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County Animal Shelter Was ‘Deplorable.’ Here’s What It Looks Like Now.

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Dogs of all breeds and sizes awaiting new parents to meet at the new Fresno County Animal Shelter. (GV Wire/Albert Baker)
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Lost animals in Fresno County can now be found in a bigger and more suitable facility.

After years operating at a temporary location in a former morgue, Fresno County cut the ribbon on a new animal shelter in southwest Fresno.

“All of us know that the morgue site was not functional and it was deplorable,” Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig said.

The new 20,000 square foot facility will have everything an animal will need — an intake center, large play areas, clinics and isolation spaces. It will be nearly 10 times as big as the former operation, used 10 years as a “temporary” facility.

“I think the biggest win here is the combination of assistance for animals and (getting) the community involved in what we do,” Teri Rockhold, director of Fresno Humane Animal Services said.

Above: Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp meets a new furry friend. Below: Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig meets “Rory.” (GV Wire/David Taub)

 

Need Help? 559-600-PETS

The new facility at 1510 W. Dan Ronquillo Drive (near Marks Avenue and Highway 180) will mainly house dogs and cats. It will also have the ability to shelter farm animals such as goats, horses and pigs.

For anyone who lives in an unincorporated part of the county, a call to 559-600-PETS (7387) will connect to the shelter.

FHAS will operate the $9.4 million center on a ten-year contract. The group boasted a 90% live release rate. Before FHAS took over management in 2015, that number was 30%.

In 2018, the county considered a location near Grantland Avenue and Highway 99 just outside of the Fresno city limits. Neighborhood objections eventually sank the plan.

The city of Fresno is also opening a $20 million animal shelter soon, north of the airport. County officials say the two entities will work together for spay and neuter events and adoption awareness.

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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