Animal shelter backers have received a donation of land and are looking to move the old Catholic Church rectory to a lot at 1 Mile Haines Highway to set up a shelter and eventually house a veterinary clinic.
Haines Animal Rescue Kennel executive director Milinda May said the newly-formed organization is dedicated to providing shelter to stray dogs and cats, a function currently handled by the City of Haines public works department.
May said the group’s primary goal is simple. “We want to prevent cruelty to animals. That’s our main purpose. We want to get strays off the street and find them good homes.”
The group is currently seeking non-profit status from the State of Alaska, after which it will be allowed to solicit for funds through paid memberships and donations.
The group’s non-profit status application should be approved later this month, May said.
She said developer John Floreske has agreed to donate 1.5 acres of land to the organization. The group is researching acquiring the old church rectory and moving it to the site.
The 80-year old bungalow, set on a concrete foundation at the corner of Third and Dalton streets is scheduled to be replaced soon with a new building. May said the group will research funding available for historic building preservation to pay for moving the structure and turning it into a residence and offices.
A veterinarian is needed to prevent what May considers the town’s top pet problem, abandonment of puppies and kittens after unwanted births.
“Look at all the times there’s puppies or kittens being forced on you when you walk downtown. Then there’s those mysterious litters left at Howsers. We could prevent that with a neutering program.”
She said there is need for other pet-related services, such as a boarding kennel, dog obedience and grooming classes, providing vaccination services for travelers taking their pets across the border, and training of companion service dogs.