Logan County marked a much anticipated day Thursday, April 17, with the kick off of construction of the county’s new $1,766,000 animal shelter, which is made possible through a partnership with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and the Logan County Commissioners, based on a concept from several decades ago.
During a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon, Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds said creating an animal shelter on the sheriff’s office grounds was an idea that he had “way back when Mike Henry was sheriff.”
“This is a day we’ve looked forward to for a long time,” Sheriff Dodds said. “Now it’s coming to fruition at the right time and with the right dog warden who is passionate about this program.”
Sheriff Dodds and Logan County Dog Warden Jake Boyd will run the approximately 8,400-square foot animal shelter, which will be situated on the sheriff’s office grounds at 284 S. County Road 32, with the new building located just south of the sheriff’s office and jail complex.
It will provide a safe space for lost and abandoned dogs and cats, and will have several livestock stalls as well to accommodate livestock that are involved in legal cases or temporary housing for found livestock until they’re reunited with their owners.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — not just for Logan County, but for the hundreds of animals who will soon find safety, care and love within the walls of our new shelter,” Commissioner Mike Yoder said.
“For years, we’ve dreamed of a space where no animal is turned away, where each pet has a warm bed, proper medical care and a second chance. Today, that dream will be closer to a reality….
“We’re not just building a shelter; we’re building hope. Hope for abused and abandoned animals. Hope for families looking for new furry members. And hope for a future where every animal is treated with the dignity they deserved.”
LeVan’s Excavating was already busy with earth-moving for the project Thursday. Then in the upcoming months, B Hoylman Construction LLC will be on site to construct the new facility, based on the plans developed by Beasley Architecture and much input provided by Deputy Boyd.
The new shelter will feature 23 individual dog kennels with an outside dog run area for fresh air and exercise. Separate areas for smaller and larger dogs will be provided.
There will be a designated cat area separate from the kennels and visiting space for potential adopters to get to know the animals they are considering.
In addition, there will be an area for reception and a Dog Warden office. Grooming, quarantine, veterinary and recovery rooms are part of the design.
Commissioners anticipate that one full-time staff person will need to be hired to run the daily facility operation and handle adoptions of animals to the public.
Additional support for animal care, building maintenance, cleaning and operations will be provided by inmate trustees from the Logan County Jail during non-public hours.
The shelter is expected to be completed and operational in October.
See Saturday’s edition of the Examiner for further details about the Logan County Animal Shelter.
