Public Assistance Sought in Finding Homes for Animals

The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department is seeking public assistance in finding homes for 54 dogs and one cat that were removed from a home in East El Paso on Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

The dogs, puppies to adults of various breeds, were discovered during an animal welfare check on the block of 2700 Fierro Drive by an Animal Services Field Officer. The owner released custody all the dogs and the cat to City of El Paso.

“This is such a unique case that we really need the public’s assistance in finding homes for these pets. We don’t have the adequate space at our shelter to house these animals,” Animal Shelter Operations Manager Luis Rios said. “We have begun to reach out to animal rescue groups and other partner organizations to try to relocate the rescued animals.”

The animals were removed from the home as part of a joint response from Animal Services and the El Paso Police Department. The investigation is continuing.

Animal hoarding can create a dangerous and potentially life-threatening environment for the animals and their caretakers.

The El Paso municipal code does not limit the number of dogs or cats that may be kept on a residential property. However, city ordinances require that animals be provided with the proper quality of life to include adequate food, water and housing.

UPDATE:

The more than 50 animals rescued from a home in East El Paso on July 23, 2013 are now available for adoption by the public. The City of El Paso Animal Shelter has completed its evaluation of the 54 dogs and 1 cat. The evaluation revealed that one the dogs had a previous owner, who is not related to the hoarding case. The dog has since been reunited with its original owner.

The remaining animals are currently housed at the shelter, 5001 Fred Wilson, and at the Humane Society of El Paso, located next door to the city’s shelter. Adoption fees for animals at the shelter or the Humane Society are $60. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, microchip and registration.  

To adopt an animal, visit the shelter. The shelter is open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call (915) 842-1000.