Southern New Mexico authorities see increase in returned pets – The Journal

ALAMOGORDO, NM (AP) – In 2020, Alamogordo Animal Control took in 1,260 animals, saw 563 adopted and euthanized 36 animals, according to data from the Alamogordo Police Department.

In 2020, the Otero County Animal Shelter took in 1,605 animals, saw 542 adopted and euthanized 364 animals, according to data from the Otero County Animal Shelter.

Officials from both organizations expected the number of abandoned animals to increase after the COVID-19 pandemic, as pet owners returned to offices and away from home.

“It’s post-COVID-19 stuff, everyone was home and had time for the dog and now everyone is going back to work and we have the same stories, you know?” Alamogordo Head of Animal Control Dwaine Martinez said to Alamogordo Daily News.

Martinez said an increase in pet surrenders has already been noted.

Alamogordo Animal Control and Kitty City have regular adoption events at White Sands Mall every other Saturday, with the exception of Saturdays close to the holidays.

At the adoption event on June 12, a family of three cats was adopted.

Kathy Denton with from Kitty City plays with a cat during an adoption event at the White Sands Mall in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Alamogordo Animal Control officials and the Otero County Animal Shelter have reported an increase in the number of animals handed over. (Nicole Maxwell / Alamogordo Daily News via AP)

Nicole maxwell

“We’ve seen a bit of feedback, but I don’t think it’s increased from what it would have been without COVID-19,” Kitty City manager Kathy Denton said.

Kitty City has a return policy where they work with the adopter to find out what issues may have arisen with the newly adopted cat or kitten, Denton said.

Otero County Animal Shelter Manager Lori Soto said the shelter was receiving dozens of surrenders.

“I think we have a mixed group,” said Loretta Burks of the Otero County Animal Shelter. “I think we’re seeing some where people took them for the pandemic. Where we are located we are kind of a unique place as we also take off from (Holloman Air Force Base).

This means that some of the animals handed over are due to an aviator deploying to a location the dogs may not be able to ship to or because they cannot afford to transport the dog, Burks said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the short-term reception program through the Otero County Animal Shelter was not active, Burks said.

One of the partners of the County Otero Animal Shelter is Dogbreath Express Rescue Transport.

Anthony “Buddy” Gurnari of Dogbreath Express helps tackle canine overflow at Alamogordo Animal Shelter.

“He took a lot of dogs because we tried to help people and accommodate them and he really tried to help these dogs get out to shelters without killing and stuff so we could make room. and trying to help people with the overflow coming out of town, ”Soto said.

In addition to his rescue transport job, Gunari also socializes the dogs in the backyard-style play area at the Otero County Animal Shelter. This includes Marie and Millie who played and chased each other for a while before being brought back to their kennel.

Gunari usually takes dogs out two at a time, unless the dog is shy and needs individual attention.