News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Warren County Health and Welfare Committee is asking the county commission to allocate $30,000 to expand the county’s animal control and adoption center.
Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Blaine Wilcher said the money would be used to repair an adjacent building for more kennel space.
“We have a building. Basically, a 24 by 24 building that would basically seat adjacent to the current building,” Wilcher said. ” What we would have to do is finish the roof and the wiring. Everything else will be provided.”
Wilcher said the Warren County animal center limits its capacity due to fears of overcrowding and spreading sickness. Wilcher said the building will increase that capacity and make a safer environment for the animals.
“There are several different ways that it could be used,” Wilcher said. “But, we do need the space. We are facing a similar problem as a lot of animal shelters in the state. We do have to deal with overcrowding at times, and when you have overcrowding, if you have any animals that are sick, then it is easier for that sickness to spread.”
The budget and finance committee will consider approving the allocation in November for the county commission to make the final decision. Whilcher also serves as a county commissioner and said he expects the funding to pass if it reaches the commission.
“I do not see it having a problem passing, because this is a need that is dear to the hearts of pretty much everyone on the commission,” Wilcher said. “Our unwanted animals definitely need help, and I do not see it being an issue with it happening.”
The Warren County animal control and adoption center has an 83 to 90 percent adoption rate and do not euthanize animals unless absolutely needed.
