County, city and non-profits coordinate adoption events and support as Humane Society faces closure

Board members and county staff described a multi-pronged, immediate response on July 1 to support the county's Humane Society after officials said it may close or is under strain.

A lieutenant from county public safety reported the shelter still had about 34'35 animals and described steps to place animals: coordination with local rescues, temporary care stations and a planned city-sponsored "Move 5K" adoption event to pair animals with adopters and provide on-site resources. He said the event was expected to be approved by the city and would feature city-sponsored logistical support so animals could be displayed and adopted.

Mr. P—ena (transcript spelling) and other board members proposed repeat clinics (for example in Rio Rico) and noted local rescue networks that will place animals via their systems. Arizona@Work representative Sida Bustamante described workforce- and rapid-response services the agency has provided to Humane Society staff, including a veterinary-assistant certification for a shelter employee.

Board members and staff also encouraged community donations of supplies, crates and funding; one board member said a public donation total recently rose but did not provide a precise amount at the hearing.

What to watch: organizers said the adoption event is expected to proceed and that additional pop-up clinics and rescuer-network placements are planned. No formal board appropriation or emergency funding was approved during the meeting; staff said options and partnerships are being pursued and would be reported in later departmental updates if necessary.

Sources: on-the-record remarks from the county lieutenant, Mr. P—ena, Arizona@Work and several board members during the July 1 meeting.