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Somerset Humane Society tells commissioners it needs a new shelter after crowding and board begins planning
Summary
Bonnie Brooks of the Somerset Humane Society told commissioners the Society has received $150,000 from the county toward planning a new shelter because the current Skowhegan building—designed for 13 dogs—regularly houses more than 30; the board says a new facility will likely cost millions.
Bonnie Brooks with the Somerset Humane Society told the Somerset County Commissioners on Nov. 20 that the Society has received $150,000 in funds from the County to go toward building a new facility. She said the current shelter in Skowhegan was designed to hold 13 dogs but regularly houses more than 30 and that overflow animals are kept with foster families while remaining under the Society's care.
Commissioner Robert Sezak raised questions about whether the national Humane Society provides funding; Brooks said they do not and instead rely on town assessments, donations, grants and adoption fees. Commissioner John Alsop asked about board size and whether county funds could be used for engineering or site selection; Brooks said the board may need clarification on how county funds were designated before using them for planning.
Brooks said the Society's board has begun the process of planning and expects a new facility will cost “millions,” and she emphasized that expanding shelter capacity remains a priority that would benefit from county assistance.
