Gwinnett County officials cut the ribbon on the new Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center building today. The site also houses the Gwinnett County Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

At about 33,000 square feet, the new shelter at 884 Winder Highway (U.S. 29) in Lawrenceville is just over twice as big as the old facility on Hi-Hope Road. A small lake and dense forest on the property are perfect for walking dogs. The new building features separate sections, each with its own ventilation and water to reduce contamination and the spread of diseases among the animals. Surgical facilities will allow spaying or neutering of all animals before adoption to help reduce pet overpopulation.

Gwinnett’s old shelter received about 15,000 stray or abandoned animals each year. About a third are returned, adopted or rescued. Manager Sammy Jeanes said, “We hope this great new facility will make it easier than ever for people to adopt a new pet.” Strays become eligible for adoption after five days. The shelter holds all non-aggressive animals as long as it has space.

Adoption procedures, plus pictures of some of the available cats, dogs and rabbits, are posted online at www.gwinnettcounty.com. The kennels are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.