By Christine Seeholzer, Sedona Resident
(December 19, 2020)
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors recently signed off on a Yavapai County Sheriff Office contract for stray animal services with a small veterinarians practice, instead of renewing its former contract with the Verde Valley Humane Society. This is detrimental not only to the dogs being handled under that arrangement, but also to the people of Yavapai County who have lost pets and will not know where their dogs may have been taken, if found. It reduces not only the chances of reunifying dogs and their families, but also reduces the chances that an unclaimed stray may find another caring home.
I am also concerned that a small veterinarian practice does not have the space, facilities, or staff to handle the amount of strays brought in. Humane societies have numerous kennels and often have volunteers to supplement their staffs. This is probably not the case in a private practice. They also may not have methods in place to promote and arrange adoptions.
The new contract allows for euthanizing stray dogs after a 72-hour period. If lost dogs have not been located in this unlikely place within that short time frame, they could be gone from a heartbroken family forever.
This decision was made without public input. The Board of Supervisors approved the contract as part of a consent agenda, without a public presentation. This is just wrong.
If you care about your pets and what may happen if they become separated from you, or if you have empathy for others, please speak out. There is no contract that cannot be changed.
6 Comments
Don’t think Yavapai County Superviors that you will get buy with this ridiculous 3 day pre-euthanization
waiting period is acceptable. What goes around, comes around, wait until a pet of yours escapes the confines or your residence, yep….in three days pet will be Rainbow Bridge Dead. Think about it….
Please do not let animals be destroyed… We as pet owners want the time to locate our fur babies if lost. I believe in pet rescue.
These laws are horrible I just had animal control co.e to my house and tell me my dog isn’t allowed in MY yard I dont ive in a development it’s horrible and she is a puppy that wouldn’t even hur a worm she loves everyone
This is horrendous. What is wrong with the Yavapai Board of Supervisors. They could learn a lot from Pima County Board of Supervsors. I’m appalled by some of the decisions Yavapai makes without any community discussion or input. I’m moving back to Pima Co.
What is the name of the vet who agreed to this horrible arrangement. We have a right to know and it is public information. Who made the final decision for this takeover. We should all find out and if anyone knows please post it so we can call and send emails in protest. Please do not wait, let all, of us animal lovers save these pets. Joan Shannon
Hi Joan,
The veterinary hospital is Danza del Sol in Cottonwood. They made this statement on Facebook:
“We would like to address the YCSO contract that we just signed.
There are many rumors and loud talkers who are running with what they “think” is going on.
First I have to say that absolutely no person contacted or consulted with us before the article was published in the paper.
I have since made a statement to the paper, in hopes that the truth will now be published.
We are in no way shape or form a “pound”. We do not intend to be one. We are a veterinary hospital.
YCSO needed a place to put animals for quarantine and to hold until owners can be found.
Having grown up in this community, I felt it my duty to give back to our community and offer the portion of my building that really doesn’t get used, to house these animals.
Let’s address the people who are talking about animals getting euthanized. We will only euthanize animals that YCSO has decided are dangerous animals. All other animals will be placed with rescues. We are not accepting surrender animals. We are only taking animals that are brought in by YCSO.
We are not going to euthanize any animals that YCSO has not specifically instructed us to.
Believe it or not, we try to save animals lives every day! There are many rescues that take many different animals with different behaviors. Many specialize in rehabilitation and then find forever homes. We want these animals to find homes, or go back to their owners.
Our intention is to help these animals from YCSO that need a temporary place until owners can be found or placed in a reputable rescue.
Please contact us via email or FB if you would like more information.
Thank you for your support
Danza Del Sol Veterinary Medical Center”
[https://www.facebook.com/DanzaVet/posts/1187332041721368]