Every shelter needs expansion. As a citizen all we can do is be a voice for those who cannot defend themselves. We should expand the shelter and give those animals hope for a future. Better laws are needed to protect from them from abuse and neglect that leads to them ending up in shelters.  An Article from January 2022 when the expansion was proposed to our County Commissioners was never followed up on. Instead we have built a 2.7 million dollar shooting range. McDowell did pay all the 2.7 million but we definitely provided a large chunk. We don't need a shooting range to live. We do need to protect animals that cannot protect themselves and support our Rescues, Shelter workers, Volunteers, and Fosters that put so much heart to receive so little on return. 

The county approved a new budget in June 2022 that was 9.4% higher than 2021 budget. Amount $54,425,329.00. Article Link Below

On September 14th the Commissioner P.Ellis stated he would not put children's needs above animals. When they purchased a new county building they already placed those needs of children and animals at the bottom of the list. Why do we spend money on material things like a new office but we cannot spend money on a facility that helps the animals in our community?

Our community needs to start looking at meeting minutes and be more aware of who we are voting into office. We have to be the change. 

https://mcdowellnews.com/news/local/mcdowell-officials-discuss-animal-shelter-spending-priorities/article_2b53efb2-343e-11ed-ad36-2fbdb3ada96f.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR0gltKK9paSOrKT9njWyQbQhdg4_7AbbQ94ExJWUQCl8k-qJ9sdO1SGj8U

https://genevawells.com/mcdowell-county-commissioners-hear-animal-services-report-local-news