Paul, Idaho (KMVT-TV) After talking with some state organizations, Minidoka County found out that the cities there needed to be taking care of animal shelters instead. As a result, the city of Rupert will be taking over that responsibility next month.

About 1,000 dogs come through the Animal Control Facility In Paul every year. Workers here are able to get most of the pooches adopted. Some of them are transported out of state. Only the dogs that are aggressive are put to sleep.

Volunteer Jackie Hinerichs says, "There's 22 animals right now, and it's been in existence at least ten to 12 years or longer."

Minidoka County Commissioner Kent McClellan says all of the cities in Minidoka County contribute to the annual total budget of roughly $60,000 a year. But he says that's not enough to pay for everything that local residents want them to do.

McClellan says, "The constraint of budgets, the cities don't have the funds to put into the Joint Powers Agreement, and the county likewise is tight on funds. What it needs to be is more community involvement and more fundraising activities outside government."

McClellan says Minidoka County will continue to contribute $20,000 a year to the animal shelter. He says Rupert will begin managing the Animal Control Facility in Paul on Tuesday, October 2nd.

McClellan says, "The employees would then become employees of the city of Rupert, the vehicles and the other equipment, the titles would be transferred to the city of Rupert from the county."

You can personally help the Minidoka County Animal Shelter in Paul. They're holding dog adoptions at the CAL Ranch Store in Burley this Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days.

You can adopt a dog for half price, that's only $20, with first shots and worming for $10. But if you live in Minidoka County, you'll also have to buy a dog license.

Sept. 10, 2012.