Lexington County Animal Services (LCAS) will host a ribbon-cutting event at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, to unveil their new barn on their property at 321 Ball Park Road in Lexington.

The newly-constructed barn has the capacity to house numerous large animals including horses, cows, pigs, and other types of domestic farm animals. The barn is 4,800 square feet in size and took approximately nine months to complete. The opening of the barn is the final step in a three-year process where the “large animal response” responsibility has transitioned from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) to LCAS.  To begin this transition, officers with LCAS trained with LCSD officers with experience in large animal response. LCAS officers also attended classes in the field. As the transition continued, LCAS began to take over the investigation of cases, and respond to calls for stray or neglected farm animals.

LCAS also hired and trained an investigator who has the primary responsibility to investigate large animal complaints in Lexington County. Two shelter staff positions were also created to care for animals in the barn. 

“As the director of LCAS I am very excited to take over this responsibility,” Animal Services Director Stephen Collins said.  “LCAS welcomes the opportunity to grow the organization, and assist the citizens of Lexington County.”

“Major projects like this don’t just happen,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “The new barn came together as a result of work and cooperation between multiple entities. We’re glad to have been a part of a smooth transition to ensure the citizens of Lexington County receive uninterrupted, high-quality service.”