Work continuing on new Othello animal shelter

OTHELLO — Othello city officials will be advertising for bids for the new municipal animal shelter.  

“It’s still in development,” said Othello Mayor Shawn Logan on Tuesday.

Heather Reed of Hands ‘n Paws, the shelter manager, told Othello City Council members Monday that the facility had taken 108 dogs during the year. Reed said shelter managers are one of a number of organizations working to help lost and strayed animals in and around Othello.  

“I want to start by saying we are not here to compete with any other shelters,” Reed said. “We are here to help solve a growing problem, which is the rise the rising numbers of displaced pets, and the strain it puts on public safety, community health and city resources.”

Othello started operating its own animal control in 2024, after council members voted to end the city’s contract with Adams County Pet Rescue. The council opted to contract with Hands ‘n Paws instead.  

The city provides temporary housing; the dogs are ultimately the responsibility of Hands ‘n Paws.  

Animals have been housed in temporary quarters while city officials work on a permanent shelter, which Logan said would be constructed of prefabricated buildings.  

“We have it in the budget,” Logan said. 

Reed said Hands ‘n Paws is what’s called a “fear-free” shelter, which means an emphasis is placed on reducing stress on animals and taking care of behavioral needs as well as physical needs.  

“Hands ‘n Paws is focused on the health and safety of both animals and people. We care for lost and stray pets. We work closely with code enforcement to reunite them with their families and handle bite cases with transparency and care,” Reed said. “While we can't take owner surrenders right now, we do work hard to keep pets in their homes, offering resources, training, support and connections to area trainers.” 

The organization has euthanized seven dogs during the last year, five due to bites and two for behavior issues, she said. Of the dogs who’ve been through the shelter in 2025, 97 were strays, five were surrendered by their owners, five were sent there after biting someone and one was seized from its owner.  

Of those dogs, 43 have been adopted, and 29 have been returned to their owners. Reed said finishing the shelter would allow Hands ‘n Paws to expand its programs, but they’ve recorded some successes regardless. 

“A few months ago, we had Sita and Patricia, a Rottweiler and a German shepherd that came to us through an abuse case. They were severely neglected. One was dangerously underweight,” Reed said. “At first, they were terrified. They were absolutely scared. And within three days, they were wagging their tails, being super happy. We got them both great and wonderful homes once they got off their court hold. So that was something that we're really proud of.” 

Reed also cited a dog named Max, who had bitten someone, and in most cases, those dogs are euthanized. Max benefited from the help of animal control officer Heather Miller. 

“She helped the owners in finding a trainer, ensuring that the dog met all the (requirements), per code and per law, and he is now thriving with his family. He is safe and secure and no longer a threat to the community,” she said.