Influx Of Animals Overwhelming LC Animal Shelter

By ABC-7 Reporter Jill Galus

LAS CRUCES, NM — Too many animals and not enough adoptions. Officials at the Mesilla Valley Services Center say this is nothing new.

As we move into colder weather, officials say more animals keep moving into the shelter. Bottom line, there is just not enough room.

“In one stop he already picked up seven [dogs],” Manny Hernandez, Dona Ana County Animal Control Officer, said.

Seven puppies without a home. A couple caged cats, and another stray dog. All animals picked up from the streets.

“Usually in the winter it does die down a little,” Hernandez said. “But it has been consistent.”

Animal Control officers say, the number of stray dogs and cats picked up in Dona Ana County keeps climbing. Problem is, there is just no room left.

“They come in all day long,” Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock, Mesilla Valley Animals Services Center, said. “Litter, after litter, after litter.”

A Las Cruces woman adopted a pair of pitbull puppies Tuesday.

“My son was telling me how they were putting so many of them to sleep,” Marie Moore said. “I just felt really bad and thought I better come over here – they’ve been wonderful.”

The number of pets leaving is not nearly enough to put a dent into the overpopulation, Shelter Officials said.

For Animal Control Officers, everyday is a chase. Catching animals, moving them off the streets – from one cage and into another.

“Everyday we’ll come in with a truck load,” Hernandez said. “And as you see, Officer Wells already has a full load.”

“It’s not their fault they are roaming unattentive,” Dr. Beth said. “It’s the citizens of Dona Ana County that are failing the animals of Dona Ana County.”

Shelter Officials say, about 500 animals are currently housed at the Center. This is in addition to 100 other animals living in foster care.

A puppy caught by Animal Control Officers and dropped off this afternoon fills the last open cage.

Many others are forced to share.

“I just started my shift and who’s to say by the end of the day what I’ll have in my truck,” Hernandez said.

Shelter officials want to remind pet owners, spaying and neutering pets is the best way to help stop the overcrowding.

On Black Friday, the Mesilla Valley Animal Services Center is sponsoring a huge pet adoption event at the Wal-Mart on East Lohman Avenue in Las Cruces.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., black-furred dogs and cats will be half-priced.

For more information on the event, call the Animal Service Center of Mesilla Valley at 575-382-0018.