Politics & Government

New Shelton Animal Shelter To Break Ground Tuesday

The Shelton Animal Shelter's new home is getting closer to reality as officials break ground Tuesday at 10 a.m.

The site is next to the Housatonic River, at Brewster Lane and Riverdale Avenue.

"The committee has devoted much time and energy to the task given us seven years ago, and we are quite proud of the project. We feel we have achieved our goals in an efficient and cost effective manner that will meet the needs of Shelton for decades to come," said Gerry Craig, chairman of the Animal Shelter Building Committee.

The current shelter is nearby at 20 Riverdale Ave.

The new  building, to be constructed by Milford-based Bismark Construction, is estimated to cost $1.4 million.

The new shelter would have a 1,119 square foot kennel area for dogs with stainless steel kennels -- a major upgrade from the current wire fencing, which Animal Control Officer Sheryl Taylor has described as "rusted out" and "not safe." The plans also include a fenced in dog run that wraps around one side of the building, a grooming station, laundry room, adequate office space and a housing area with a playroom for cats.

The building would be located on the last of the three lots on Riverdale Avenue. "There's the current shelter, the pink elephant and then there will be the new shelter," Committe chaiman Gerry Craig said. (The "pink elephant" is the term many city workers use to describe the Public Works building).

The current shelter has repeatedly failed environmental and agricultural inspections, was over capacity at one point and does not take in cats.


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