The Pueblo Animal Protection Act was passed by the Pueblo City Council on a very close vote of 4-3 Monday night. The controversial ordinance requires the operators at Pueblo Animal Services to maintain a save rate at above 90-percent.
Council members Bob Schilling, Larry Atencio and Dennis Flores voted no on the measure. It was a full house for the meeting with supporters and detractors speaking before the council.
Passing the proposal means that the shelter’s save rate can’t fall below 90-percent in any 12-month period. Right now, the rate is above 80-percent.
The shelter also has to follow state law in that no animal will be held beyond what state law allows, with the euthanasia waiting period set to the standard five business days from when an animal is impounded.
A lengthy set of protocols will have to be followed before an animal is euthanized to make sure that there is no other alternative available. The new ordinance means the shelter director must provide the reasons that no other alternative exists.
While the 90-percent save rate seems unreasonable to some, it is not impossible. Humane Society of Pikes Peak is doing amazing work and by the end of the 2017 fiscal year, The Denver Dumb Friends League has a live release rate of 90% for all cats and dogs, and 100% for healthy cats and dogs.
The ordinance doesn’t go into effect until January 1st, 2019.
