all the animals would be well taken care of.
Although far from being over, the incident shed light on the atrocious situation the rescues were faced with; it brought a ray of hope for the animals involved and raised awareness among the citizens of Hamilton County about the issue of abandoned animals. Social media platforms were flooded with citizens offering their time and resources to help these rescues. The animal shelter is now constantly receiving support from citizens who are willing to help in any way possible.
Currently, Hamilton County Animal Control is only responding to emergency calls. On Friday, Oct. 27, Godwin requested an emergency board meeting with the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners, where he informed the commissioners of the situation. Godwin presented his findings and his decision to terminate the animal control officer in question, Alicia Anderson. The board fully supported Godwin's decision, and on Saturday, Oct. 28, Anderson was officially fired.
Riverbend News intends to continue investigating this story. Keep an eye out for updates from eyewitnesses, government officials, animal rescue organizations and others.comments from local government officials, citizens, animal rescues and others to shed light on the situation at Hamilton County Animal Control.