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North Augusta to reinstate volunteer animal-transport program after liability review; council hears criticism over sick puppies
Summary
City attorney and staff said liability coverage and an updated waiver will allow volunteers to transport animals from the shelter; the announcement came amid council and public concern after several sick puppies were rehoused and later died.
North Augusta — City staff and the city attorney told the City Council on July 21 that North Augusta will reinstate a volunteer program allowing vetted volunteers to transport animals from the municipal shelter after updating liability waivers, a policy change the administration expects to finalize within days.
City Attorney Kelly Zier said the city’s insurance coverage applies and that staff had "determined that we're still within the policy," adding that updated waivers will broaden liability protections for volunteers. Zier cautioned that claims could affect insurance rates but said the city is not currently without coverage for off-site transports.
Assistant City Administrator Jim Clifford said the new waiver form should be ready by Friday and that volunteers who sign it would be eligible to participate with the approval of the animal control officer. Clifford also said the city will alter intake housing through Friday, Aug. 1, while staff conduct an assessment after a veterinarian’s review of sick puppies. During that time the city will continue to accept dogs but may arrange housing assistance with Hinton County Animal Control or private veterinarians if needed.
Background and council reaction: The announcement followed several emotional council remarks and public concern after four puppies became ill and died after entering the shelter. Council members and speakers at the meeting expressed frustration about communication and operational choices made during the incident; one speaker said the decision to suspend off-site transfers was made without adequate communication to rescuers and council. Mayor Britton Williams acknowledged the community’s concern and said "we now can cover ourselves, which means volunteers can do it," while also saying council members and staff felt for those who lost animals.
Shelter context and operations: Staff earlier in the meeting had praised the shelter’s increased save rate, with city remarks noting a reported save rate around 97% over the last three years under recent management. Clifford said a veterinarian’s assessment prompted temporary changes to intake and housing to reduce disease risk while testing and evaluations continue. He said the city will coordinate with Hinton County Animal Control and private veterinarians as needed.
What’s next: City Attorney Zier and staff said the liability waiver will be updated immediately and the volunteer transport program can resume with signed waivers and approval by the animal control officer. Staff will continue daily operations while completing the short-term intake assessment through Aug. 1 and will report back to council if further changes are required.
