$1.7 Million Animal Village Opens

Little Rock, AR (4 August 2007) Abby, a beagle belonging to Comcast’s Jeff Hanks, chewed on a dog biscuit attached to the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the City of Little Rock’s new Animal Village. The ribbon was held by Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and City Director Joan Adcock.

“I’m so excited I can barely contain myself,” said Director Adcock, who serves on the Animal Services Advisory Board. “We have been dreaming about this day for so long. It is finally here!”

Others participating in the opening ceremony included State Representative Pam Adcock, City Manage Bruce T. Moore, Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs Director Andre Bernard, Animal Services Manager Tracy Roark, members of the Animal Services Advisory Board, Animal Services Staff, and other supporters.

“As a pet lover and owner, I am proud of this facility. It represents the City’s commitment not only to the animals of Little Rock, but to the Citizens of Little Rock. They can come here and adopt animals, but they can also come here to learn how to take care of animals in a welcoming environment,” said Mayor Stodola.

City Manager Bruce Moore noted that the old facility was built in 1960 next to the sanitation dump. “Since that time, the mission has changed from serving as a pound to being a more comprehensive animal services operation. While the facility has been upgraded since 1960, the building has limitations that prevent it from best meeting its expanded mission.”

The new 7,663 square foot facility is located on Kramer Street just west of South University Avenue. It will be adjacent to the First Tee facility. Designed by Stuck and Associates, it contains expanded space for the animals under the care and supervision of Little Rock Animal Services.

The majority of the funding for the project is provided by Little Rock’s 2004 Capital Bond program. According to Tracy Roark, Animal Services Manager, “The bond monies paid for the basic project. In order to further expand Little Rock Animal Services’ ability to move into education and other programming, additional funding has been raised by the Animal Services Advisory Board through fundraisers and the State of Arkansas.”

“While we are excited by today’s event, we are not resting,” remarked Mayor Stodola. “Much work needs to be done for expanded education about the care and welfare of pets. I am excited that we have also added a full-time veterinarian to the staff out here at the Animal Village.”

“We are already looking forward to future expansion,” said Director Adcock. “An adjacent dog park, more dog runs, a larger space for cats, and larger education and special event space are in the future. But for today, I want to celebrate what we have done for Little Rock—both the citizens and the animals.”


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