100-ACRE NO-CAGE, NO-KILL DOG SHELTER OPENING IN ALABAMA
Source: AL.com (Extract)
Posted: August 9, 2022
Big Dog Ranch Rescue – the largest cage-free, no-kill rescue in the U.S. – is opening a 100-acre facility in Alabama.
The ranch will be located at the former home of a greyhound training facility in Shorter in Macon County and will serve as a rescue, rehabilitation, medical and adoption center for dogs across the south.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder and CEO Lauree Simmons said the facility is desperately needed.
“Record numbers of dogs are being brought to shelters resulting in overcrowding and a record euthanasia rate for these former family pets. Higher costs for everything from fuel to food are prompting owners to surrender their dogs,” Simmons said, adding the Alabama property will allow the rescue to save an additional 5,000 dogs each year.
Big Dog Ranch currently operates a facility in Florida.
The Alabama location will be used to provide medical care for dogs and arrange adoptions, as well as acting as a transitional hub for shelters throughout the northeast, serving Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
The campus has 16 kennels and several other structures that are being renovated prior to opening with priority given to immediate opening of five kennels, a Veterinary Healing Center and housing for staff. The first buildings are expected to open in September.