Million-Dollar Improvements for Animal Shelter

The Little Rock Animal Shelter is in for some changes, but no one knows just what kind yet. Last month, voters approved the capital improvement bond giving more than $1 million to the shelter, but did not specify how to spend it. Tony Bozynski, the director of housing and neighborhood programs, says the city has floated the idea of building an off-site adoption facility. "To help increase visibility of the programs because on thing I`ve heard is a lot of people don`t know where the facility is, it`s difficult to get to," Bozynski said. But a group called No Chance Arkansas says they`d rather see the city improve the facility they have instead of opening a new one. At Monday night`s Animal Services Board meeting, they suggested a permanent spay and neuter clinic. "Fifty animals a day, that`s 250 a week, that would cut the expenses of the shelter by 50% over the next 4-5 years," said Gina Farrell, No Chance Arkansas. Next on their list is an outdoor space for animals to run around, instead of spending their entire days in the kennels or cages. "So that when the kennel is being cleaned, animals can be taken outside, they can get some fresh air," Farrell said. The Animal Services Advisory Board will still take comments through January before making recommendations to the City Board. But they`re hoping to get started as soon as possible, because the clock starts ticking on January 21, then they`ll have three years to complete whatever projects they begin.