Carbon County advisory commission approves sending fenced dog-run proposal to county commissioners

The Carbon County Animal Shelter Advisory Commission voted June 3 to forward a proposal to county commissioners for a fenced, staff‑supervised outdoor play area for shelter dogs.

Commission Chairman said the group drafted a letter asking the commissioners to approve an outdoor kennel/play area using donation funds the shelter has on hand. "We just have a letter to see if we can get an outdoor play area," the chairman said during new business discussion. The commission moved and seconded the request and recorded unanimous assent from members present.

Commissioners and shelter staff discussed two possible locations: a grassy area next to the shelter’s memorial garden and a small corner parcel opposite the memorial. Members said the area would be limited to shelter dogs and staff, not open to the public, to reduce liability concerns. "If we limit it to the shelter dogs and shelter workers doing it, then we should be pretty safe that way," a commission member said.

Members said the run would be used for enrichment and to show potential adopters a dog’s off‑leash behavior. The commission noted an independent dog park project underway in the community; commissioners said the shelter run would be strictly for shelter operations and adoption preparation rather than a public park.

The motion to forward the proposal to the county commissioners passed; the commission authorized signing and submitting the request and recommended that the county consider using existing donations and bequests to fund the work. The commission did not vote on construction contractors or a budget amount at the meeting.

Next steps outlined during the meeting include preparing a more detailed cost estimate and requesting county bidding or contractor proposals if the commissioners authorize the project. The commission’s letter and a formal approval request will be filed with the county commissioners for their consideration.