When did the Police Department break ground for their new K-9 Facility

The Police Department has broken ground on the new K-9 facility. Where is it being built? How many kennels will it hold?

Lexington Police recently broke ground on a new 3,800 square-foot kennel for the K- 9 Unit. The new kennel is being built on land owned by the City near Old Frankfort Pike and Alexandria Drive. It will replace the existing kennel on Old Frankfort, which was built by officers in 1968 and currently houses 12 canines. A 13th canine in the unit currently stays at its handler’s home because there is no room at the kennel.

The Lexington Police Canine Unit was the first of its kind in Kentucky. Construction plans for the new K-9 facility call for 20 individual kennels. The new building will also include larger office space, dedicated rooms for veterinary care and food storage, and a locker room with a shower. In 2018, the Canine Unit was called out for 800 incidents, 66% of which involved narcotics. Officers provided sweeps of major public venues and events. Dogs typically serve 6-8 years before they are retired.