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Humane Society reports lower intakes, outlines TNR and clinic plans as council approves $95,000 contract
Summary
The Humane Society of Lincoln County told the Village of Ruidoso council it has seen intake declines and reduced euthanasia rates and described TNR, microchipping and an upcoming free spay/neuter clinic; the council approved a $95,000 agreement to fund animal-control services.
A representative of the Humane Society of Lincoln County told the Village of Ruidoso council that the shelter has seen a decline in animal intakes and lower euthanasia rates and outlined community programs that officials say contributed to improvements.
"We had over 1,070 animals that came into the humane society," the representative said, and noted that village-specific intakes have fallen to about 370 from closer to 600 roughly a decade ago. The speaker attributed the decline in part to a partnership with the village, ordinance changes, and local programs such as trap-neuter-release (TNR) and microchipping.
The society described recent program activity: 380 in-house spay/neuter surgeries during the past year, 255 community cats fixed through TNR, 305 adoptions and 342 transfers to other organizations in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. The representative said the shelter’s euthanasia rate is "about 10% for the year," largely attributable to feral cats. Best Friends has sponsored 20 discounted TNR cards, and the society plans promotions to sell TNR cards for $5 (normally $30), limited to two per person, to expand access.
The Humane Society also announced a free spay/neuter and vaccination clinic run by a Mescalero-affiliated organization at the end of July; sign-ups were said to begin on July 15 via the Humane Society’s Facebook page. When asked about funding sources, the society confirmed it receives support from the five entities within Lincoln County; the speaker said Mescalero does not ("Mescalero, no").
Councilors then moved to approve an agreement with the Humane Society for $95,000 to cover safe and humane control of animals and protection of village residents. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous roll call in the captured segments.
The Humane Society representative asked for continued partnership and for donations or business matching to sustain discounted TNR cards and related outreach steps. The society identified the new voucher program to help residents who do not qualify for other assistance.
The council’s approval authorizes the village to execute the contract; the transcript does not include the full contract terms or report schedules. The Humane Society’s intake and program numbers were presented by its representative and were not independently verified in the transcript.
