WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The newly-renovated Bloomington Animal Shelter opened to the public earlier this week. The shelter on South Walnut recently underwent major renovations, so as to better provide for the animals housed there. According to a statement from the city of Bloomington, total renovation costs were estimated at 2.1 million dollars.
The project was financed through Tax Increment Financing funds, or Tiffs, which are designated for infrastructure improvements. Each year, nearly 4000 animals pass through the doors of the Bloomington Animal Shelter. Last year, 87% of the animals entering the shelter were returned to their owners, transferred to another rescue group, or adopted into new homes. City officials say the Bloomington Animal Shelter maintains a low euthanasia rate, with only four percent of all animals entering the shelter euthanized so far this year. Last year, that rate was closer to eight percent.
On Tuesday, city officials, including Mayor John Hamilton, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new shelter. The newly-renovated Bloomington Animal Shelter is open daily. It costs 75 dollars to adopt animals under five years of age, and 55 dollars for animals five and older.
