Sunland Park considers review of animal control department after dog attack

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of Sunland Park is contemplating a comprehensive review of its animal control and codes departments to bolster public safety and accountability.

This initiative follows a recent incident involving a vicious attack on a 9-year-old boy.

Sunland Park dog attack leaves boy hospitalized; dog quarantined and owner charged

However, Mayor Javier Perea clarified that the attack was not the direct cause of the review.

“It’s not a direct result of that, but those are some things that we are looking at because it is an unfortunate situation and we want to make sure that we have the proper laws in place to prevent that from happening in the future as well,” Perea said.

The City announced on Dec. 12 that it would consider reviewing its policies to ensure compliance with state requirements.

Mayor Perea expressed readiness for a complete overhaul of the department if necessary.

“If we have to do a hard reset with that department, that’s we’re open to that. But we want to make sure that we have all of the information of how that department is functioning today and how that department can function better tomorrow,” he said.

One of the primary challenges facing the department is staffing, with only two full-time employees and one part-time employee.

“We have 2.5 employees, which is two full-time employees, one part-time and they’re a Monday to Friday 8 to 5 and then on a call after hours,” Perea noted.

Residents have expressed support for the review, citing concerns about stray dogs.

One resident commented, “I think that if you’re going to be a dog owner, take care of your dog. Don’t let it run out just to get run over.”

Another resident emphasized the importance of kindness to animals and finding homes for strays.

The city plans to present the proposed review at the next council meeting on Jan. 7, where the city council will decide whether to proceed with the proposal.

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