Oxford Breaks Ground on New Animal Shelter

First Selectman George R. Temple announced Thursday that work has begun on the new animal shelter in town. 

“I’m happy as the first selectman and animal lover that this project has begun, he said. "It has been more than 20 years since it was first proposed. I’m delighted and want to thank my fellow selectmen for their support, especially (Selectman) Jeff Haney for volunteering to work on this project at no cost to the town."

Temple, who has helped to break ground with the help of his dog Paco, said this is the kind of volunteerism that makes Oxford great

Haney and the Animal Shelter Committee has worked diligently over the past year in planning for the new shelter and has kept costs down by doing the work himself and by bringing in other volunteers to help. The project is expected to cost $90,000, but has been offset by $40,000 in fundraising.

“I’m proud to be involved in the building of the animal shelter," Haney said. "The volunteers from the Animal Shelter Committee’s family and friends are a dedicated group who never gave up hope that it would be built. Our administrative no-nonsense approach to building projects in the town of Oxford has made this possible."

Haney said the project is expected to be finished in about six months.  Sandy Merry, the town’s animal control officer, said the new shelter will add bathrooms, a laundry area and a place for storage. She said there will be an area to bathe the animals and a room for them to show the dogs to potential adopted owners.

“I could not be happier that this project has started and look forward to the day when it is completed,’’ Merry said.

Editor's Note: The information contained in the above report, including the quotes, were submitted to local media outlets by Joanne Pelton, administrative aide to First Selectman George Temple.