By Bonnie Culverhouse

It took three tries, but the plans for Minden Animal Control’s new facility are approved and right where they want them.

Thursday, the Minden City Council and Mayor were joined by other officials as they turned first dirt on the spot where it will be built.

“We had to go back to the drawing board (three times),” said Mayor Nick Cox. “We had to redesign it and get a new engineer.”

Engineer Brad Graff proved to be the person for the job. Blackrock Construction of Keithville will handle construction. 

The building will be around 1,800 square feet (under roof), approximately half of which is offices, space for 10 inside canine kennels – twice the number as the current shelter – and a room for cats. Preliminary estimates were around $350,000 to $400,000.

The council awarded Blackrock’s bid of $294,185 in November, 2024.

Money for the project will come from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) which was before December 31, 2024, a state grant and donations.

Cox said the project was “high priority” for the city.

This has been District D Councilman Michael Roy’s “pet” project.

“Our four-legged friends are our families,” Roy said. “This will be an ongoing endeavor to fund, and we are selling calendars from our Pet Mayor election as well as taking donations.”

Roy said the city is working on a way to take donations at the animal shelter, whether it is money or food.

Minden Police Department oversees the animal shelter along with manager Carrie Ford.

Chief Jared McIver said his department receives calls about loose animals every day.

“We’ve been out there with Carrie chasing dogs all over town,” he said.

Cox pointed out that animal control is not for everybody.

“It’s a thankless job,” he said. “Carrie has the heart and brains for it. She doesn’t just do the job, she is the job.”

Please send donations to City of Minden, 520 Broadway, Minden, LA 71055 or City of Minden, P. O. Box 580, Minden, LA 71058-0580.