Rescue groups cleared to gain release for unwanted animals

The Clovis city commission has cleared the way for area animal rescue groups to gain release for unwanted or unclaimed animals from the Clovis animal control facility.

During its March 10 meeting, commission members voted 8-0 in favor of the agreement, which was backed by the Animal Control Task Force.

“They (rescue groups) would be able to go to the shelter and pull animals that are on the euthanasia list, then network with other no-kill shelters or other facilities they transfer to,” Animal Control Task Force Chair Linda Cross said. “They’re very instrumental in reducing the (euthanasia) numbers. They have to apply to the city to be allowed to pull animals and once they meet the requirements can designate certain people that work within their organization that can pull animals.”

Cross said interested animal rescue groups would be required to report to the city and have a 30-day window to conduct spay and neutering while submitting receipts as proof of the procedure. Additionally, she said all animals pulled would be vetted before they are sent to their destination.

“They (rescue groups) just have to stay in good standing,” Cross said. “We’re not going to micro-manage them because we feel they know what they’re doing. They bring their people they trust into it and we’re going to go by complaints and they’ll have to justify that.”

A portion of the agreement said the rescue group “understands and agrees the proper care and humane treatment for the animals is to be provided at all times for consideration of the pound fee established by resolution.” It was revised upon recommendation of Clovis City Attorney David Richards.

“I propose that that sentence be concluded ‘provided at all times,’ period,” he said. “And the rest of that sentence be deleted. That would eliminate (any) boarding fee for the rescue group.”

City commissioners previously approved an ordinance that requires pet owners pay $165 for sterilization and vaccinations when adopting from the city’s animal shelter.

That represents a $25 reduction from an earlier plan, which added a $10 microchipping fee and a $15 board charge.