MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The much anticipated, and much delayed, grand opening of the new Memphis Animal Shelter took place Saturday, December 3rd.
The animal shelter has certainly come under its share of criticism, but everyone, from city officials to animal advocates, are hoping that by moving from the old 10,000 square foot facility to a new state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot building, everything will be much better.
There were plenty of people on hand adopting dogs, and more trying to sneak a look at the new vet facilities, including an actual veterinarian, Jen Clay, who is on the Shelter board.
Clay liked what she saw. “This new building is beautiful,” Clay said. “I'm jealous of the heated surgery tables; they’re gorgeous."
In addition to all the great cosmetics, animal advocate Beverly King discovered a policy change; opening the formerly padlocked “Stray Area” to the public. That’s something she says shocked her, but it was very welcome.
“Absolutely, by opening up the stray area, the public can go and see what animals are being held at the shelter instead of hiding them behind locked doors," said King. "It's great, so I’m real pleased.”
Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton said the new building was just the beginning, and promised the efforts of the workers and volunteers would never end, in terms of serving their four-legged customers.
