Michigan City board says kennel expansion work expected soon amid public concern over space and conditions

Michigan City Animal Control Board members said Sept. 24 that work on a planned kennel expansion was expected to begin soon and that most construction would be handled internally, while residents urged the board for a clearer timeline and said current kennel space is inadequate.

Chairperson Dave Cooney told the board he had discussed the project with staff and contractors and that Andy Botanic and contractor Terry Borloff were coordinating site work and internal construction; he said concrete subcontractors were still being scheduled but that staff expected ground‑breaking within a few weeks.

At least one public commenter described current kennel conditions as overcrowded and called for faster progress: "Some of those dogs have been there for months," the commenter said, adding that runs were falling into disrepair and that the kennel lacked space. Board members said the expansion is a priority and that they would follow up with contractors after the meeting for scheduling details.

Board staff said the new space will be largely constructed by the city department with select subcontracted work (for example, concrete paths). Members noted the expansion has been under discussion for years and that additional kennel capacity is expected to ease pressure on TNR operations and placement of seized animals.

No formal construction contract or funding appropriation was approved at the Sept. 24 meeting; the board said internal scheduling rather than ordinance action is the immediate next step. Staff pledged to report timing details to the board when they are confirmed.