New Animal Shelter in Lafayette County Nears Completion
Oxford, Mississippi – The construction of a brand new animal shelter in Lafayette County is moving forward and is on track to be completed by October 1, according to officials from the county. This facility is expected to greatly improve animal care in the area, as there is currently no dedicated animal shelter available to county residents.
Location and Size
The new shelter is situated off Industrial Park Road, specifically within the Lafayette County Max D. Hipp Industrial Park. The building will cover approximately 4,160 square feet and will sit on a spacious 3-acre lot. This design includes ample outdoor space for pets to exercise, which is crucial for their well-being.
Management of the Shelter
While the county is responsible for the construction of the facility, the management of the shelter will be handed over to an external group. Brent Larson, who serves as the president of the Board of Supervisors, confirmed that the board is at the final stages of negotiating contracts with a management team.
“I cannot release the name of the group until the contracts are all signed,” Larson stated on Tuesday. “I know people are very interested in seeing this shelter open.”
Need for a Shelter
The need for this animal shelter has become increasingly clear. Currently, the Oxford Animal Resource Center (ARC) does not accept animals from outside the city limits, primarily due to the decision by county officials to not provide funding to the ARC. Instead, the county has chosen to invest in building its own shelter to accommodate the needs of its residents and their pets.
The absence of a county-operated shelter has left many animals without a place to go when in need of care, and officials hope the new facility will fill this much-needed gap.
Future Plans and Community Interest
Once completed, the animal shelter will mark a significant change in how animals are cared for in the county. It is expected to offer various services, including adoption programs, fostering options, and community education about responsible pet ownership.
As the construction nears completion, community members have expressed keen interest in the shelter. Many residents are eager to see a place where displaced or abandoned pets can find safety and a forever home.
The start of operations for the shelter has residents wondering how they can contribute, whether through volunteering, fostering, or adopting pets once the facility opens its doors.
In addition, officials have promised to keep the community updated on the progress of the shelter and the upcoming management team, further fueling the anticipation surrounding its opening. The goal is to have a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for both animals and people alike.
Conclusion
With a projected opening date swiftly approaching, communities in Lafayette County can look forward to the new animal shelter becoming a reality. This facility aims to enhance the quality of life for animals in need and provide an essential resource for the residents of the county.
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
