El Paso County gives 30 day deadline to reach agreement with Law N Paws before entrance is closed

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso County leaders say they will give Law N Paws Animal Rescue 30 days to reach a final agreement with the County as officials move forward with a long-planned park project near the rescue's current facility.

County officials discussed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding Monday during Commissioners Court, where they outlined months of outreach tied to the Desert Acceptance Linear Park project and its impact on the animal rescue.

The proposed MOU would offer Law N Paws relocation assistance using available County staff, vehicles, equipment and other logistical support, along with help pursuing grant funding for facility improvements, volunteer coordination, and free spay, neuter and vaccination services.

In exchange, the draft agreement would require Law N Paws to provide space on an as-needed basis for County dogs from unincorporated areas. 

Law N Paws volunteers say the proposal does not address their biggest concern, keeping open what they describe as the rescue's only safe and practical entrance at its current site.

The brick wall built as part of the Desert Acceptance Linear Park project blocked part of the fence in front of the Law n Paws facility, as pictured here during a June 2025 ABC-7 interview with El Paso County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Jackie Butler. (Photo Courtesy: KVIA)

As of April 19, 2026, the brick wall appeared to be extended, with a much smaller opening for the Law N Paws facility gate. (Photo Courtesy: KVIA)

"The only thing that we're asking for is to keep this entrance open. It's our only safe entrance. It's our only reasonable entrance to be able to access our pups, for our staff, for our volunteers, and for the animals that are here," Law N Paws volunteer Jasmine Gallardo said.

As ABC 7 reported in June 2025, a six-foot wall was built in front of an entrance to the facility as part of the park project in far East El Paso County. 

As of April 2026, the brick wall appeared to be extended, with a much smaller opening for the Law N Paws facility gate.

County leaders said the linear park was first identified as a County priority in 2016 and included in the Parks Master Plan. Officials said they first contacted the shelter owner in April 2025 and later approved a change order in August 2025 to ensure the rescue would maintain access during construction.

During Monday's meeting, County staff said the proposed MOU was first sent in December 2025 and was confirmed received in February 2026. 

Gallardo said Law N Paws did not request the MOU and instead needs time to continue preparing its new property.

She said more than 60 dogs remain at the current location, while more than 20 others are already being housed at the rescue's new property.

"We will not be ready to be able to (move) over 60 dogs," Gallardo said. "Right now, we need help with funding, materials and labor at our other location."

Gallardo said the rescue is working in phases at the new site, starting with an enrichment area and then kennel construction, but said the timeline pressure is pulling volunteers and staff away from that work.

She also said the current property is rented and that alternate access through the back of the site would require crossing terrain she described as unsafe and not walkable for people or animals.

County officials said they remain committed to working collaboratively with Law N Paws and other rescue organizations while advancing the park project.