Kern County Animal Services submitted its budget proposal to the County, including in it a suggestion to close the Mojave animal facility. 

Director of Kern County Animal Services Nick Cullen said the lease for the shelter ends next year. The current property is owned by the Mojave Airport who have said they don't want to extend the agreement, so if the shelter is kept open, a new location would need to be found.

A decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors after the proposal is submitted and opened to public comment.

The County is requiring cuts to most departments and Cullen said one of the only ways for Animal Services to meet that requirement is through closing the Mojave location.

Cullen said if the location is closed, residents will have difficulty getting resources in that area. Also, any animals in the shelter would be transferred to the Bakersfield location.

This topic is set to be discussed at the June 26 Board of Supervisors meeting.