El Paso Animal Services reports influx to start new year
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Animal Services (EPAS) is starting the new year with an all-too-familiar challenge: an overwhelming number of dogs arriving at their shelters.
“It’s always anticipated with any holidays, but with 4th of July and New Year’s, those tend to be the top two holidays for most pets to go missing because of the fireworks. On top of the festivities that are going on, where you have guests coming over, the doors open, leaving fences open, all of that just creates that perfect recipe for pets to go missing, unfortunately,” said Julieanne Newbold, the public affairs coordinator with EPAS.
According to the agency, more than 200 dogs were taken in between Jan. 1 and Jan. 5, many of them separated from their families during holiday celebrations.
“It’s always so important to do your research before you take a pet into your family. Be a responsible pet owner and those are pets. They only have us to look after them. So, it’s making sure that your fences are confined for your pets where they don’t go missing, and bringing them indoors, especially at nighttime to avoid any possible escapes. Making sure they’re microchipped, vaccinated, spayed and neutered. Doing all the things you possibly can for your pet because again, they can’t do them themselves,” Newbold said.
With shelter capacity around 138% across all facilities, Newbold said it’s important for the community to reunite with their pets or consider fostering and adopting.
To help with the influx, Animal Services is offering free adoptions on dogs 30 pounds and up through its Account-A-Buddy campaign. You must be 18 years old or older and have a valid photo ID.
“Our annual campaign to get people to stick to those New Year’s resolutions that they might be having, whether it’s to be more active and going on hikes and walks more, or even just having more hangout time and chill time at home with a companion. It’s been noted that most pets that most pet owners actually have better health, better mental health. So, it’s really good to actually open up your home to those pets, to kind of change that lifestyle for yourself,” Newbold said.
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