UPDATE September 11, 2017
Animal Shelter Building Program - Washington Parish, Louisiana
This is a narrative of the proposed building to control the rabid / diseased animal population of Washington Parish, Louisiana, to be built on Washington Parish Government property in a rural section of Franklinton, known as Sheridan. The building is located on the grounds of a DPW facility at 23046 Yacc Road at the intersection with LA. State Hwy. 10, between Franklinton and Bogalusa.
The money budgeted in 2017 will be used to hire contract labor; the Parish DPW will continue to stage areas on the grounds in preparation for the contracted work. To date this 3,250 square foot building has been totally renovated to allow for the examination, isolation, and surgical space to service animals as well as offices for administrative staff and the visiting public. The plumbing, electrical, HVAC and venting systems in this portion of the facility have been updated to building code standards.
The Parish will continue to solicit competitive bids to construct a dedicated waste water system, kennels and build fencing and gates to control the rabid / diseased animal population. Additional funding is required to complete the remaining brick and mortar portion of the shelter. The existing building plus new outdoor extensions will total approximately 5,500 square feet.
SUMMARY
Construction / renovations completed
Climate-controlled intake and exam room with services required for temporary housing of stray and/or abandoned small animals
Climate-controlled isolation and exam room with separate entry
Work room with food storage and preparation areas, general storage, bathing and grooming area, and janitor’s station.
Administrative office, storage and admission area.
Restrooms for the general public and staff. (ADA accessible)
Laundry Facility
Constructed additional piping to add to the fresh water resources as needed for the animals consumption and for cleaning the facility; an existing, functioning water well is at the DPW site.
The scope of work remaining will include but not limited to the following:
Secure funding to purchase Furniture, Fixtures and equipment
Establish a ventilated general kennel area with 3’x6’ & 3’ X 12’ concrete and chain-linked runs, sloped towards trench drains and piping leading to a waste water system approved by the SPCA and the State of Louisiana DH&H. The plan is to attain a capacity of 20 dogs that could be doubled up in case of temporary excessive animal inflow.
Construction: 4” minimum concrete, outdoor slab-on-grade w/portions sloped drains throughout.
Construct a fenced-in yard adjacent to the existing DPW building; fencing and gating will be used to separate the animals as needed and /or recommended by the veterinarian overseeing the animal control program.
Currently, construction materials (concrete block & reinforcement steel) purchased for this facility are being stored at the Yacc Road site.
Our mission is much broader than building a block and mortar building. An operation & maintenance organizational plan will be written, promulgated and legislated into law; any additional funding will lead to an program that will improve general health and control diseases of animals in Washington Parish.
The Laws of the State of Louisiana mandate that each Parish is responsible to establish and use all resources available to establish an animal care facility.
With the adoption of Resolution No. 17-812, the Washington Parish Government will have dedicated resources to move this program forward.
Volunteers are welcome to contact our administrative staff to assist with this beneficial program.
