LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- In order to make room for a dozen pit bulls that were part of an ongoing legal case, Dona Ana County officials were prepared to kill dozens of other dogs at the county shelter.

That is until publicity about the situation changed all that.

The Animal Services Shelter of the Mesilla Valley expected to euthanize more than 50 dogs to make room for the 12 pit bulls, as funding for their current shelter was about to run out.

The Humane Society of Southern New Mexico (HSSNM) got call after call, about ASCMV talking about killing animals to make room for dogs confiscated in the dog fighting case.

By Thursday afternoon, the vice president of the HSSNM, Frank Bryce, heard from several residents who wanted to help. One resident offered $500 to start off a relief fund.

Calls to the county led to Sheriff Todd Garrision announcing the dogs will not be transferred, because significant donations were made. Garrison said new legislation that takes effect in just weeks will help the county pay for the care of animals while court cases are pending.

“We have a fair number of miracle animals and these dogs are miracle dogs they got the publicity they got the attention and they are being protected, but what happens to the dogs that don't have a miracle,” said Bryce.

Bryce said there will still be problems that need to be addressed. He said reports show hoarding is a problem at the shelter.

“They were going to kill 50 some animals to get the 12 pit bulls in. That many animals come in every two days. You are going to be killing that many every two days,” said Bryce.

The shelter is also looking for foster caregivers. Forms can be filled out at the shelter.
Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley
3551 Bataan Memorial West
(575)382-0018
Hours: Mon - Fri: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat - Sun: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Las Cruces, N.M.