After a long search for a solution to Marion County’s animal control problem, members of the county board’s County and Community Committee believe they have found a location in Odin that can serve as a permanent animal control facility. Committee chair Tracy Murray says the building is ready to be purchased and can be converted to hold dogs picked up by the county.
“We’re the closest we’ve ever been,” Murray said. “We have contacted the owner of the building, we’ve negotiated the price, and he’s agreed. Now, we basically have to get approval from the full board to follow through with that.”
Murray plans to prepare information to present to the board on the total cost of purchasing and converting the building as well as the cost of running and maintaining it.
Currently, the county is working with the Doggie Den in Centralia to hold dogs on an agreement that ends on April 15. Committee members are hoping that the Doggie Den will be willing to extend that agreement until a new animal control facility is ready. Murray expects that with board approval, it would take a few months for the building to be ready to hold dogs.
Animal control officer Ken Ferguson reported seven dogs are currently being held for the county at the Doggie Den. Information on dogs available for adoption can be found on the Marion County Animal Control Facebook page. Animal control problems should be reported directly to Marion County Animal Control by calling (730) 227-1759.
