As many know, the amount of stray animals in Florence is a huge issue. Shelters are at capacity and struggling to manage the amount of animals they have. One thing that can be done to address the issue is to reopen the SNIP clinic immediately. It is absolutely vital to have access to a spay/neuter program to control the stray animal population. 

By not taking steps to address this issue, this burden is left to be carried by residents in our city and county. The city manager states they are doing what they can to reopen the clinic and must work together with Florence County to address the issue. 

Here is city manager’s response to my inquiry about what the city is doing to address the SNIP clinic being closed:

”Mayor Ervin forwarded your message to me.  The City of Florence is aware of the closing of the SNIP facility in Florence County.  The City works in conjunction with the Florence Area Humane Society, as well as other agencies, to address animal/pet issues within the City.  The Humane Society and Lucky Dog Rescue are two agencies that are currently working on methods to address the issues you speak of, not only at the City level, but throughout Florence County.  We are supporting their efforts as we can.  The issue is far greater than the City boundaries and a successful program must be county wide.  Grant opportunities for a TSNR program are being pursued, but most require both City and County participation.  We are working with our County partners in an effort to gain support to make these programs successful.  I appreciate your interest and concern.”

Please sign this petition to request that the city of Florence and Florence County work in conjunction with Florence Humane Society to get the SNIP clinic reopened by approving grant funding. There needs to be a budget funded and created to hire a veterinarian to perform spay/neuter procedures in order to get the SNIP clinic reopened and there are grant opportunities out there that must be approved by both city and county. Once a veterinarian is hired for this position, the SNIP clinic can reopen.

Thank you for speaking out for your community and for the animals within it.