BUTTE – Cats and dogs would probably agree with Butte city officials that it’s time for a new animal shelter.
“The shelter that we have now is not adequate, you know, there’s a lot of repairs that need to be done, it’s antiquated,” said Ed Randall who oversees the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter.
The shelter has been at its location off Centennial Drive sharing a lot with a rock curry company for several years. It’s loud and cramped.
“Several months a year there are trucks – and I’m talking big construction trucks – in an out constantly and it’s a danger situation,” said Randall.
The new location would be on city-owned land. One cite would be next to Skyline Park, which has dog-friendly areas for pets to run free.
“We’re looking for a city-owned property; that way, we wouldn’t have to purchase a property,” said Pat Holland, the director of Butte government buildings.
Employees have to wear earmuffs in the dog kennel area in order to protect their hearing. If they build a new shelter, they’re going to place a lot of importance on soundproofing.
“We would design it and how we’d have it built is, you wouldn’t hear anything; it would be soundproof, not only for the animals inside but the public outside,” said Randall.
The project could cost between $300,000 to $500,000. The city plans to use donations and not taxpayer money.
