MUNFORDVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – The Hart County Animal Shelter is taking on a large expansion project to build new shelters for their dogs, renaming themselves the Animal Haven of Hart County.
It’s a transformation from a municipal shelter into a privately funded nonprofit, according to Director Anthony Roberts. The project has been in the works for three years, after he says the shelter has struggled with a large amount of intakes in a small space.
“The facilities are not built for commercial use,” Roberts said. “I have a total of 38 kennels between both buildings and, of course, we’re at 51 dogs right now. So we’ve doubled up and we’re making space, and we have to make space everyday.”
The shelter had 511 intakes last year alone. It is currently under a Code Red, which staff say is a frequent occurrence.
Shelter liaison Steve Thompson said they have sent their dogs around the world, including Canada, New York and Texas. With the extra space, they’ll be able to help transport dogs to other shelters in the area.
“We’re basically dog wranglers and this is what we do,” Thompson said. “Every move here has to be coordinated, and the staff does an amazing job. We’ve grown so much in the last three years and we’re ready for this. This community is ready for this.”
The organization is building a barndominium-type structure at 3324 S. Dixie Hwy on 25 acres of property owned by the Veterans Association of Hart County. The new space will provide shelter for 100 more dogs. Every six kennels will have a 32 foot by 40 foot play area. Later on down the road, they hope to possibly house cats, as well.
Thompson said they’re building a walking trail around the facility for vets, volunteers, kids and staff.
“They have a vision and a plan for a community park there,” he said. “So the shelter will be on that facility, which is right down the road, which will allow veterans to work with dogs, kids to work with dogs, community members to work with dogs.”
Roberts and Thompson say they have been working with many community partners to get this project funded, with local contractors donating their services and bringing in big-name sponsors.
“I really believe when we end up with how much money we have to fundraise, we’ll be under 50% of the entire cost thanks to this amazing community,” he said.
They also said that while the project benefits the entire community, it won’t cost Hart County residents a dime.
“It’s all privately, publicly, corporately funded, so the taxpayers of Hart County will gain an asset without the expense of having to build,” Thompson said.
They said it’ll save taxpayers $1 million over the next decade.
The project is just underway, with their next steps being to acquire the property, sign the deed and break ground. They hope to be under their new roof within the next two years.
They are holding a major fundraiser for Animal Haven on May 17 at the Hollow of Unrest Amphitheater in Bonnieville. There will be live music and food trucks.
Anyone who would like to volunteer, donate or learn more about the shelter can visit the organization’s Facebook page.
Adoptable dogs can be viewed on Petfinder.
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