Carbon County shelter panel forwards fenced play-area proposal, reviews repairs and donations

The Carbon County Animal Shelter Advisory Commission voted June 3 to send a proposal to county commissioners asking that the shelter be allowed to build a fenced, staff-only outdoor play area for dogs, and reviewed ongoing facility needs and recent donations. The meeting took place at 44 Susquehanna Street in Bimthorpe.

The proposal, drafted by commission volunteers and shelter staff, would create a secured outdoor run adjacent to the memorial garden for use by shelter dogs and staff only; the commission approved a motion to forward the proposal to county commissioners for consideration. Chairman (name not specified) called for the motion, the commission moved and seconded it and voted in favor.

The commission said the fenced area is meant for enrichment and to show dogs’ off-leash behavior to prospective adopters while avoiding liability concerns from public access. Tom, director of the Carbon County Animal Shelter, and commission members discussed placement near the memorial garden, access to water, required gates and limited maintenance needs.

During monthly reports the director reviewed April and May shelter statistics and donations. April figures reported 16 kennels, 22 dogs at the start of the month and 16 at month’s end; seven adoptions, one owner surrender and eight dogs returned to owners; police calls were seven with six after-hours calls. April donations included about $2,736 in food from FreshPak and $20,091 in supplies. May figures showed 16 kennels, 16 dogs at the start of the month and 15 at month’s end; nine adoptions, two owner surrenders and four dogs returned to owners; police calls were 11 with nine after-hours calls. May donations included about $5,141 in food and $2,658 in supplies.

Facility needs discussed included a partially leaking roof over the kennel area (leak varies by wind and rain), pending ceiling repairs where mold is beginning to appear, and camera installation: camera equipment has been reviewed and the commission is awaiting final installation. The commission reported that the final three kennel doors needed for the facility have been ordered and a $5,000 donation earmarked for shed materials remains available; members discussed asking county commissioners to put the shed work out to bid or to permit use of donated funds to hire a local contractor because county maintenance staff are occupied with other work.

Other business included a yard-sale fundraising request that has been submitted to commissioners and was awaiting approval before the commission may advertise; the shelter is also planning to request a temporary storage unit if the yard sale proceeds. The commission reported that a local young man has proposed an Eagle Scout project to build a weatherproof donation box for the shelter; the commission forwarded the project materials to commissioners for approval.

The meeting closed with scheduling: the commission set its next meeting for August 2025 at 6 p.m. at 44 Susquehanna Street. The commission also noted the state dog warden would meet with members after the meeting for a separate, brief discussion.

Votes and formal motions taken at the meeting were procedural (approval of minutes, forwarding the fenced-area proposal to commissioners and adjournment) and were recorded as approved by those present.