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Peoria County Animal Protection Services Hopes Ameren Illinois Donation Can Teach Dogs New Tricks

Donated wire spools will be used in dog's sensory garden

PEORIA, Ill. (OCTOBER 15, 2024) – Ameren Illinois has a robust recycling program for decommissioned utility power poles and wire spools, however when Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reached out to Ameren, the company found a new way to repurpose several used wire spools.

On Oct. 15, several Peoria-area Ameren Illinois linemen rolled up in trucks to deliver six wooden wire spools to the non-profit agency.

"The dogs will be able to climb and walk on the wooden spools in our new dog sensory garden," said Alex Menke, Kennel Manager for PCAPS. "Shelters are a stressful place. We see what kennel stress does to dogs in our care. Our new dog sensory garden is another tool we can use to help our dogs decompress and have a moment where they can be themselves. This helps our dogs show better to potential adopters and ultimately helps get them into new homes quicker.”

Last year Ameren Illinois recycled more than 3.6 million pounds of wood waste and diverted more than 5,400 cubic yards of wood waste from landfills, which includes wooden wire spools.

"Donations come in all shapes and sizes," said Brian Brackney, Director of Electric Operations, Ameren Illinois. "We are thrilled to partner with PCAPS. This is an excellent opportunity to repurpose the wooden spools for years to come with the hope of enriching the lives of dogs PCAPS is saving through adoption."

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. Our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.