In December, the city of Colorado Springs dropped a long-standing relationship with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in favor of a contract with an Englewood, Colo.-based animal rescue organization, Colorado Humane Society. The latter bid low for the contract, and the city accepted. Both humane societies are housed in the same building at 610 Abbot Lane (from Highway 24, left on Eight Street, left on Abbot). Confusion, community dissent and questions about the quality of service provided by the Colorado Humane Society have made Springs’ news headlines on several occasions. However, county animal control issues remain under the auspices of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR).Dr. Wes Metzler is the executive director of HSPPR, and he talked to the NFH about his organization’s responsibilities in outlying areas like Falcon. County administrators determine the extent of those responsibilities. HSPPR investigates cruelty situations in all areas of the county, including Falcon. If someone in Falcon has witnessed an animal-cruelty case, the person needs to call the HSPPR. Metzler said the sheriff’s department also has authority to intervene in animal-cruelty cases in the county.In an unincorporated area like Falcon, the county does not contract for pick-up services for stray dogs; however, if someone intercepts a stray dog, the HSPPR will accept the animal at no charge if he or she is brought directly to the shelter. As of this date, there are no leash laws, dog ordinances or pet licensing requirements in Falcon, except Woodmen Hills. Metzler said a particular subdivision, like Woodmen Hills, could ask the county for stricter animal controls. If you live in Woodmen Hills, there are animal regulations and leash laws.Although the HSPPR is no longer contracting with Colorado Springs, county contracts are strong and many programs are under way to provide for unwanted animals.The TLC program – twice-loved canines – was started in 2003, and volunteers work with dogs who are a bit hyperactive, but adoptable, through obedience training programs. Metzler said the program has achieved an 85-percent adoption-placement success ratio.The GAP – guaranteed attempt to place – program allows owners who are relinquishing their pets for whatever reason to pay an extra fee that ensures adoption. If the animal is not adopted, the owner can come back and retrieve his or her pet.Meanwhile, remember that dogs left in cars in the summer heat are in danger of dying. “Animals have a lack of ability to cool themselves through sweating,” Metzler said. “In a short period of time, they can be overcome by the heat, and it doesn’t matter if the windows are open.” Don’t leave your dogs in the car in the throws of the “dog days of summer.”Bicycle riders beware. If you are riding your bike, and you see a dog coming at you, don’t speed up. The chase – similar to the thrill of the car – attracts what Metzler refers to as the “chase syndrome” in dogs. Slow down or stop.As the population soars in Falcon, the need for more animal-control services may surface. And, as traffic increases, free-roaming dogs are easy marks for road kill.If you have questions relating to county regulations or humane society responsibilities in the county, call the HSPPR at 473-1741.
