By Bonnie Culverhouse

The exterior of Minden’s new animal control center is “dry” with all walls and a roof, while workers await the opportunity to move inside.

The building is around 1,800 square feet  (under roof), around half of which is offices, space for 12 inside canine kennels – twice the number as the current shelter – 6 outdoor and a room for cats. Preliminary estimates were around $350,000 to $400,000. Keithville-based Blackrock Construction was awarded the job with a bid of $294,185.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox said there have been a few minor change orders since the council meeting where Blackrock was approved, but he believes the cost will not change much.

“There was a need for outside electrical receptacles which, after those are added, they should be able to put the siding on the building,” Cox said.

The building is “in the dry” now, however, no electricity or plumbing have been added yet.

Carrie Ford, director of Animal Control, is excited for the prospect of space that will allow her to train some of the canines before adoption. Currently, there is one dog housed at the shelter. Her adoption has been approved and she is awaiting her spay before her new family takes her home.

Minden Animal Control is certified as a “Kill Shelter,” but Cox said since Ford has been director, no animals have been euthanized.

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

There is no set date for the new shelter’s completion, and fundraising continues for the job. A portion of the building was paid by a grant and American Rescue Plan Spending (ARPA) funds.

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