The Lethbridge Animal Shelter has been granted funding to add a fenced dog run on its property. (Photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson

Council approves animal shelter funding

Nov 29, 2023 | 3:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Animal Shelter has been granted funding to add a fenced dog run on its property.

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Lethbridge city council approved a one-time bursary of up to $30,000 from Council Contingencies for Administration for the new dog run which will be nearly 1,100 square metres.

The new area will be used to provide new opportunities for the animals to exercise, train and socialize. The animal shelter can not currently provide these opportunities due to a lack of trails and fenced areas.

Acting Mayor John Middleton-Hope said, “Socializing, exercising, and getting to know a pet are essential components of a successful adoption process, including bonding, walking, and playing together.”

According to officials, the average stay for a dog at the shelter is 37.5 days, which is much higher than the 16-18 day range which was reported before the pandemic.

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Skylar Plourde, Director of Services for Community Animal Services said, “These animals are staying in our facility longer and it is getting harder to encourage people to adopt.”

He continued, “Thank you to Council for bringing this motion forward and supporting it. This will be very beneficial to the dogs on the property. This space will add very valuable enrichment for these dogs, which will make them more adoptable.”

A timeline has not yet been announced for the construction. Upon its completion, updated rules will be made for public visitation of prospective adoptable dogs.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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