ANNISTON, AL — County commissioners hear public input on proposed $2 million purchase of OneWorld Pet Resort to expand animal shelter services
Calhoun County commissioners held a public hearing Thursday morning regarding the potential acquisition of OneWorld Pet Resort, a 38-acre canine facility at Fort McClellan.
County Administrator Jonathan Gaddy shared with the Calhoun Journal that the purpose of the hearing was to ensure full transparency and, more importantly, to hear concerns and questions from the public at large.
A large crowd of around 50 residents gathered to participate in the discussion about this comprehensive solution to the county’s ongoing animal control challenges. While community support has been positive overall, many questions remained to be addressed. Public hearings don’t always provide commissioners an opportunity to respond to every concern, but they do grant the opportunity to hear and adapt to community needs.
Gaddy provided an update on negotiations with facility owner Paul Hammond, explaining that the current county shelter, built in the early 2000s with 40 kennel runs, no longer meets the community’s needs. Cost estimates for building a new facility would run several million dollars, making the acquisition of the existing state-of-the-art facility an attractive alternative.
Facility Details and Vision
Hammond, who has 35 years of experience in canine operations and has supported U.S. Department of Defense and State Department contracts, presented his vision for transforming the facility into a comprehensive “community canine campus.” The property includes more than 150 kennel runs, pet boarding facilities, a pet spa, event spaces, and planned outdoor parks and walking trails.
“I’m a bit of an advocate for separating the two,” Hammond said, referring to shelter operations and adoption services. “I think each is critically important, but I think they should function on their own.”
The facility would separate animal control operations—handling strays, abandoned animals, and court-ordered removals—from adoption services in different buildings with proper quarantine protocols and air gaps to prevent disease transmission.
Revenue Generation and Sustainability
The proposal includes maintaining revenue-generating activities such as pet boarding, hosting national canine events, and educational programs. Hammond noted that recent events have drawn participants from three countries and 32 states, potentially providing income to support shelter operations.
The county would take possession of the property immediately upon closing, while Hammond would have until the end of the year to wind down his current business operations.
Public Questions and Concerns Shared
The public hearing drew significant community attendance, with residents sharing various questions and concerns about the proposal:
Funding and Long-term Sustainability: Multiple speakers sought clarity on how the facility would be funded beyond the initial $2 million acquisition cost. One Oxford resident asked whether the facility would eventually become self-supporting through events and services, and if so, what timeline would be established. Another resident expressed the need for assurance about maintaining the buildings and providing a healthy, clean environment for animals with adequate ongoing funding.
Cross-Contamination and Health Protocols: Several pet owners who currently board animals at OneWorld requested information about disease transmission prevention between shelter animals and boarding pets. A Weaver resident referenced the distemper outbreak at the current county facility and sought reassurance about bringing her vaccinated pets to a facility housing shelter animals. Officials explained the facility’s design includes separate buildings and quarantine areas with proper air gaps.
Employee Transition: A strong advocate for current OneWorld staff members expressed appreciation for the existing employees’ dedication and asked whether these experienced workers would become county employees. She also shared feedback about communication during the transition announcement, noting that staff were left to handle customer inquiries without adequate information.
Veterinary Care: One resident inquired about veterinary oversight, noting that proper medical care, medications, and euthanasia services require professional veterinary supervision—a service that has been challenging to secure in the area for 25 years. Officials confirmed they currently work with multiple veterinarians and would continue this practice at the new facility.
The Cat Crisis Largely Unaddressed
Several residents brought attention to the county’s feline overpopulation problem, noting the proposal’s focus on canines.
An Oxford resident observed: “Something I have not heard anybody mention is cats. We’ve got way too many cats out there walking around that are having babies and overpopulating and there’s nothing in all of this pet adoption I see that addresses cats. And cats can have far more kittens every year than a dog can have puppies.”
Another resident from outside Anniston shared similar concerns: “All I’m seeing is canine, that’s a big concern of mine.” She described her efforts to help get stray cats spayed and neutered, saying “I’m begging people to help me get the cats fixed, stop the babies.”
