Humane Society Getting $2M Toward Detroit Animal Care Center

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan Humane Society is getting a $2 million lead gift in its effort to raise money toward the construction of a Detroit animal care center.

Funding announced Wednesday is from the Dresner Foundation. The new facility will be just blocks away from the group's current Detroit shelter.

The Humane Society says will cost $15.5 million to build the 34,000-square-foot facility. The "Hope is Building" campaign has raised $9 million.

"The Dresner Foundation is proud to continue the legacy left by Vera Dresner and her love of animals by supporting this new and exciting chapter in animal welfare in the city of Detroit," said Kevin Furlong, CEO of the Dresner Foundation, in a media release."The Michigan Humane Society has been a haven for homeless animals for more than 100 years, and the new animal care campus represents their commitment to serve the people and pets in our community for decades to come."

The future MHS Detroit Animal Care Campus would offer improved animal housing, an expanded veterinary center, a new home for the Cruelty Investigation and Rescue Department, dog and cat rehabilitation areas,  spacious shelter dog play yards and a community dog park.

Construction has started and completion is scheduled by early 2016. MHS moved into its current Detroit shelter in the 1920s.

"This gift brings us much closer to a new reality for the animals and citizens of Detroit," said Matthew Pepper, President and CEO of the Michigan Humane Society. "This project is much bigger than a facility; it is a commitment to advancing the care of animals within the City."

For more information or to make a donation, call 248-283-5690 or visit this link.