Council approves $35,000 kennel contract for Humane Society of Lincoln County

The Ruidoso Downs City Council voted to approve a $35,000 contract to support kennel facilities at the Humane Society of Lincoln County. Mayor (speaker 2) introduced the unfinished business and council members moved and seconded the measure before voting 'Aye' to adopt it.

At a presentation to the council, a project presenter described the contract and said the $35,000 figure “is a minimal increase from last year's 34.” Humane Society staff detailed intake procedures and location-tracking practices used when members of the public or officers bring animals to the shelter, emphasizing that staff “document that number here” and record the exact location where an animal was found to ensure proper jurisdictional handling.

Shelter staff described the organization's microchipping program and other community services. “It's $35 for a microchip,” a shelter representative said, and staff said they will run a chip number for officers who call to identify an animal’s owner directly. Councilors asked about equipment: one council member noted the city’s reader cost was “over $500,” and staff agreed to coordinate with the sheriff’s office and animal control for clearer intake documentation.

Officials and shelter staff also reviewed recent intake numbers and programs aimed at reducing stray and feral-animal intake. The shelter said the city saw about 212 animals during the last July–June year and noted programs such as TNR (trap-neuter-return), an SPA low-income assistance program, and a new population-control program for residents who fall between income thresholds. Shelter staff reported the community of Ruidoso Downs had seen intakes decline from roughly 480 to 350 after increased interventions.

The council’s motion to approve the kennel funding passed in a voice vote with multiple councilors saying 'Aye.' The mayor closed discussion and the council moved on to other business.