Marketing manager Andrew Moody said the first stage should be finished by December.

``Stage one consists of two kennel rows that can house up to 108 dogs, an adoption office and storage shed,'' he said.

The group bought the 10 hectares, surrounded by open space, in 2001.

Mr Moody said the project had been limited by funding as it was a not-for-profit organisation.

``Stage two depends on donations and funding, so we are not sure when that will be constructed,'' he said.

``It will consist of another row of kennels, a main administration building and a vet clinic.''

Once the construction on stage one is completed, staff will be trained in the new facility before it is open for animals in early February 2009.

Mr Moody said many of the animals that are housed in Animal Welfare League shelters are surrendered ``simply because people don't want them any more''.

``Unfortunately we have become a throwaway society and sadly pets fall into that category.'' He said that unlike many council-run animal shelters, at the league's shelters animals that are deemed healthy and pass a behaviour assessment are kept on the property until they are adopted, not destroyed.

The Animal Welfare League has two animal shelters, including one in West Hoxton, which manage the surrender, care and adoption of all kinds of animals.

It is almost completely self-funded and relies on the support of donors and fund-raising.

They also have a team of inspectors who investigate allegations of cruelty and prosecute offenders under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act.

Details: Animal Welfare League Kemps Creek, 1800 880 190.