Ad
Featured
Grants animal shelter closes to address overcapacity
Grants Animal Care Center volunteer Catharine Embrey holds four puppies that have been staying at the animal shelter.
Published
Modified
The Grants Animal Care Center has closed so it can reduce its animal population.
It is unclear how long the closure will last.
"We do not want to shut down this center," Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte said. "(But) sometimes we do get to a point where we are overcrowded, and right now, we have reached that point."
As of Thursday, there were 94 animals at the center, she said, adding that "a nice goal would be to have 50 animals or less."
Monte said nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society is leading an effort to transport the animals to other rescue organizations.
"When you're dealing with overcrowding in a shelter, it can feel overwhelming," said Desiree Triste-Aragon, regional strategist for Friends Animal Society. "But I also think there are some positive things that come out of it, such as rescue groups coming out to help out. That's the most rewarding part."
Triste-Aragon said about 60 animals had been requested by rescue organizations in Colorado and Utah as of Thursday.
To adopt, Monte said, people can call the care center at 505-285-4012.
"We ask for the public's patience and understanding as we take these steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the animals," she said in a news release Monday, "and to improve our ability to serve the community."
Monte said even when the care center gets to 50 animals, "we still want to be able to do a deep clean of the shelter so we can reopen it."
