COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A new western Iowa animal shelter to be used by the Midlands Humane Society and the Council Bluffs Animal Control Department is set to open early next year. Society spokeswoman Michelle Miller tells the Daily Nonpareil that it could open the first week of January.

Located near the Iowa Western Community College campus, the $3.2 million, 11,600-square-foot building will greatly expand the number of holding areas currently available at the city shelter. Dogs and cats kept in the shelter will be exposed to natural light in a climate-controlled environment.

Private donations paid for the shelter. Miller says fundraising efforts now will go toward covering the first 18 months of daily operating expenses.