by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—Citing increasing problems with the existing aging animal shelter, supervisors gave the green light for volunteers to fundraise and build something better.
While they receive good reviews about how well the animals are taken care of and how easy the adoption process is, “we do have a lot of issues with the building” which was constructed about 25 years ago, said shelter manager Gabby Vaculovicova. An addition was constructed a few years later.
According to Vaculovicova, drainage is a huge issue after rains, with septic water coming through drains in the kennels and water coming under doors and through the foundation. “I can tell you, every single room, every single nook and cranny, we have a problem there.” After paying a contractor to clear the drain system, they were told “because the way it’s built, it’s not fixable. We will have to take out all the concrete floors and put in a new drain system,” she said.
Space outdoors is also an issue since volunteers have to cross Northumberland Highway or drive to another location in order to take the dogs for a walk.
Peter Williams, a member of the Friends of the Northumberland County Animal Shelter (FNCAS), said the organization would “fund and build a new county animal shelter on county owned property and then donate the completed animal shelter to….
