If three local women have their way, Crenshaw County residents will soon have a place to take unwanted or stray animals found in the county.

Kim Thiem and Betty Massey, along with Kim Kent, have been working the past nine months to set up a preliminary business plan for a Crenshaw County Animal Shelter.

They have been meeting with the county commission, the Luverne City Council, Brantley Town Council, Rutledge Town Council and Petrey Town Council to seek input into the shelter.

They also plan to meet with the Dozier and Glenwood councils.

Their initial plan calls for updating Dr. Warren Williams’ old veterinary clinic next to The Dinner Table and having 20 kennels for dogs and 25 for cats.

The county commission suggested the women look at several other buildings since the price for rent was around $500 a month for the building, but the location is well-suited for the needs of an animal shelter, the women said.

Dr. Pat Walker, who serves on the Luverne City Council, offered to speak with Dr. Williams’ daughter to see if she may be interested in donating the rent as a tax write-off to the organization.

Their goal is to couple the shelter with an animal society.

Additionally, they plan to launch a spay/neuter program in the county, a feral cat program, conduct obedience classes and other educational programs to help educate the public.

Kent, who currently works with the Butler County Humane Society, is experienced with helping adopt animals from the shelter.

“Most adoptions are not done locally,” she said. “Last month, we adopted out 26 dogs and they all went somewhere else.”

Organizers have spoken with Dr. Alethea Gammage, who currently is charged with taking care of stray animals within the city of Luverne.

The city currently pays her a fee to take on this task.

“We have a contract with Dr. Gammage,” Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport said. “She keeps the animal for two week and we pay the room and board. It’s been pretty effective in Luverne.”

Thiem told the Brantley council on Tuesday night that they have tried to model after things that work at Butler, Conecuh and Pell City.

They plan to have a $40 adoption fee and hope to incorporate a $20 spay and neuter program for the entire county.

Brantley Mayor Bernie Sullivan suggested the woman speak to Andalusia veterinarian Dr. Bob Bush, who runs a mobile vet service.