Friends of Butler County Animals hosting Saturday fundraiser for new shelter
MORGANTOWN, Ky. (WNKY) — The Butler County Animal Shelter is dealing with black mold, falling ceilings and drainage problems, and the nonprofit that runs it says it’s well past time for a new building. A fundraiser this Saturday aims to help make that happen.
Friends of Butler County Animals (FOBCA) will host its first “Blueprints for Pawprints” fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Eva Hawes Building in Charlie Black Park in Morgantown.
Current shelter falling apart
FOBCA operates the Butler County Animal Shelter through an agreement with the Butler County Fiscal Court. Jeanie Locke, the group’s president, says the condition of the building has become a serious concern.
“Our building is deteriorating around us. We constantly fight black mold. We have places where the ceiling’s fallen in. We have drainage problems. It’s every day is a challenge just to get through the day,” Locke said.
The kennels are also falling apart. Locke says a new building would allow staff to spend less time dealing with repairs and more time caring for the animals.
Plans for the new shelter
FOBCA has already purchased six acres for the new Butler County Animal Wellness Center.
The plans go beyond a traditional animal shelter. The new location would also house a spay and neuter clinic, thrift store, education center and community space.
Locke says the project will cost around $2.5 million, but they’re still waiting on some estimates. The group has raised nearly $500,000 so far, much of it through donations, yard sales and bake sales.
One phase of the plan is already making a difference. Since opening a temporary spay and neuter clinic in October 2024, more than 20,000 procedures, with people traveling from more than 90 counties and nine states for its services.
Fundraiser set for Saturday
The “Blueprints for Pawprints” event will include barbecue from Morgantown business Up in Smoke, a silent auction with more than 80 items and live music.
Grammy Award winner Greg Martin of the Kentucky Headhunters and local band Funkhouser Hillbillies will be the evening’s entertainment.
Tickets are $25 and cover food and entertainment. They’re available at the door or online. Anyone who can’t make it can still take part in the silent auction by bidding through FOBCA’s Facebook page.
Locke hopes the fundraiser will help move the project forward and eventually give the animals a safer, better place to stay.
“It would just mean that we can do better for the animals,” Locke said.
