Mesilla Valley animal shelter at capacity; situation described as ‘massive kill’

ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom has learned the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley put down 20 animals Monday because it is at capacity.

“It’s a killer of a decision, literally. Everyone here feels like we have failed these animals, because there’s just no homes for them,” Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock said, “We tried to talk people into keeping them, and finding fosters, but there’s just no home for these animals, unfortunately.”

Vesco-Mock, the center’s executive director, said nearly 100 animals have already been euthanized since the beginning of the month.

“Since July 1, 2017, there have been 98 animals euthanized (not including owner requests). We estimate 20 animals will be euthanized (Monday) afternoon to make room for what is coming in,” Vesco-Mock said.

The executive director said the high number of animals being put down is the result of “higher numbers of litters coming into the shelter from throughout the county.”

Pet owners are urged to spay and neuter their pets.

Vesko-Mock is urging pet owners to reclaim lost animals found at the shelter or to adopt a new animal.

If interested, call 575-382-0018 or visit the facility, which is off Highway 70 on Bataan Memorial West.