COVINGTON, Ga. - The Newton County Animal Shelter will have a little more space when it opens its doors on new renovations and an expansion next year thanks to a generous gift from a local supporter.

The Newton County Board of Commissioners accepted a $100,000 donation from the anonymous donor during its Oct. 15 regular meeting. According to the resolution that was unanimously approved, the funds “shall be utilized for additional animal housing improvements for the Animal Control facility”.

Expansion and improvements to the animal shelter were approved by Newton County voters in a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum in 2017, which saw $1.2 million set aside for the project. The BOC then added another $350,000 to the project with a transfer from the County’s capital improvement fund on Oct. 1.

The Animal Shelter, being built and designed by Sunbelt Builders, will have additional space for cats, small dogs and puppies and larger animals, along with more quarantine space and renovated offices for staff. New HVAC units and upgraded electrical systems will also be added to the shelter.

The building plans call for the existing building at 210 Lower River Road to be completely renovated and a new building added with runs for additional animals. The new building will feature a modular system, in which more runs can be added over time to accommodate more animals.

Thanks to the generous anonymous gift more housing for animals can be built sooner rather than later. 

According to a resolution read into the record by County Manager Lloyd Kerr, the donation was made to “improve the chances of pet adoptions in Newton County. To house more strays so that they may transition into becoming a loving pet and a family member.”