Safe Animal Shelter Calls For Aid
Video Blames Road Construction For Decreased Support
The Safe Animal Shelter has provided aid to animals in Clay County for 34 years. However, the shelter’s future is now in danger due to road closures and construction.
In a video posted to the shelter’s Facebook page, the staff of the shelter sent out an impassioned plea for aid. The shelter's operating costs amount to $2,400 per day, totaling $864,000 annually.
The video goes on to state that the reason for the decreased support is the road construction happening right outside the shelter, which has impacted foot and vehicle traffic. The shelter is located at the corner of Knight Box Road and County Road 220, just past the recently shut-down bridge that crosses over Little Black Creek.
The construction in the area has drawn the ire of many, as tens of thousands of Clay residents’ commutes were doubled by detours, which were already impacted by ongoing construction in the nearby Lake Asbury area.
Clay officials have stated there was no way to avoid the construction or truncate the timeline for completion, which is expected to last 18 months. The project includes widening the road to four lanes and replacing the 76-year-old bridge over Little Black Creek.
Ultimately, the construction isn't going away, and neither is the shelter’s need for help. According to the shelter, the best way to help is through donations, but the next best way is to help spread the word.
Donations to the shelter can be made here, and you can follow their Facebook page here.
Sad. Pathetic the way the growth and reconstruction of the roads has been done in this county. All over the county. Awful decisions and poor planning. Same over in Green Cove Springs.
We adopted a kitten on Mothers day weekend, I've also donated since then. Praying they can stay open as this is needed so much in our community.