Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
After weeks of uncertainty from the community, Hamilton County Coordinator Gary Godwin was able to put rumors about the closure of the Hamilton County Animal Shelter to rest. Godwin said that due to the resignation of its current animal control officer, Rose Bonney, and the other animal control officer being out due to illness, the operation of the facility would not be sustainable. "It is a full-time job for one person to keep the animals fed and the building clean," Godwin said. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Bonney posted on the Hamilton County Animal Shelter Facebook page that the shelter was closing and suspending animal intake, and that she had submitted her resignation. "It was a pleasure to serve Hamilton County," Bonney said. "I want to thank our supporters for your donations, shares and networking. We couldn't have saved close to 400 animals without your help." Bonney's post led to concern from Hamilton County residents on social media. Although information surrounding Bonney's resignation was not available, Godwin informed that her resignation would become effective on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Godwin said that the county has begun advertising for the animal control officer position to be filled and that upon the conclusion of the required twoweek advertising period, interviews will begin. He hopes that the county will be able to hire an officer by the end of the month and that the shelter will reopen. In the meantime, animals have been diverted to other shelters in North Florida on a temporary basis until the shelter can be reopened.