The City of Newton is now paying higher fees for animal control services from Parkview Animal Hospital. The Newton business ended its contract with the city as of yesterday, October 15th. The Police Department is now using Parkview on a non-contractual basis until a new City-owned Kennel can open. The city is cautioning residents of potential interruptions or limited animal control services until the new modular kennel purchased three weeks ago is fully operational,  located at 707 West 9th Street North. On the recommendation of Police Chief Rob Burdess, Newton City Council members unanimously approved the purchase of an $84,831 eight stall commercial modular kennel from Backyard Escapes of Pocomoke City, Maryland. 

“This is a 12’ x 52’ modular unit built by Amish Craftsmen in Pennsylvania. They come turnkey. All the Kennels are pre-installed, all the electric, heating and cooling, and plumbing. Everything we need is there. We do need to install infrastructure to it. That includes electric and Water”

The city expects it to be ready to house animals later this fall. Until then, Parkview Animal Hospital will provide limited, non-contractual animal housing services through the end of this year. The city-operated kennel will be overseen by Newton’s Community Service Officers in the Code Enforcement Division.  Dogs picked up by the Newton Police Department will continue to be posted at www.newtongov.org/straypets.