01/17/2024
Shelter Update 1/17/24! Many of you have asked what is going on with the new shelter construction, and why it’s taking so long! It’s not a quick & easy explanation, but here goes:
Background - SOS Pets of Ouachita started raising private funds for a new shelter in 2017, and by 2021 had enough money to build an adoption/sheltering facility on a donated site within a mile of the existing facility. We didn’t have enough money to also build a new intake facility at that time. (The pandemic was in full force, and donations were down.) In that scenario, due to the proximity to the existing facility, the new sheltering & adoption facility would have been built on the new site, while intake operations would have continued at the existing site. When additional funds were raised later for a new intake facility, all operations would have been moved to the new site. It was not an ideal plan yet would have been an improvement for the animals; however, it all fell apart anyway when we were later denied access to the donated site.
2023 – Present - In March 2023, voters approved a millage increase to complete funding for construction and operations of the new shelter. Since then, we have worked closely with the OPAS Advisory Committee to locate a new site and make recommendations to the OPPJ for a new site. More than a dozen sites all over the parish have been evaluated. An announcement was made to proceed near the WM Rifle Range, but after further review, it was deemed cost-prohibitive to develop the site. Currently, we may be very close to another site, but we are not at liberty to reveal that site, nor do we want to give false hope yet again until it’s confirmed.
There have been many questions about the existing site. The existing facility is not a viable option for upgrade and would have to be demolished, but that itself does not take it off the list for consideration. The site is largely used by Public Works, but there were discussions of “partitioning” the two operations with a wall, giving PW most of the site except for the back part. It didn’t fit the desired “park-like” features for walking trails, a dog park, etc., but many concessions have since been considered in the interest of getting the shelter built. Consequently, there are neighbors who object to having any new animal sheltering structures erected at the site. Everyone felt that an all-new, welcoming location would be in the best interest of all concerned, which is the path we’ve chosen in the interim. Also note that since tax dollars are now also involved, these decisions must be approved by the OPPJ. Our funds remain safe and separate from public funds.
In the meantime, since funding is secured, SOS Pets has elected to use a portion of monthly revenue generated by charitable gaming operations (as well as additional fundraisers) to help OPAS and associated rescues by donating pet food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, stainless steel kennels, dog houses, fans & evaporative swamp coolers, reimbursement for limited TNR cat spay/neuter surgeries, etc. We also foster animals and help transport them to their rescues. However, our retained cash assets and private donations will be used for the new facility, largely in the form of sponsored areas and premium upgrades.
This has been a very difficult path to navigate which has required a long-term commitment from an all-volunteer team. We are so proud to have sparked the effort which has gotten us to this point that will in fact end with a brand-new Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter! We are beyond grateful for our faithful supporters who have stood by us through it all!
Any questions should be directly addressed to any member of the SOS Pets Board of Directors, your OPAS Animal Advisory Committee representative, or OPPJ Juror.
