The newly-announced storm drain infrastructure and construction dirt pile location for the expansion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport threatens to devastate a vital green space surrounding the Animal Care & Control shelter. This plan involves clearcutting trees and destroying trails that are crucial for providing dogs with enrichment and for volunteers and staff to interact with the animals in a stress-free environment.

Currently, these trails offer the only unpaved area where dogs from the shelter can exercise, explore, and receive the environmental enrichment they desperately need. Away from the noise and chaos of the shelter, these trails provide a serene atmosphere for both animals and humans, fostering interactions that contribute significantly to animal welfare.

Reports suggest that clearcutting will eradicate a peaceful habitat and replace it with potential pollution and noise from increased construction traffic. The trails play an essential role not just for the animals, but also for the community volunteers and dedicated staff who dedicate their time and love to caring for these animals.

Moreover, urban settings like Charlotte increasingly suffer from a lack of green spaces, which are imperative for mental and physical health. Destroying these trails not only impacts the animals and the shelter but also contributes negatively to the community atmosphere.

While economic growth is important, it should not come at the cost of invaluable green spaces. High stress work environments like hospitals work to create natural oases in for employees to take breaks and recharge so they can continue to do the hard work they face daily. Business parks in our city build beautiful outdoor areas for teams to commune and build culture. We urge the decision-makers of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport project to allow the people and animals at our city's shelter the same reprieve by considering alternative plans that do not involve the destruction of these trails and trees.

Please sign this petition to preserve at least a portion of the green space surrounding the Animal Care & Control shelter, ensuring that both the animals and the community continue to benefit from an area to interact outside of the fenced parking lot and small paved play yards. Your support can make a difference in safeguarding animal welfare and community well-being.