No-kill animal group backs out of bid for Pueblo Animal Services
Pueblo Animal Services is nearing the end of its contract with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, but the question remains: will the Humane Society’s contract be renewed or will a newcomer take over?
Some in Pueblo believe changes are needed, especially those with the group Reform Pueblo Animal Services. They wish to see more steps taken towards a no-kill shelter.
However, a group in support of a no-kill shelter that applied to take over is now out of contention.
No Kill Learning backed out of their request for proposal submission, or RFP, to take over Pueblo Animal Services. They made the announcement Tuesday morning during a Facebook Live press conference.
Mike Fry of No Kill Learning says the local governments made it difficult for them to gain key information like inventory or employee information. Fry said they requested a tour of the facility but they were denied.
“It’s disheartening,” said LeDonna Edwards, a local Pueblo dog advocate and member of Reform Pueblo Animal Services. “The county held onto the RFP for months and wouldn’t release it. The city was trying to get them to release it they work very closely with HSPPR and it seems as though they are favoring them over any new bidder.”
County officials say that isn’t true, and that the whole process has gone by the books up to this point. They feel they have been flexible in this process, even offering bidders more time to apply if need be.
“I think if the information didn’t get out in time, and if there are people lining up to take over the shelter then we can easily extend the time,” said Pueblo City Councilman Bob Schilling.
According to county officials, no other groups have submitted an RFP to gain control of Pueblo Animal Services.
If no one applies before the October 19th deadline at 2 p.m., the county would either solicit for another RFP, cancel the RFP, or find a group and negotiate.
HSPPR says they plan on reapplying before the October 19th deadline.
Edwards has no problem with that as long as they commit to a policy of no kill.
“I would love to see any no-kill agency that supports no kill even if HSPPR would support no kill. I’d be fine with them,” said Edwards.
In 2017, HSPPR euthanized more than 1,000 animals but have made steps to lower those numbers.
The next contract owner will be required to abide by the Pueblo Animal Protection Act (PAPA) passed by Pueblo City Council. Where they can only euthanize 10 percent of the animals that come through the facility. Ninety percent must be adopted or transferred elsewhere. PAPA kicks in January 1 of next year.
No Kill Colorado President Davyd Smith has backed No Kill Learning for the Pueblo Animal Services job. Smith says this situation is reconcilable if the city and county answer the necessary questions that No Kill Learning put forward.
Smith also points out that the lack of answers is leading other no-kill groups away from applying in Pueblo.
