Ribbon-cutting for Anderson County Animal Holding Facility on Friday

 

CLINTON—The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Anderson County Animal Holding Facility at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

The facility marks a major milestone and advancement in the care and welfare of animals in Anderson County and is part of a larger, long-term plan to build an independent, county-operated state-of-the-art facility, a press release said.

On hand to celebrate will be longtime former Anderson County Commissioner Robin Biloski, who will be travelling from Florida to participate in the special event.

“Our new Animal Holding Facility clearly shows how a government effectively worked to help its residents on a neglected quality-of-life issue,” Biloski said. “Anderson County has proudly demonstrated how numerous people can come together to create a reality that our citizens have wanted and needed for so long. This issue continues to be so important to me that I left sunny Florida to be part of this inaugural event and pledge to continue to work on this initiative. I hope to see many dear friends share in this joyous occasion.”

Students from B.A.R.K., an animal welfare-related club at Clinton High School, along with their club sponsor Monique Berry, also will be on hand to mark the accomplishment. The students will help install a sign and logo created by the Clinton High School Art Department.  Just recently, students with B.A.R.K., along with special assistance from educator Ted Phillips, raised more than $600 and collected more than 2,000 pounds of dog and cat food, as well as bowls, towels, treats, and more as part of a food drive for the facility.

The Animal Holding Facility was the positive result of a team approach to finding a solution to the housing problem for lost or at-large animals. In March 2015, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and then-Commissioner Biloski formed the Animal Welfare Task Force to create a partnership of Animal Control and Public Works, Commission, the Sheriff’s Department, students, as well as representatives of the veterinarian, legal, and volunteer communities, the press release said.

“It is so exciting and encouraging to see so many people come together to make our community a better place,” Frank said. “We hope the ribbon-cutting can serve not just as a moment to mark an accomplishment, but also serve as inspiration for the capital projects fund for our long-term goal of constructing a full-service facility.”

“This facility is a big step in the right direction,” said Anderson County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Kenny Sharp, a member of the task force.

Businesses and individuals have already donated more than $26,000 for the fund, with another $1,000 in pledges made this week.

The Animal Holding Facility, located at 1480 Blockhouse Valley Road in Clinton, will be open for viewing by the public during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the press release said.

At this time, the facility is not open to the public as far as allowing citizens to surrender their pets.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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