New Animal Care facility celebrates grand opening

Jan. 23—LENOIR — More than 100 guests joined Caldwell County commissioners to open the new Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Facility on Saturday morning (Jan. 21).

Local leaders and guests were excited to tour the new 12,000-square-foot facility and see the 46 dog kennels, 75 cat kennels, four cat community rooms, two dog acquaintance rooms, a cat acquaintance room, and a separate grooming room. All of these areas provide room for shelter staff to care for more animals and places for individuals to meet the shelter's pets.

"When I came on the Board of Commissioners 10 years ago, we were talking about the need for a new facility, and now it's finally here," said Chairman of the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners Randy Church.

"All of our commissioners have done an excellent job in helping the citizens of this county get the services they need," said County Manager Donald Duncan. "In this particular instance, Commissioner Donnie Potter had a lot of influence and spent a lot of hours involved in it."

"The building is important, but our staff and their service-oriented attitude is what is making it happen," Potter said. "For many years, at Animal Control, we would bring dogs and cats in, and pretty quickly, we would euthanize these dogs and cats. These animals didn't have a chance. Today, they do. With a larger facility, but more importantly, with a staff who I'm extremely proud of, they have completely revamped and restructured what Animal Control and animal care is about in Caldwell County."

"We changed it to Animal Care because we're not dealing with bad animals, we're dealing with bad humans," said Duncan. "It's no longer an Animal Control issue, it's an Animal Care issue."

Duncan introduced Richard Gilliland, director of Animal Care Enforcement, and his staff.

"I couldn't do this job without these men and women here," Gilliland said.

During the opening ceremony, commissioners honored Dr. John Thuss, longtime veterinarian and public servant.

"In recognition of a life of commitment to service and a career devoted to restoring the health of, promoting the care for, and encouraging adoption of animals, this building is dedicated in honor to Dr. John Woodward Thuss Jr," said Commissioner Mike LaBrose.

LaBrose presented Thuss with a plaque for him and his family. The same plaque will be displayed prominently in the new facility.

"I was thinking since 1970 how much progress we have made in Caldwell County as far as animal care. Back in the old days, it was not very humane, and it was not very pet or owners sensitive. We have come a long way," said Thuss. "This facility is great, and it will give animals a better chance."

The facility, located at 180 Government Way next to the sheriff's office, is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Their new phone number is 828-572-4535.