City Council OKs Feasibility Study for Animal Shelter

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect cost of the feasibility study. The study, according to Councilor Duff White, will cost betweeen $6,000 and $10,000. We regret the error.

The Attleboro City Council voted on Tuesday night to commission a feasibility study that would look at the possibility of building a new $600,000 animal shelter in the city. 

After having had discussions about the shelter with Mayor Kevin Dumas, City Councilor Brian Kirby told his fellow councilors that the first step toward building a new animal shelter would have to start with a feasibility study on the design and construction of a shelter. 

A sticking point for some councilors, including City Councilor Duff White and City Councilor Richard Conti, was the cost of the study, which is expected to cost approximately $6, 000 to $10,000. White suggested that the city's do some leg work and study other local shelters, including Mansfield's new shelter, instead of paying for the study. 

During a committee meeting on the subject, City Councilor Walter Thibodeau suggested collaborating with other municipalities such as Seekonk and North Attleboro to potentially build a regional shelter. 

Councilor Richard Conti suggested looking into the possibility of acquiring existing construction plans from other shelters. 

While Conti said he agrees a $600,000 fundraising effort by the public will be a remarkable endeavor, he said something needs to be done for the dogs and cats at the shelter that are living in cramped quarters. 

The Friends of Attleboro Animal Shelter  on Saturday, May 7 will hold a car wash with the local girl scouts to help raise funds for the shelter. The shelter will also hold another event this month. It will hold the 8th Annual Paws for the Cause Pet Walk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Attleboro Moose Lodge #463, at 241 Thacher St.

The fundraiser will be held rain or shine. All proceeds will benefit animals of the Attleboro Animal Shelter.