These days, new animal shelters don’t get opened very often.

About 90 minutes east of Joplin, Christian County residents have struggled to open a badly needed animal shelter. Similar situations exist around the state and country.

It’s a matter of money and available land. Neither of those is nearly as common as the stray dogs and cats that roam the Ozarks hills.

That’s why we’re pleased to see work begin on a new Joplin center.

Officials with the Joplin Humane Society on Tuesday broke ground on a new shelter north of Joplin. The new center will have more room for cats, outdoor puppy and dog kennels, quarantine rooms and a veterinary clinic.

When it is completed, the 20,156-square-foot building will be able to better handle the onslaught of animals coming into its doors.

Additionally, the shelter will be at a very visible location: right on North Main Street. Gary and Donna Hall, of Joplin, donated the land for the building, and also made a significant contribution toward the building’s $4 million price tag.

Leaders of a capital campaign say they have reached about 80 percent of a fund-raising goal. They are not done yet, but that was enough to get a construction loan.

Other areas are quick to ignore the problem of pet overpopulation. They may say their area needs a shelter, but when push comes to shove, they find excuses to keep from building.

But not Joplin.

A good piece of land was found, the proper zoning was obtained and people have given money to help build this needed, new shelter. That’s a sign that we’re willing to deal with our problems head on, instead of waiting for someone else to take care of them for us.

So, let’s take that one step further: Let’s take care of our own pets and make sure they are spayed or neutered. If we all take care of pet overpopulation on our own, then the Joplin Humane Society will never need a bigger shelter again.