A new kennel at the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society’s facilities on U.S. 61 South is expected to open in a couple of weeks, and the workers couldn’t be happier.

Plans for the kennel found their birth in a Feb. 12 storm that ripped off half of the roof. Renovations already were in the making, but changes to plans were required. Construction began June 1.

When work began, the Humane Society board estimated the costs for renovation at $462,500. Donations through January 2008 had reached $375,000, society president Georgia Lynn said then, but she now declines to say what the facility is costing.

Funding has come through public and private donations, including a one-time $100,000 boost from Warren County, approved by the board of supervisors for 2007-2008. For the upcoming year, which begins Oct. 1, the county is expected to spend $125,000 on animal control via its contract with the organization to enforce its vicious animal ordinance. The City of Vicksburg will spend $199,506 on its separately operated facility.

The new kennel was designed by Vicksburg architect Paul Ingram; the general contractor is Moss Construction of Vicksburg. The facility will have 13 kennels, compared with six before. New fencing will replace wires patched with racks from old refrigerators.

Two of the holding areas will be large enough to hold livestock.

New electrical wiring will bring lights and fans; and a storage room is included.

The facility also will allow for a 24-hour drop-off.

The kennels are made of cinder block, a natural insulation that will aid animal comfort in summer and winter months.

“This is going to be the first modern, professionally built building that has ever been built for the Humane Society,” Lynn said. “All the building supplies are new and … each kennel will have its own drain. The new kennel is modern and designed for animals with potential life-threatening diseases,” she said.

In the past four years, more than 10,000 animals have been visitors or long-term residents at the shelter.

“A city pound typically gives pets X number of days and then they euthanize the animal,” she said. “But, we would not be a humane society if we put limits on how long we can keep an adoptable animal. As long as the animal is physically and mentally stable, the Humane Society will keep the animal until it can find a loving home,” said Lynn.

She said the society sought the assistance of the Mississippi Animal Rescue League in planning and designing.

The old kennel will be razed, Lynn said.

The Humane Society has a mission to help and pick up animals that have been left out in the heat, are treated cruelly or are vicious, aggressive animals.