Citizens Demand Transparency, Accountability, and Humane Operations at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV)

Las Cruces and Doña Ana County residents are calling for immediate and measurable organizational reforms at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV). Our community deserves a shelter system that is transparent, humane, and aligned with national best practices, one that supports rescue partners, protects taxpayer investment, and reflects the values of Southern New Mexico.

For too long, preventable barriers, inconsistent communication, questionable decision making, and a lack of transparency have resulted in unnecessary euthanasia, delayed rescue transfers, and lost opportunities to save lives. These are not isolated incidents. They represent systemic failures that must be addressed.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that ASCMV leadership and its governing bodies adopt the following reforms:

1. Transparent and Documented Euthanasia Protocols

ASCMV must adopt a strict No Euthanasia Without Documentation policy. No animal should be euthanized unless there is clear, written evidence of:

• An untreatable medical condition that causes unrelievable suffering

• A behavioral risk that poses a serious and documented public safety danger

This documentation must be:

• Completed by identified, qualified staff or veterinary professionals

• Provided to rescue partners upon request

• Retained in internal records and subject to oversight review

Euthanasia must be a last resort, not a population management tool, not a convenience decision, and not a response to staffing inefficiencies or internal limitations. National best practices do not support euthanasia for non-lethal and treatable conditions such as ringworm or exposure to ringworm, yet three dogs were recently killed based on exposure alone.

2. Public Posting of Daily Euthanasia Lists

The community cannot save animals it does not know are at risk. We request:

• Daily posting of proposed euthanasia lists

• Inclusion of animal ID, stated reason for risk, and clear deadline

• A minimum of 48 hours’ notice before euthanasia except in true emergency cases

• Real-time updates when animals are adopted, transferred, or removed from the list

Posting animals two hours before euthanasia is not meaningful outreach. It is not a chance to help. It is only a justification to say “we tried.”

3. Rescue-First Release Policy

Rescue partners are essential to ASCMV’s live-release success and reduce taxpayer burden. We request:

• Guaranteed response timelines for rescue inquiries

• Priority release of animals to approved rescue partners

• Elimination of unnecessary barriers that delay or prevent rescue transfer

4. Rescue Support Medical Protocol

To ensure safe placement and reduce community health risk, ASCMV must provide the following for every animal transferred to an approved rescue:

• Spay or neuter surgery unless medically contraindicated

• Age-appropriate core vaccinations

• Registered microchip

• Complete basic medical documentation at time of release

5. Community Oversight and Transparency Committee

We request creation of an independent oversight group composed of:

• Rescue partners

• Local residents

• Veterinary professionals

• Shelter volunteers

• City and County representatives

This committee will review policies, monitor shelter metrics, provide accountability, and ensure ongoing transparency.

6. Monthly Public Reporting of Key Shelter Metrics

To maintain public trust, ASCMV must publish monthly data as a clear snapshot that includes:

• Live-release rate

• Euthanasia numbers and categories

• Average length of stay

• Number of rescue transfers

• Medical and behavioral outcomes

7. Commitment to Collaborative, Community-Centered Solutions

The community wants to support ASCMV. We want to:

• Reduce euthanasia

• Strengthen rescue partnerships

• Promote responsible pet ownership

• Expand spay and neuter accessibility

• Build a humane and transparent shelter system that reflects our shared values

Why This Matters:

ASCMV serves thousands of animals annually and is funded by taxpayers. We deserve a shelter that:

• Operates transparently

• Uses evidence-based practices

• Supports the organizations helping save lives

• Protects public health and safety

• Reflects the compassion of Southern New Mexico

These reforms are reasonable, achievable, and urgently needed.

We Call On:

• The ASCMV Board of Directors

• The City of Las Cruces

• Doña Ana County

• The City Manager

• The County Manager

to adopt these reforms immediately and commit to building a shelter system worthy of the trust, compassion, and advocacy of our community.

A petition is circulating and will be presented at the January 16 Board Meeting. The community is watching. The animals deserve better.