A new animal shelter servicing four Northwest Missouri counties could become a reality within a year and a half, according to organizers.

Plans to build such a shelter for Clinton, DeKalb, Daviess and Caldwell counties were reviewed at a meeting Monday night in Cameron. Its supporters said a regional animal shelter is needed since adjacent counties do not have their own facilities.

"We're looking at the next 18 months," said Sue Manion, of the Cameron-based Safehaven animal rescue group. "That's realistic as to when we think we can get this done. We haven't named it yet."

Safehaven will remain as a nonprofit group, but a separate organization will be created for purposes of the construction project, Ms. Manion said. A site has not been selected.

"Everybody agreed on proceeding, that this was a need," she said of the shelter. "I think it'll go faster now."

A board of directors will eventually be appointed, although city of Cameron Inspector Clyde Han said the Daviess County representative has been the only person selected.

One town that stands to benefit from the new shelter is Kidder, where Mayor Melissa Gough said animals will be sent to the new

no-kill facility.

"I think it's great," she said. "I think they're headed in the right track. It'll help us as far as strays."

Safehaven has existed since late 1999 and has adopted abandoned dogs and cats from Cameron and the adjacent counties. City officials approved an expansion two years ago.

The next animal shelter meeting will not be set until a Caldwell County board member is appointed, Ms. Manion said.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.