News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Warren County Executive Jimmy Haley said it is time for a new County Animal Control Facility.
Haley said an influx of 80 animals over just a few weeks has made it clear that the current building does not meet the current demands for services. He said the building was not built to be an animal control facility and also doesn’t have adequate space for expansion.
“It would be a way to not only secure the animals and make them safe but it’s also a better move for the county,” Haley said. “It’s more cost-effective and we’ll be able to adopt more animals out and really have a facility that meets what the needs of the community are moving forward.”
While there is no timeline for the project, Haley said that he has already started exploring potential lands for a new location. He said they have taken time to visit other animal control facilities to get ideas for new floor plans.
“A new facility, maybe in partnership with the city of McMinnville, something that’s a little more user-friendly, that’s ADA-compliant, that has adequate parking,” Haley said. “That has a reception room where we can bring animals out for people to view and to kind of nurture a little bit to figure if that’s the right animal for them instead of having to wade through kennels and through gravel outdoor areas. It’s just not a facility we can be proud of right now, so we’re looking towards the future.”
Haley said they hope to use grants, donations, and potentially a community-wide fundraiser to get the project done.
