EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — As Easter weekend approaches, El Paso Animal Services is reminding residents to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe during holiday celebrations.

Animal Protection officials highlight several seasonal hazards, including candy, decorations, and busy household environments. Pet owners are encouraged to keep sweets out of reach, secure Easter decorations and egg hunt materials, and ensure pets are safely contained when guests are visiting to prevent stress or accidental escapes.

Officials also advised that pets left alone during gatherings should be exercised beforehand and provided with toys or enrichment activities to reduce anxiety and destructive behavior.

The safety reminder comes as El Paso Animal Services reports a high level of recent activity in the community. According to a Facebook post, over the past week, officers responded to 558 calls for service and issued 148 violations related to animal welfare concerns.

In a one case, the El Paso Police Department Animal Cruelty Unit executed an arrest warrant tied to an animal cruelty investigation. Authorities safely removed nine dogs from the property. The animals are now under care and receiving medical attention while awaiting placement in foster or permanent homes.

As holiday festivities begin, animal services officials hope increased awareness will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for pets across the community.

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