County officials will host a community meeting on the proposed new San Martin animal shelter at 7 pm Nov. 1 at the South County Office Building located at 80 Highland Ave.
The new shelter, which will replace the current 40-year-old facility located at 12370 Murphy Ave., “will enhance animal care and safety with modern technology, include an upgraded adoption center, and add a barn to house abandoned horses and other livestock,” according to the county report.
A feasibility study completed in 2012 recommended an increase in space to safely and effectively care for animals, and evaluated 80 Highland Ave. as a potential location for the 4.5-acre facility, according to the release.
The site would include a 36,000-square-foot one-story shelter; a 2,500 gross square foot barn, with exercise yards; and a parking lot. An attractive and welcoming new facility will increase community engagement, raise awareness of animal welfare issues in the county and increase the number of adopted pets, according to county officials.
“The proposed shelter facilities reflect the growing needs of the South County community for a larger adoption center, modern animal care technology and temporary housing for abandoned livestock,” said County Supervisor Mike Wasserman, who represents District 1 where the new shelter would be located. “We welcome comments and ideas from residents to ensure that vulnerable animals are properly sheltered and ultimately find loving homes.”
The existing shelter houses approximately 3,000 dogs and cats each year, and is the only shelter in Santa Clara County that cares for large livestock and horses.
Wasserman, along with representatives from the Animal Shelter Program, Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, Facilities Department and Planning Office, will be on hand to lead the discussion and answer questions from residents.
“Animal Services is dedicated to helping the wide variety of homeless animals in the community; however, since it was not intended to house animals for extended periods, it is challenging to optimize their physical and mental well-being,” the county’s press release states.
