Animal shelter opens in West Valley City

WEST VALLEY CITY — A new home for homeless cats and dogs opened Monday with great fanfare and a massive pair of red scissors. The $5.5 million structure is located near 4400 South and 3500 West and will meet the needs of animal control services for both West Valley City and neighboring Taylorsville for 20 years, according to West Valley spokesman Aaron Crim.

The shining orange and gray facility provides about 15,000 square feet of shelter space, compared with just 4,200 square feet at the old shelter on 7200 West.

That shelter was the oldest operating animal facility in the state. Animals will be moved into their new home next week, according to West Valley facilities director Jake Arslanian. City leaders hope the new facility will increase animal adoption rates and decrease euthanasia.

"Now the citizens of both cities will have first-class animal services, a first-class animal shelter and will do it for less money," said Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall. "We've done what we promised."