Associated Press - November 13, 2009 6:34 PM ET

DENVER (AP) - The state-appointed custodian in charge of the Colorado Humane Society says the nonprofit shelter will close Jan. 1.

Rick Block told Denver's KMGH-TV the shelter can't afford to stay open after the cities of Englewood and Littleton decided to contract with a new shelter.

It hasn't been decided what will happen to animals at the shelter.

Block spoke Friday outside an Arapahoe County court, where the society's former owners faced charges of contempt of court. A judge cleared Bob and Mary Warren and their daughter, Stephanie, of the charges.

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