OKC's Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center breaks ground
'This original building was built back in 1996 and it's time for an upgrade,' said Councilman Todd Stone, City of Oklahoma City.
LOCAL NEWS: Loving and adoptable pets available this February
McCune spent years advocating for humane living conditions for animals in Oklahoma and around the world. She significantly contributed to the new shelter project before passing away last year.
'I know Louisa is here with us in spirit, and she would absolutely be thrilled,' said Kelly Barnes of the Kirkpatrick Foundation. 'She said, where animals fare well, people fare well.'
The $42 million project is funded through MAPS 4.
'It's designed to improve the care for the animals, but also improve conditions for our staff and our volunteers,' said Stone.
The center will be constructed in two phases. One, building the main shelter and two, rebuilding the 2,800 square foot barn, providing parking and removing the current structure.
The new facility will more than double the number of dog kennels to nearly 550 and increase the number of cat condos to more than 300.
LOCAL NEWS: OKC Zoo welcomes Eastern collared lizards
'It's not just about being prettier and having newer, nicer things,' said Mayor David Holt. 'Sometimes capacity limitations drive decisions about euthanasia that might have not occurred otherwise.'
The new building is scheduled to open in 2026.
'There's a lot that's going to happen at this place, and that's certainly a fulfillment of Louisa's expansive vision for it,' said Holt.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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