Local humane society continues to serve

As of Jan. 1, the city of Colorado Springs ended its 53-year animal control services partnership with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR). Since then, there have been many questions. In an effort to reduce the confusion, we feel it is important to clarify the city/HSPPR negotiation process and to define the services that the HSPPR continues to provide.

Early in 2003 it was clear that the city would be faced with significant funding constraints. In April 2003, representatives from the city and HSPPR began twice-monthly meetings to develop a mutually agreed upon animal control program that would fit the city's health and safety needs and stay within the budget constraints. In early August, just three unresolved issues faced this committee, so members went before City Council with the goal of having a joint presentation to get policy direction to reach a resolution on an acceptable program at an acceptable cost.

However, it was the decision of the council to discontinue the joint process and put the city animal control program out to bid with a Request for Proposals (RFP). In good faith, the HSPPR provided "value engineering" options that would reduce the cost of animal control services to the city. On Nov. 18, the HSPPR board of directors authorized a further reduction of our bid, by $97,000, resulting in the HSPPR's "best and final" offer.

Through reduced services, postponement of capital expenditures, operational cost containment/reductions and reductions in personnel, this offer represented our continued commitment to serve the city of Colorado Springs and was another acknowledgement of our cooperation in addressing the serious constraints facing our city's budget.

Our best and final offer would have met the $697,000 contract amount in the city budget. In spite of this, the city of Colorado Springs chose to award its animal control contract to a Denver organization.

During the confusion of changing animal control providers, many questions have arisen regarding ownership of the HSPPR facility at 610 Abbott Lane. This state-of-the-art animal facility is owned by the HSPPR. In order to make this facility a reality, the city pre- paid 20 years of rent for kenneling space through a successful SCIP community initiative in 1999. In addition to the governmental entities, our facility and grounds were funded by the generous donations of local foundations, local businesses and local individuals. All of these donors are acknowledged for their generosity within the HSPPR facility.

The HSPPR facility is the representation of a vision of partnership of many within our community. Today, the HSPPR facility also houses the city of Colorado Springs Animal Control Program. Duplicated services within the same facility are confusing, however, the HSPPR staff is ready to answer any of your questions.

The HSPPR continues to provide animal control services to the citizens of El Paso County, Fountain, Monument, Manitou Springs, Douglas County, Pueblo County and the city of Pueblo. There has been no disruption in any services to these agencies and their citizens.

Although the HSPPR no longer provides animal control services to the city of Colorado Springs, we will continue to offer all of our other community programs to the citizens of the city as well as the citizens in the surrounding areas.

The Humane Society still provides significant public services, including:

Adoption services, for obtaining new pets.

Volunteer programs, with opportunities for citizens to help the shelter's pets.

Lost and found program, to help locate lost animals along the Front Range.

School education, which brings the Humane Society into local classrooms to instruct on pet care.

The Critter Cruiser, providing public outreach at a variety of off- site locations.

The PetMobile, which takes shelter animals to places such as hospitals and senior centers.

Community partnerships which interface with local veterinarians, civic groups and domestic violence organizations.

Animal services, including accepting adoptable owner-relinquished animals, responding to issues of cruelty and neglect (where legally permitted), euthanasia services, and acceptance of stray, injured and abused animals.

Public information on responsible pet ownership, offering information on common pet behavior and new-home adjustment issues

Obedience training resources, starting each dog owner off on the right foot with their canine companions.

All of these services are funded through donations from supporters to the HSPPR 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

The HSPPR remains a vital service provider in the Pikes Peak region and will continue toward our goal of achieving a community where animals and people can live in harmony. We welcome questions and comments about our services at 473-1741.

Kouba is president of the board of directors of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Copyright 2004
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