Dozens of animals face uncertain future after commission terminates shelter contract

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – The largest animal shelter in Limestone County by population is set for closure after its bid to join the county’s animal control services was rejected.

The lives of dozens of pets are at stake.

Limestone County Commissioners decided to open a new animal shelter that will be operated by county employees.

The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter submitted its bid, which would cost the city well over $900,000 to operate the facility and to continue its current contract, but the county commission says they no longer have that money in the budget. The shelter is said to house the highest population of animals in the county.

“We perceived two bids but ultimately one bid was withdrawn,” explained County Attorney Drew Dill. “The other bid was deemed nonconforming among other things. The county today the commission did not award an animal pound contract.”

The commission asked several animal services vendors to put in a proposal for a bid to run animal control services for the county. Under Alabama law, according to Dill, each county is charged with running a suitable animal pound.

According to the law, the animals will be euthanized by the county if they aren’t adopted. Without the adoptions, the shelter is ruled overcrowded and will be shut down on October 1.

“There’s probably upwards of 150 animals at the animal shelter right now,” said Elizabeth O’Conner, Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter Director. “I don’t see where they are going to have enough room where they are going for all of those animals so, I implore everyone to come, adopt, rescue, foster or something to help as many animals as you can before this contract runs out.”

📲 Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.
📧 Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

O’Conner added that she could not accept a contract from the city for less or she would not be able to make payroll for the shelters staff.

An exact location for the county-run animal control shelter has not been determined.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.