A commercial, modular eight-stall dog kennel the City of Newton plans to run animal control operations out of could be open and usable by September 1st. 

That is the hope of Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess, who says that the concrete pad for the facility has been poured and the water and waste water lines have been installed underground at the site in southeast Newton by the Iowa Speedway. The Newton Police Department purchased the modular kennel in September of 2024 from Backyard Escapes of Pocomoke City, Maryland for $84,831. It’s been stored at the City Water Shop, and was to be moved to its permanent site on June 25th, but rain has delayed the move. The relocation is now scheduled to take place the week of July 7th or the 14th. Once the kennel is on site, electricity and utility hook-ups will be made, and an inspection for an operating license will be conducted by the State of Iowa Department of Agriculture. 

The City of Newton is starting its own animal control operations after Parkview Animal Hospital in Newton terminated a longstanding animal control contract with the city in October of last year.