The largest no-kill shelter in the US has opened in Alabama, reports WLBT.
The shelter, which opened on Oct. 29, will save 5,000 dogs a year. Not only that, but it will employ a lot of staff and have a large economic impact on the town of Shorter and its surrounding area too.
Helping Dogs in the Region
Big Dog Ranch Rescue developed the 100-acre site, which used to house greyhounds for racing at the VictoryLand track nearby. Now, it’ll serve as a large regional shelter for Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Prospective dog parents will be able to adopt canines from the no-kill shelter too.
So far, just four of the 16 buildings at the shelter are open, and 100 dogs are being housed there. At present, there’s a temporary veterinary center too. The other 12 buildings will open as funding allows them to do so.
There’s a sister facility in Palm Beach County, Florida, too. However, opening the new shelter will help treat and rescue dogs in states that are dealing with a lot of overpopulation.
Over 50,000 Dogs Saved
Founder and CEO of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Lauree Simmons, explained that a lot of adoptable dogs from the region are moved to shelters in the northeast.
A lot of the dogs the ranch looks after would otherwise be facing euthanasia. Some are found abandoned and taken to the shelter, while others are saved from hurricanes, fires, and other dangers. When at the rescue, staff look after them and provide medical care, and help them get adopted and find forever homes.
The ranch began work in 2008, and have saved over 50,000 dogs across the world. With the new shelter, the ranch can double their yearly impact. They’ll look to save 10,000 dogs a year in total.
To find out more about the shelter, and donate, foster, or help out, you can take a look at their website here.
