The Maricopa County Animal shelter system should be a safe haven for lost pets and strays.

It is not.

The high influx of animals into the open intake system has kept the system in crisis mode for too long. Unclear and questionable practices, poorly maintained facilities, and minimally trained staff have created a situation where the public is terrified to take found pets there because they believe the animals will be put to death or become ill at best. Whether this reputation is deserved or not, this is the reputation the system has. We beg, we plead, we implore, and we demand that a priority be placed on our shelter system and changes be made.

We, the citizens of Maricopa County, recognize that these are our shelters in our county and we are responsible for affecting the necessary changes to move into a humane and acceptable situation. We will not be quiet until this is done, for we have found our voices.

·        Clearly defined and written policies encompassing process and procedures, that are available to the public. 

·        All employees be required to pass background checks.

·        All employees are provided regular training in customer service, dog and cat care, behavior, and first-aid.

·        Veterinarians are certified in Arizona.

·        All animals are posted to PetHarbor (or similar program).

·        The due out list is to be provided to the public at the beginning of the business day before and not at the end of the day nor mid-day.

·        A pro-active return to owner program.

·        A mandatory microchipping program.

·        A new evaluation system of dogs and cats be developed and applied.

·        A marketing group be created to better educate the public about identification, spay/neuter, adoption, volunteering, and other animal welfare issues.

·        Facilities receive much needed renovations, better overall maintenance, and modernization.

·        Provide access to more comprehensive medical facilities and care.

·        Substantial funding is provided from the General Fund.

Make your signature more impactful by including in your comment your Maricopa County District! Anyone who does so, your comments will be collected and delivered directly to the Supervisor of your District. Don’t know what to say in your comment? That’s ok, including your district is sufficient.

Locate your district here: https://www.maricopa.gov/bos/

This petition will be delivered to:

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors:

Clint L. Hickman
District 4 Supervisor
Chairman

Denny Barney
District 1 Supervisor

Steve Chucri
District 2 Supervisor

Andy Kunasek
District 3 Supervisor

Steve Gallardo
District 5 Supervisor

(or current elected Supervisor for each District)