Leechburg opts for no-kill shelter in annual animal control contract

Effectively ending a decades-long practice, Leechburg Council approved an animal control contract with Indiana County’s Whiskey Acres Rescue and Sanctuary, replacing Salem Township-based Hoffman Kennels.

While he couldn’t name a specific length of time, Councilman Chuck Pascal said the borough has been signing an annual contract with Hoffman’s for as long as he can remember. Despite the kennel consistently offering the borough a two-year contract option, Leechburg would opt for a single year at a time.

“We would make it a one-year contract in case we found an alternative option,” Pascal said. “I’ve never voted for a Hoffman’s contract.”

He said his hesitance was because Hoffman Kennels euthanizes animals.

Pascal connected with Whiskey Acres, after seeing discussions about shelter options on social media. He messaged a few places to see if they offered animal-control contracts. Whiskey Acres did.

The contract with the no-kill shelter begins in January.

Mindy Maryai, owner and founder of Whiskey Acres, said Leechburg is the first municipality they have a contract with, and they’re working on landing a second.

Previously a horse sanctuary, Whiskey Acres started in 2018. Maryai said the team decided to branch out to begin accepting stray dogs and cats.

“That’s when we got more into the rescue part,” she said. “There are so many cats and dogs that need help.”

In addition to animal-control services, Whiskey Acres rehabs and rehomes animals. They have a dog trainer on staff to work with animals that need training.

Maryai said the rescue also has a van with equipment needed to safely pick up dogs. There also are sanctuary dogs and horses still on site that will be living the rest of their days there.

In 2024, Leechburg had 14 animal-related complaints, and one dog was taken in by Hoffman’s. This year, there were no strays taken in and only six complaints were filed.

“We don’t have that many (strays),” Pascal said. “A lot of times residents will take a dog in and help reunite it with its owner through social media. If someone takes a dog in and no one claims it, that’s usually when we see a dog go to Hoffman’s.”

Maryai said the rescue currently has outdoor kennels renovated from a large horse barn for summer use, and utilizes a renovated garage for winter kennels. There currently are 10 indoor kennels, but with fundraising and some money from the municipal contracts, they’ll be able to build more, Maryai said.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to help and reunite dogs with their owners,” she said. “I’m nervous because it is a big step with us. Our passion is helping animals.”

Maryai said there are no size or breed limitations for the dogs the rescue takes in. The rescue’s Facebook page is home to videos and photos of their current rescues.

Pascal said the Whiskey Acres contract, at $100 a month, will save the borough about $35 a month over the Hoffman contract.

“It was important we found a no-kill shelter,” Pascal said. “(The animals) were a pet to somebody and they should treated with respect.

“We want to try to reunite people with their dogs. And if that’s not possible, then they’ll be put up for adoption.”