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Apache Junction pauses shelter intakes, plans temporary closure after rodent infestation
Summary
City officials said a severe rodent infestation at the municipal animal control facility has forced a temporary halt to animal intakes and prompted plans to vacate the building for extermination and structural repairs; staff said temporary foster and free-adoption efforts are underway.
Apache Junction city officials announced on April 1 that the municipal animal control facility will temporarily stop accepting animals and will be vacated so crews can use rodenticide and perform structural repairs after an ongoing rodent infestation.
Chief Pulley, the city's police chief, told the council the problem has intensified since late 2024 and is affecting operations, infrastructure and staff safety. "As of yesterday, we stopped intaking any animals," Chief Pulley said, describing daily pest-control visits, holes in drywall, chewed electrical wiring and increasing biohazard concerns.
The city said the shelter has eight full-time staff and 17 volunteers logging roughly 250–300 volunteer hours per month. Facility capacity includes 38…
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