Animal shelter near capacity

“People who’ve received services who’ve been reunited there animals that were lost overwhelmingly showed support for us to continue this contract”, said Allison Black Cornelius, with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

A portion of the grant will be used to cover adoption fees for animals at the shelter, 825 Thornville Drive, Heath.

GBHS has almost cut the county’s budgeted animal control 2015 appropriation of $614,900 in half – January through July, the county had only been billed a net amount of $213,790.75, and monthly estimates for the rest of the year would bring the county’s total bill to $367,790.75 – well under the $450,000 cap set by the commission.

A decision is made over the future of animals rescued from Jefferson County streets. A compilation of strays that have been picked up by animal control and owner surrenders; the number of animals has stretched the shelter’s walls.

For more information, call Santa Rosa County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.

County Commissioner Jimmy Stephens says he’s all for the humane society maintaining control of animals services. “It will help us go above and beyond for animals in our community”.

The new shelter, which will hold more than 130 dogs and about 100 cats, is expected to open next year.