Nearby shelter closure impact unclear for Hardin County

Officials aren’t sure what the closing of the Taylor County Animal Shelter means for local facilities.

Deputy Judge-Executive Jim Roberts said Wednesday he hadn’t been contacted by shelter representatives about housing pets from the county.

Taylor County Fiscal Court decided last week to close the facility, which is accused of animal cruelty. The shelter also houses stray animals from LaRue, Casey, Green and Russell counties.

The closure is planned for 45 days after the Feb. 12 decision.

Hardin County officials would try to work with the shelter if asked, Roberts said.

Hardin County likely doesn’t have the resources to handle all of Taylor County’s animal shelter needs, but the shelter on Nicholas Street in Elizabethtown likely could accommodate some animals if Taylor County employees brought them, he said.

There tend to be fewer animals in the shelter during winter and more in summer, Roberts said.

Hardin County would be even more capable, if asked, to help the Taylor County Animal Shelter once the new shelter planned for Peterson Drive raises enough money to be finished, he said.

PAWS Foundation President Deedie Layman said she doesn’t think at this point that Hardin County will be impacted.

The best thing for people to do would be to adopt pets from Taylor County before the shelter closes, she said.

Amber Coulter can be reached at (270) 505-1746 or acoulter@thenewsenterprise.com.