WEST UNION, Ohio — Plans are under way to build a new animal shelter in Adams County, Ohio.

Homeless animals in the county are currently in an older shelter, with no room for expansion, officials said.

Members of the Humane Society of Adams County Inc. are hosting an informational meeting for the public at 7 p.m., on Dec. 10 at the West Union Career and Technical Center building to discuss future plans.

Fostering, volunteering, fund-raising and the needs of homeless animals in the county will be discussed, officials said.

Current efforts at the Adams County Animal Shelter, not directly affiliated with HSAC, are under the direction of Paul Hughes and a part time volunteer who cleans the facility.

Spay and neuter clinics HSAC has brought to the county are beneficial in helping lower unwanted pet populations, but keeping up with dogs and puppies of irresponsible owners keeps him busy, Hughes said.

"I could be on the go 24 hours a day, seven days a week, forever and we would still have a problem because some people just do not listen when we tell them what they need to do to keep the stray population down," Hughes said. "They can't blame the current economy, because they were doing the same things before."

Chris Troutman, a humane society member, is now helping HSAC with its efforts to get a new shelter built, when she is not busy hosting spay and neuter clinics, she said.

The proposed new shelter could contain several kennels for dogs, a cat room separated from the dogs by other office spaces, work spaces and adoption area, officials said.

Donations of time and money are needed by Humane Society of Adams County to achieve the dream of a nicer, larger and more efficient animals shelter in Adams County, Troutman said.

The organization hopes to have a new shelter built in 2010.

Hughes said he applauds their efforts.

Finding homes for pets through Internet agencies like Petfinder.com and HSAC has meant less dogs are euthanized, but Hughes laments the practice is still necessary on occasion.

"Anybody who likes putting down an animal is not right. In eight months I have only had to euthanize about 25 dogs, I call it setting them free; some were very ill and others were very aggressive. Rarely do we have to euthanize for crowding reasons," Hughes said.

Hughes has also enlisted the aid of a dog trainer to help dogs with "issues" become better adoption animals.

"He is with All Dogs Come From Heaven in Cincinnati. He works wonders," Hughes said.

For information on available dogs at the Adams County Shelter call 937-544-2431.

For information on Humane Society of Adams County spay and neuter clinics call 937-587-2727.

Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276.

For more area news, go to www.maysville-online.com.