Video: Desperately Seeking Shelter

Amidst growing complaints from residents about cracks in roadways and irritating potholes, one important facet in the community is literally breaking down to the point of disuse: the city’s only animal shelter.

“We have a surplus and low taxes, but we have a building that would be an embarrassment to anybody,” Animal Control Officer Sheryl Taylor said at last week’s shelter building committee meeting.

Tucked out of sight on Riverdale Ave., the is currently home to 17 hopeful dogs. But rusting fences threaten the wellbeing of both animals and visitors. The building failed its yearly inspection making the need for a new, bigger structure all the more urgent.

“We failed big time,” Taylor told the committee, “because there were chunks of cement coming out of the walls and doorways. The wire [fencing] is not safe, and the mayor won’t fix it until each cage breaks as it goes along. The metal for the base of the cage fencing is all rusted out. The building is tired, old and outdated. I don’t know if [the state] would shut it down."

If that were to happen, the city would be required to board the dogs for a minimum of seven days. Those not adopted after the weeklong grace period would be euthanized.

The Committee has been in session for over four years, but has not had strong enough financial or social support to go ahead with their plans for construction. Right now, the shelter is dependent on donations and volunteerism.

“We’re banging our heads against the wall,” said chairman Gerry Craig.

At its most recent meeting, the group approved a motion to begin accepting requests for qualification from interested builders. On Tuesday, March 22, they will hold a question and answer session for these vendors about the Department of Agriculture’s standards for plumbing, trenching, airways, etc.

The Committee is determined to provide a safe haven for abandoned dogs and cats, hence its caution in making sure the right bidder is chosen for the project.

“If we have to take a couple nights and carve through a bunch of [requests] – well, we’ve come this far,” said Tony Minopoli.

“And the lowest cost is not necessarily the one that gets the job,” added Craig.

Once the Committee deems three worthy bids, they will be submitted to the Board of Aldermen for discussion and hopefully an approval will be made.

In the meantime, 17 dogs wait patiently for, at the very least, a cozier place to sleep as they hope for loving homes.