Council approves funds for new animal shelter

August 28, 2024
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Photo courtesy of SMASH

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Mansfield’s homeless dogs and cats are moving on up.

On Monday, the city council approved $38.3 million for construction of new animal care offices, expansion of the Chris Burkett Service Center and site work. The cost for the construction of animal shelter will be $22.9 million of that total.

The new animal shelter will be moving uptown, too, from 407 Industrial Boulevard in the westside industrial park to the Chris W. Burkett Service Center, 620 S. Wisteria St., just down the street from the current city hall.

Groundbreaking on the 25,000-square-foot building will be Sept. 16, with completion expected by summer 2026.

"As Mansfield continues to grow, we've outgrown our current animal shelter," Mayor Michael Evans said. "This new shelter will provide space to hold even more animals until they find forever homes and a better design to improve animal health and wellness and more room for all the residents who volunteer and help our furriest residents."

The current building, at 10,000 square feet, can house about 50 dogs and 50 cats, while the new place will hold 130 dogs and 135 cats, according to the city.

The new shelter is needed due to the increased population of homeless pets in Mansfield. Funds for the project will come from the Utility Fund, Drainage Fund and Building Construction Fund.

The current shelter will remain open until the new facility is complete.

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