Baltimore County Gets Brand New Animal Shelter

BALDWIN, Md. (WJZ) -- After protestors drew attention to the poor conditions at the Baldwin Animal Shelter in Baltimore County, a brand new facility has taken its place, doubling the services for animals.

Tracey Leong explains.

The multi-million dollar custom designed facility is offering care not only for strays, but affordable services for animal owners throughout the county.

Fed up with the care and services at the Baldwin Animal Shelter, protestors demanded change.

Animal activists claimed cats and dogs were stuck in deplorable living conditions, the shelter was mismanaged and the euthanasia rate was too high.

In response to the criticism, Baltimore County has built a new 22,400 square foot facility with enhanced features and improved technology.

"Doubled the storage space for both cats and dogs. We doubled the rescue numbers," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

The $6.6 million shelter replaces the outdated center, which has already been torn down.

"We in the county recognize that, and this is an appropriate use of tax dollars," said Kamenetz.

With the extra resources, they are now able to house double the amount of animals, meaning dogs like Dakota have a better chance of finding a forever home.

Since opening the new facility, the euthanasia rate has gone from 60 percent to now just seven percent.

"Our live release for dogs is 93 percent, and live release rate for cats is 82 percent," said Dr. Meilissa Joans, Baltimore County Animal Services. "So we are happy and want to continue that."

With upgraded medical suites, staff can also effectively treat animals who need immediate care and focus efforts on spaying and neutering, which is a top priority.

"The less puppies and kittens born, the more people will come and adopt the ones we already have and it's healthier for the pet," said Joans.

So far this year, more than 6,000 pets have been spayed or neutered in Baltimore County.