Hancock County moving forward with plans for new animal shelter

Hancock County is moving forward with plans to replace its aging animal shelter.

Overcrowding, drainage problems, and poor ventilation are putting a strain on the facility.

Jakira Hunt with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center shows us why county leaders say it is time for a replacement.

The Hancock County Animal Shelter was built after Hurricane Katrina damaged the previous shelter in Waveland.

County Administrator Jimmie Ladner says issues with the current building date back to its original design. “It’s got some shortcomings because of design factors at that time and fresh out of Katrina at that time. There was a lot going on.”

The shelter now has 51 kennels and can safely hold about 65 to 70 dogs.

But Shelter Director Greg Long says court cases and an influx of strays can quickly push the facility beyond its limits. “We have actually outdoor emergency runs that we’ve had to use on the other side where we’ve had to put dogs in there because we ran out of space due to court cases or an influx of strays.”

Space isn’t the only concern.

Long says the building’s ventilation system struggles with South Mississippi’s humidity, contributing to mold and mildew. “Without having the filtration system, it’s not cycling over and pulling the humidity out, causes you to get mold and mildew on the walls, and that poses a respiratory issue for all the animals, can be for the staff as well.”

Drainage can also become a problem during heavy rain, with water sometimes rising in the shelter’s runs.

Now, Hancock County is beginning the process of determining what a replacement shelter should look like. “The board has committed to doing something with the animal shelter. We recognize the need.”

The county engineer will study shelters in similar communities and develop preliminary plans to determine the size, features and cost of a new facility.

County leaders hope to finish that initial planning by the end of the year.