ANNISTON, AL – Commission approves $2 million purchase to replace outdated facility with state-of-the-art animal care campus
The Calhoun County Commission voted Thursday to move forward with plans to purchase the OneWorld Pet Resort for $2 million, transforming the 38-acre facility into a comprehensive animal shelter and adoption center that would dramatically upgrade the county’s animal control services.
The acquisition, which requires a public hearing under Alabama’s Amendment 772, represents what commissioners called a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to replace the county’s current outdated shelter with a modern facility featuring more than 150 kennel runs, multiple buildings, outdoor parks, and walking trails.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a premium property that will take animal control to a level that never been had in this county,” said Commissioner Lee Patterson during Thursday’s meeting. “The previous shelter or the current shelter we have is very dated and not really equipped for what the county needs our animals, you know, care of our animals. So this is going to provide a wonderful atmosphere, a clean atmosphere, to where we can keep things at bay that we’ve experienced in the past.”
A Vision Beyond Basic Shelter Services
Commission Chairman Terry Howell, who has been a vocal advocate for improved animal services, acknowledged to the Calhoun Journal that while the new facility represents a significant upgrade, it’s only part of the solution to the county’s animal overpopulation problem.
“We’re moving facilities. Did we solve animal problems, straight problem by doing this? No, we did not,” Howell said. “We’re not solving the animal straight problem by doing this. So we’ve still got to… come up with a real solution. We got to have responsible ownership and irresponsible ownership. We’ve got to break that.”
Howell, who campaigned on improving animal control as one of his key platform issues, sees the OneWorld acquisition as the first step in a comprehensive approach. “We’re going from a substandard kennel of 40 kennels, and we stayed over populated, to 150 with much better environment,” he explained.
The chairman envisions the new facility as more than just a shelter, describing plans for a community hub that would include educational programs, dog parks, walking trails, and special events.
Property Owner Committed to Community Solution
Paul Hammond, owner of OneWorld Pet Resort, told the Calhoun Journal he decided to work with the county after recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution to local animal welfare challenges.
“I’ve been working with the county for a while. You know, we’ve all been trying our best to find solutions for dog shelter, easing some of the pressure, adoptions, education of children, all of those things,” Hammond said. “I personally decided to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.”
Hammond, who has over 30 years of experience in the canine industry, emphasized that the facility offers capabilities far beyond a traditional shelter. “The idea is going to be, is to create this huge campus that draws people in from far and wide, not just about having a place for the shelter dogs, having a place for adoption, but also for educating the young children for pets and dog parks and dog trails.”
He noted that building a comparable facility from scratch would cost significantly more and take years to complete. “For the county to actually have to build the thing that they need, the size and scale and everything else, it will take a lot of twice as much money and many, many years.”
Community Advocacy Yields Results
Local animal advocate Dianna Micheals, who recently organized a meeting between community leaders, commissioners, and Hammond to address animal control issues, expressed excitement about the development.
“Anytime meaningful discussion leads to real results; it’s a good day. And this is a great one—not just for us, but for the stray cats and dogs in our community,” Micheals told the Calhoun Journal. “This outcome proves that when concerned citizens come together at the table to address a pressing issue, progress happens. It’s far more effective than complaining from the sidelines.”
Micheals emphasized that the facility upgrade is just the beginning, advocating for stronger policies and expanded animal control roles at both county and municipal levels. “Moving forward, my hope is that we continue crafting strong policies, ensuring enforcement, and expanding the role of Animal Control—not only at the county level, but within each municipality.”
Addressing Community Questions
While the purchase isn’t finalized yet, county officials have begun addressing questions from residents about the proposed facility. The county’s vision extends far beyond a traditional shelter, with plans to expand the existing amenities to include additional outdoor areas, walking trails, community events, and educational programs.
“We want to create a community canine campus that not only prioritizes our pets but also enhances the welfare of our shelter animals and offers a first class adoption program,” county officials stated.
The county plans to leverage the full 38 acres for community events and resources, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy time with their pets while creating sustainable revenue streams for the facility’s long-term operation.
Addressing operational concerns, officials confirmed that Paul Hammond and the current management team and staff would be retained to ensure a seamless transition. Importantly, shelter animals and boarded pets would be housed in completely separate areas with distinct program management, systems, and processes.
“Our goal is to operate the facility retaining the current service areas, management team, and staff, with current owner Paul Hammond continuing to be involved in a way that supports a seamless transition into the future,” the county explained.
Public Hearing Required
Under Alabama’s Amendment 772, the county must hold a public hearing before finalizing the acquisition. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Ken Joiner Calhoun County Administration Building in Anniston.
“We encourage all residents to attend and share their thoughts,” county officials said, emphasizing the importance of community input in this significant investment.
The purchase agreement includes the entire OneWorld Pet Resort facility with all kennel structures, buildings, fixtures, and related equipment, plus the transfer of intellectual property and branding associated with the business. The county will also convey certain real property as part of the transaction.
Other Commission Business
During Thursday’s regular meeting, the commission also addressed numerous other items:
Property Maintenance Issues: The commission approved nuisance abatements for 15 properties across the county while dismissing violations for another 15 properties where owners had corrected issues. Several property owners appeared to request additional time to address violations, with commissioners working individually with each to establish compliance timelines.
Construction Projects: Commissioners approved a $1.634 million contract with Advanced Roofing for re-roofing the county administration building and awarded a $343,000 contract for recreational trail improvements at McClellan RV Park.
Equipment and Surplus: The commission approved surplus declarations for multiple vehicles from the sheriff’s office, ranging from 2000 to 2013 model years, and authorized the donation of a service weapon to a retiring deputy.
Grant Funding: Commissioners approved a $300,000 federal safety grant for developing a county road safety action plan, requiring a $60,000 local match.
Committee Appointments: Commissioner Shears was appointed to the Association of County Commissions of Alabama legislative committee, replacing Commissioner Patterson who serves in an ex-officio capacity as ACCA president.
Upcoming Events
During public comments, officials announced several upcoming community events:
- The Woodstock 5K National Road Runner race on Saturday, August 2, with volunteers still needed for course marshals
- Municipal candidate forums continuing with Jacksonville tonight at 5:30 PM at the Public Safety Complex and Piedmont next Thursday, July 31, at 5:30 PM at Piedmont High School cafeteria
- A job fair at the Anniston City Meeting Center on August 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM featuring 11 employers
The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
