Consultants say dogs can still share kennels even after the project ends. Animal Care officials said fewer dogs are expected to be taken in and more are expected to be turned in for adoption.
Humane euthanasia has increased as families abandon pets
Animal Care and Control occupancy is increasing as the economy values pets
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Palm Beach County’s overcrowded Animal Care and Control Facility is about to get a $48 million facelift that will more than double its size and include air-conditioned cages.
Karen Lambert, a volunteer at the facility, called for the project’s approval during a county commission workshop on Feb. 27, saying it will “enable us to give the care that innocent animals deserve.”
Volunteers say some people who want to adopt a dog walk out when they see how the dogs are currently housed.
Commissioner Gregg Weiss called the current location ideal, noting that it is centrally located. Weiss and other commissioners are concerned that finding a new location could cause delays.
County Mayor Maria Sachs called on her colleagues to explore the possibility of building a new facility using the current design in a more agricultural area better suited for animals. The current 14-acre site is on Belvedere Road west of Florida’s Turnpike. But the proposal received little support.
“The conditions outside were terrible,” Weiss said. “We have to move forward now. It is unconscionable to let these animals continue to suffer.”
The capital improvement project, along with several others, has been delayed by increased costs.
In the case of the animal care facility, the initial cost estimate in 2007 was $12 million. The recession forced the project to be postponed. In 2016, it was revived with a new cost of $21 million. But supply-chain issues and inflationary pressures resulted in a new estimate of $48 million, a figure that includes air conditioning. At first, there were no plans to do that.
To reduce costs, an option to build a 99,287 square-foot facility was rejected in favor of an 87,139 square-foot building. A larger building will result in enough kennel space to avoid putting two dogs in one cage.
At issue is how to pay for the project because its cost is higher than budgeted. County finance officials say the bonds may have to be sold.
Even with an expenditure of $48 million, Sachs said that, according to consultants, the renovated facility would still not meet industry standards because some dogs are expected to share the kennels. Stephanie Sejnoha, the county’s director of public safety, said the reduction in project scope resulted in the elimination of a kennel. He said he expected co-sharing to occur only in emergencies.
An ’emergency situation’: Why Palm Beach Animal Control is forced to euthanize so many dogs
Sejnoha noted that new plans have been developed to work with the community to lower the number of dogs coming in and to increase the number of adoptions to reduce the dog population. As of February 26, 169 dogs were placed at the site, which was designed to accommodate 148 dogs. Sometimes, dogs, which cannot be adopted, have to be euthanized.
The current shelter opened in 1992. Two new jails will be added and three existing ones will be renovated. Administrative offices will be moved to the new second floor, freeing up space on the first floor for animal care.
As for the current facility, a consultant found the following deficiencies:
- Lack of isolation areas for sick animals.
- Insufficient space for veterinary services.
- There is no dedicated space for public spay and neuter services.
- There is no separation between use and adoption.
- Too many dogs in one space.
Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year. It may take two years to complete the work.
Calling all animal lovers: Check out The Palm Beach Post’s pets of the week for Feb. 26!
Palm Beach Post pet of the week: Adopt a cat or dog Palm Beach County
Looking for a best friend? Meet Lil Kiki, learn more about this week’s cat and dog — animals available for adoption in Palm Beach County.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support local journalism. Subscribe now.
