Lewis & Clark Humane Society Unable to Build New Shelter at Frontage Road and I-90

Logistical Issues Prevent Shelter from Moving Forward With Current Site

Still looking Officials at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society (LCHS) announced today that they were not going to be able to build a new shelter at the location on Frontage Road. Previously, the City had given the shelter a long-term lease for a small annual fee and plans had been made to build a 16,000 square foot shelter on the property.

“Unfortunately, issues beyond our control have just recently come to light since our groundbreaking in October, and they have this site unusable,” said LCHS Board chair Dan Anderson. “We are very grateful for the offer from the city, but the logistics at this location are just not workable.” Anderson continued, “We are now looking diligently for a new site, and we are hoping someone in the community might step forward with an affordable option for the humane society, either land to purchase or to lease. We are certainly open to other development possibilities as well.”

Gina Wiest, Executive Director of the shelter, commented, “We are of course frustrated that we will not be able to proceed with building the new shelter at that location. However, the architect’s design, fundraising efforts to date, and other infrastructure investments we have made will carry over to a new location.” Wiest said, “We are in desperate need of a new shelter. The lifespan of the current building is long passed. The facility is maxed out in every way; it’s literally crumbling around us. The animals deserve a better, more modern and spacious place to live until they find their forever home.”

The capital campaign to raise money for a new shelter is still in full force, said Wiest. “We hope that anyone who has not made a contribution to the new shelter, and even those who already have, will help us finish the job and provide a new home for these animals in need.”