Denver Metro Area Shelters Take 100+ Rescue Pets From Closed Pueblo Shelter

DENVER (CBS4) -- More than 100 dogs are expected to arrive at Denver metro area shelters after the state shut down a shelter in Pueblo. A group called PAWS for Life took over animal services from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in January -- promising not to kill any animals.

The doors at the Pueblo shelter were closed after 14 animals died and inspectors found what appeared to be neglected puppies roaming free in the shelter.

A box truck arriving from Pueblo pulled into Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden with close to 30 dogs and cats inside. Workers unloaded noticeably shaken sick and injured pets, soon to receive the care that they need from a facility that rescued them.

"The reality is that the shelter (in Pueblo) has been shut down. These animals have to go somewhere to be cared for. And this is what we do," said Connie Howard, executive director of Foothills Animal Shelter.

People lined up Wednesday to try adopt the dogs -- but that wasn't an option.

After months of investigation, the state is accusing Community Animal Services of Pueblo (CASP) of troubling allegations, including:

• Overcrowded living areas
• Dangerous conditions
• Neglected animals without medical care, leading to illness and death

  

A report specifically referenced an aggressive dog under rabies quarantine that shelter workers put into contact with humans.

A CASP spokesperson said that budget and staffing problems played a role in not being able to handle the demand.

Foothills will shelter the pets, check them out for medical and behavioral issues, and provide vaccinations and treatment.

"(I hope) that they get adopted into loving homes as soon as they're ready," Howard said.

Close to 100 animals are being moved to the MaxFund Animal Adoption Center and more than 30 animals from the shelter are currently under the care of the Dumb Friends League in Denver.

Maxfund is asking for additional volunteers and the Dumb Friends League is offering 50 percent off adoption fees for adult cats and dogs through April 3 to make room for the incoming animals.

All the dogs that make it to Denver shelters will first have to be checked out to see if they can be adopted or fostered.

Leaders from eight Front Range animal shelters released a joint statement Thursday afternoon in response to the CSP closure.

The statement reads in part:

"The suffering that happened at Community Animal Services of Pueblo (CASP), operated by PAWS for Life, is unacceptable. In an effort to adhere to a damaging local ordinance, it appears animals were allowed to suffer and die from their illnesses and injuries rather than being humanely euthanized. The animal welfare community's priority is to ensure these animals are properly cared for and that they are protected from situations like this in the future…

This is a regretful example of how the No Kill movement, when taken to the extreme, preys upon compassionate people's desire to protect animals. Animals deserve respect, nurturing, support, and it is never acceptable to allow them to suffer. Our entire community is deeply saddened by this situation."

Signed,
Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO, Dumb Friends League
Jan McHugh-Smith, President and CEO, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Judy Calhoun, CEO, Larimer Humane Society
Alice Nightengale, Director, Denver Animal Protection
Lisa Pedersen, CEO, Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Liz Smokowski, CEO, Longmont Humane Society
Richard L. P. Solosky, Executive Director, Intermountain Humane Society
Elaine Hicks, Executive Director, Humane Society of Weld County