Rexburg Opens New Animal Shelter

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Story Published: Jul 24, 2008 at 4:59 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:40 PM MST

By Nate Eaton

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REXBURG - The city of Rexburg has a brand new state-of-the-art animal shelter.

Capt. Randy Lewis, Rexburg Police Dept.: "It's just all around better for the animals."

The new animal shelter has several cats and dogs that are in need of new homes.

Candice Billingsley, Rexburg Animal Shelter: "A lot of them are just from unwanted liters. They get abandoned quite frequently."

The half a million dollar shelter is quite an improvement from the old building. It has heated floors, extra rooms, and a separate space where you can see if your current animal gets along with one you want to adopt.

Billingsley: "They can bring their dog in and we have a separate play area that they can get to know each other and make sure it's the proper fit."

One unique thing about this animal shelter is that the dog cages are a lot bigger. They have what's called 'running yards' so they can bring the dog in and when it goes through a door, it can eat, drink, and run back and forth to get its exercise.

While the new shelter is needed, one downside is people are leaving their unwanted cats and dogs on the doorstep.

Lewis: "They're either tieing them up or they're leaving the small animals in boxes."

Billingsley: "It's something that we are actively going after and will be prosecuting those who will be abandoning animals."

If you're interested in adopting an animal, they are sent home spayed or neutered and with their vaccinations.

For more information, contact the Rexburg police department at 208.359.3000.

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