BURNSVILLE, Minn. — An animal shelter that has served the southern Twin Cities for nearly 30 years will close its doors at the end of the year.

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society was unable to raise enough money to relocate to Eagan, as planned.

Board chair Cathy McCoy says the nonprofit organization had already cut expenses, but the economic downturn left the shelter with fewer donors and increased demand for animal care and protection.

Employees were informed of the closing Wednesday.

The Star Tribune reports the shelter will accept animals until Dec. 12 and make them available for adoption through Dec. 31.

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society was founded in 1981. The society had placed more than 50,000 animals over the past 19 years.