Chairman Howell acknowledged the cat issue, stating “the cats are being taken care of” but provided no specific details about how feline services would be incorporated into the new facility.
Personal Stories of Community Members Helping Animals
The hearing revealed the extent to which individual citizens are stepping up to help abandoned animals:
Lisa Johnson shared her experience with two mother dogs and 16 puppies dumped on her property in June. Despite four puppies dying while she waited for county assistance and being told she was on a waiting list behind 30 other cases, she continues caring for nine remaining puppies and one mother dog with help from a friend who used personal funds for veterinary care.
Another resident described the financial challenges of caring for stray dogs, while an Ohatchee resident shared her experience helping approximately 15 abandoned animals over five years. Multiple speakers described the dedication of community members who step in to help abandoned pets.
One resident noted the pattern of elderly people on fixed incomes and low-income families taking on the responsibility of caring for abandoned animals, suggesting a volunteer program where people could work at the facility in exchange for spay/neuter services for strays they’re helping.
Legal and Enforcement Considerations
Several residents inquired about stronger animal control laws and enforcement capabilities. An Ohatchee resident emphasized: “We need better laws in this county concerning animals, period. And until something’s done about that, it doesn’t matter, you can spend 10 million. It’s not gonna make a difference until there’s better laws and they are enforced.”
County Administrator Gaddy explained that unlike municipalities, counties in Alabama have very limited authority and cannot enact ordinances without specific state legislative approval. All enforcement beyond current capabilities would require authorization from the state legislature.
One speaker asked about animal control officers’ citation authority, noting the law appears unclear on this point. Officials indicated they are working to address this issue.
Municipal Cooperation Opportunities
Multiple residents asked about cooperation possibilities with surrounding cities. One Jacksonville resident specifically suggested pursuing a comprehensive solution addressing both incorporated and unincorporated areas rather than just county residents, noting the current system of jurisdictional limitations leaves some citizens without adequate help.
Chairman Howell indicated ongoing conversations with Oxford, Anniston, and Jacksonville mayors about potential participation, with Anniston Mayor Smith present at the hearing.
Educational and Community Programs
Several speakers expressed support for educational components, with one resident volunteering to visit schools as an “education warrior.” A recent Jacksonville State University graduate asked about opportunities for veterinary students to gain experience at the facility.
A Piedmont resident praised the international canine events held at the facility and suggested expanding educational opportunities and events as both revenue sources and community engagement tools, noting the economic impact these events bring to the entire county through accommodations, meals, and visitor spending.
Facility Capacity and Design
The current county facility houses 40 animals in a mixed environment without proper separation capabilities. The proposed facility would provide 150+ kennel spaces with state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor runs that are easier to maintain and clean.
Hammond explained the facility’s layout includes an old military kennel for quarantine, main kennels with 50-foot separation for airborne disease prevention, and completely separate buildings for different functions. Two 7,500-square-foot buildings could be renovated for education and adoption centers.
Realistic Expectations About Animal Welfare
A former Palm Beach County Humane Society worker provided perspective on shelter operations, noting the challenges any facility faces in maintaining animal health when dealing with large populations of animals from various backgrounds and health conditions.
Responsible Pet Ownership Focus
Chairman Howell emphasized that addressing the root issue remains crucial: “We have responsible pet owners, okay? They’re no problem. And we have irresponsible pet owners. Hence the problem. So we will continue through education and other means to continue to work on that part. Because that’s the ultimate answer.”
Next Steps
The commission did not vote on the acquisition during Thursday’s hearing. County officials are working with the county attorney to finalize a contract for future commission consideration. The public hearing was conducted under Alabama’s Amendment 772 process, which allows counties to invest in private entities when it serves the public good.
The proposal represents a significant shift in how Calhoun County approaches animal control, moving from a basic shelter model to a comprehensive community resource combining animal welfare, education, and recreational activities. The feedback gathered from Thursday’s hearing will help inform the commission’s final decision-making process.
Editor’s Note: The complete hearing was livestreamed and is available on the Calhoun Journal Facebook page and YouTube channel.
