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Residents and rescuers urge end to 'Haas/Best Friends' approach at El Paso animal services, demand audit and transparency
Summary
Multiple speakers at council criticized the city’s animal‑sheltering strategy and asked for an independent audit and leadership change. Speakers said outside sheltering models used by Best Friends and Haas have failed locally and urged the city to restore the West Side shelter, hire veterinarians and publish accurate shelter data.
A string of speakers during the Sept. 16 public comment period urged the El Paso City Council to change the city’s approach to animal sheltering, calling recent sheltering programs ineffective and asking the council to order an independent audit and restore full sheltering services in West Side facilities.
Ron Como and Chris Velez, both active in local rescue networks, told council the city has not conducted an independent audit of shelter…
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