Cochise County staff told supervisors July 31 the county is addressing packs of feral and free-roaming dogs in multiple areas and working on intergovernmental agreements and collaborative responses with municipal partners and the sheriff’s office. Miss Gilman said the county is coordinating with Douglas and the sheriff’s department on agreements; she described the effort as collaborative and noted staff are developing an IGA and working on joint responses.

Staff reported Benson’s animal shelter is closed “temporarily until further notice” for cleanup, and the county may bill partner jurisdictions where services are provided. Miss Gilman and other staff said Lieutenant Chantau of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office will be part of the multi-agency group addressing regional animal-control issues. The board was told a formal animal-shelter work session is planned for later in August to update the board and public on actions and options.

Staff said public engagement will be necessary as part of any long-term response because volunteers and community groups are active and passionate; the board asked staff to continue coordinating with municipal partners and the sheriff’s office and to return with a fuller plan at the August work session.