Franson: Alachua County is showing no urgency in making changes at Animal Resources

Letter to the editor

This is a call to action regarding urgent animal welfare matters in our community. I have already submitted this text formally to Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR), the County Commission, and local organizations, but public awareness is required to ensure accountability and immediate change.

How nice it would be to be planning a vacation, but that’s not the priority — our animal concerns are. To know the history of a situation gives crucial information. So lest we forget….

For nine years I witnessed cats and dogs being denied (by Michele Lieberman and the County Commissioners) the care and attention the animals needed while they were trapped in a caustic home environment, close to death. I, among others, tried endlessly to get help for these animals. For my efforts I was retaliated against by Animal Services. They falsely cited me for failure to treat my animals humanely, took 38 pictures of my house, and put my property under surveillance.

I write the above because to this day nothing has changed. Animals who face abuse, and people who care, are at a loss as to where to find help. The Sheriff’s Office, ACAR – zero help. Michele Lieberman – phone calls unanswered. A professional with integrity who knew of my efforts wrote that he was “appalled that the people in authority failed miserably” and questioned why Alachua County has animal protection ordinances but won’t enforce them.

HELP. Where is the help?

A comprehensive investigation in Animal Services is needed, as has been requested for several years. Yes, it is good news that there is a limited investigation in progress, but… BUT will this include our animal concerns throughout all of Alachua County? Or will it just be one pea in the overflowing pod of shelter and community animal problems?

The needs existed in the past and still exist in the present. They will continue into the future if nothing is finally done.

Adele Franson, Gainesville

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