Nation’s largest no-kill dog rescue shelter opens in Alabama

Authored by al.com and submitted by licecrispies

A facility billed as the largest no-kill dog rescue in the United States is now open in Macon County.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue Alabama has turned a 100-acre former greyhound training facility into a regional rescue center, which its owners say will eventually save about 5,000 dogs a year over a region covering eight states including Alabama.

Located in Shorter, the facility will serve as a rescue, rehabilitation and adoption center for neglected and abused dogs. It’s a companion facility for a similar shelter in Palm Beach County, Fla.

“The opening of a second Big Dog Ranch Rescue location is something I’ve prayed for over the years,” Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder and CEO Lauree Simmons said. “It’s a great day for us and, more importantly, it’s a great day for the dogs.”

Founded in 2008 by Simmons, Big Dog Ranch Rescue says it has saved more than 53,000 dogs during its time.

Currently, the center is comprised of three renovated buildings housing more than 100 dogs, and a temporary veterinary center staffed by a medical team. The owner says a remaining 13 kennels will be renovated, along with other support buildings, as funding allows.

The center, according to its organizers, will help alleviate a pet overpopulation crisis in the Southeast, and allow adoptable dogs to be transported later to Northeastern rescue partners. Cost of living increases have resulted in overcrowded shelters and a soaring euthanasia rate, they say.

Tarponio on November 5th, 2022 at 02:14 UTC »

Honestly, you should be required to get a license to breed dogs. It is really bad in my area because people aren’t educated on how many dogs are euthanized or they just don’t care.

Auglicious on November 4th, 2022 at 20:11 UTC »

While I love seeing this, there is not such thing as "no kill." When they're overrun with animals, they simply transfer them to another animal shelter that will euthanize when necessary. I know...I've volunteered for these shelters before. When there's more animals coming in than being adopted, it's a reality none of us like.

alltheprettynovas on November 4th, 2022 at 16:48 UTC »

if i was a millionaire, this is exactly how i’d spend my money.

also, as someone who works in animal rescue - this is soooo needed in the south. the stats of euthanasia is sickening, simply because there isn’t room or enough resources. we’re struggling in the north to keep transporting from the south because there’s not enough fosters and people still insist on buying from breeders.

if you have the ability, fostering is amazing!! and if you’re looking for a pup, please consider a rescue…they’re not all “damaged” and there’s plenty of purebreds, if that’s your thing. my life before my texas rescue pup must’ve been so boring…