Jackson residents oppose new animal shelter - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Jackson residents oppose new animal shelter

A petition has been sent to the Jackson City Council opposing the relocation of an animal shelter from Rankin County to Jackson. The Mississippi Animal Rescue Fund, or ARF, is building the new shelter in an old purple warehouse on West Mayes Street.

There is a huge need for space to put homeless animals in the Jackson metropolitan area.   As a result, the Mississippi animal rescue fund set up a facility in Rankin County, on Holly Bush Road, some 5.6 miles to the east of Highway 25.  

Neighbors started complaining to the Rankin County Board of Supervisors, so the supervisors gave ARF until November 15th to move the animals. Later, that deadline was extended to November 30th.  

Now, as the move of some 300 dogs and 100 cats to Jackson is about to begin, opposition has surfaced.  

Willie Glover, who lives on Marion Dunbar, near the new facility, signed the petition against the animal shelter.

"We filled out our petition and sent them in to the city council" said Glover. "We haven't gotten any response."

Harrell Thurman, who also lives on Marion Dunbar Street, is not opposed to the animals.

"I think it will be good" said Thurman. "Hopefully it will get some of the strays around here out. Off the streets, so the trash won't be ate up and stuff."

Elizabeth "Pippa" Jackson, who runs ARF, says she has gotten proper approval for the new animal care facility.

"We went before the city of Jackson, shared what we going to use the property for" said Jackson. "They gave us the list of requirements and we are complying with all of those."

This new facility is being built free of charge by Yates Construction Company. ARF officials say Yates is living up to it's motto of on time, on budget, and to your satisfaction.

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