BOS Cuts Ribbon to Open

New Animal Services Center

The Board of Supervisors cut the ribbon Friday to open its new Animal Services Center.

The $2.5 million facility officially opened as government leaders joined with advocates of the project to celebrate a state-of-the-art facility for animal services in Prince George County.

County Administrator Percy Ashcraft quoted Mahatma Gandhi in his opening remarks: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Ashcraft went on to say that “We begin a new era in County government’s role and responsibility for the care and handling of dogs and cats. From this day forward, animals, employees and visitors will be in an environment that will be state-of-the-art. It will serve every part of animal services and create an atmosphere where the adoption of a new pet can be pleasant and swift.”

Ashcraft cited a list of buildings and grounds’ upgrades that have been constructed over the years. “This facility takes its place among our government’s inventory of buildings and grounds that are modern, efficient and visitor friendly.”

Ashcraft also added, “All of these projects, paid for in large part by the citizens and business owners of Prince George County, are constructed and developed for the citizens of Prince George County in the areas of services offered, job creation and a general improvement to our quality of life.”

Following Ashcraft, remarks were given by BOS Chairman Henry Parker; Police Chief Ed Frankenstein; Scott Wheeler, Enteros Design, architect for the project; and Sam Daniel, Daniel and Company, general contractor for the project.”

Chairman Parker paid special tribute to the Animal Control Division employees for their hard work and sacrifice at the old Animal Shelter, located on Union Branch Road. He quoted actor Gomer Pyle by telling the crowd “Gollllleeeeee” in describing the new Animal Services Center.

Chairman Parker added “Those involved coordinated efforts to make sure that the County would have a structure that was economical, while meeting the many requirements of the State Veterinarian’s Office through the Department of Agriculture.”

Frankenstein, who oversees the Animal Control Division as part of the Police Department, likewise thanked his staff. He then called on representatives from the Moore Middle School Beta Club who gave a check of $2,100 to the Animal Services Center from changed collected the last few weeks.

Over the last several years, the Beta Club has donated $16,000 to animal services in Prince George County.

Both Wheeler and Daniel recognized the hard work of County Staff to get the project completed, including General Services Director Bill Hamby, Senior Building Inspector Reid Martin and Special Projects Coordinator George Paulson. In addition, Daniel presented Ashcraft with a check for $20,000 as a contribution to the Animal Services Center on behalf of the contractor and sub-contractors.

An Open House will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to give the public an opportunity to tour the facility. Spay and neuter fees will be waived for the day to encourage adoption.

The Animal Services Center will be open daily for normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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