El Paso County proclaims Animal Cruelty Awareness Month as sheriff and animal-welfare officials cite rising cases

El Paso County Commissioners Court on April 6 adopted a resolution recognizing April 2026 as Animal Cruelty Awareness and Prevention Month and received an update from the county's Animal Welfare Department and the Sheriff's Office on enforcement and rescue efforts.

Emmanuel Sia, chief deputy for the law enforcement bureau, thanked the court and described animal-cruelty enforcement as a county priority, saying coordinated operations and community education had strengthened reporting. "The sheriff's office maintains a zero tolerance policy on animal abuse and is committing to bringing those responsible to justice," Sia told the court.

Crystal Rees, representing the Animal Welfare Department, described collaborative investigations and noted increases in enforcement activity: the sheriff's office reported 19 arrests in 2024 and 41 arrests in 2025. Rees thanked the court and county administration for support, said the department has reestablished close partnership with the Sheriff's Office, and highlighted staff roles from initial investigations to medical care.

The county also described progress on a voter-approved bond to build and improve animal-shelter facilities, community meetings on shelter design, and plans for an east-side shelter and temporary west-side detention space. Multiple animal-welfare and patrol personnel introduced themselves at the podium and thanked the court for the resolution.

Public commenters during the meeting praised the sheriff's and animal-welfare response to cruelty cases, urged more community engagement and spay/neuter work to reduce the stray population, and thanked deputies for rapid investigation of reports.

The resolution was adopted by court motion and vote; no additional policy action or specific budget appropriation was recorded in the meeting minutes beyond recognition and thanks.