“Stand With Sunny”: EP Animal Services Campaign Against Cruelty

The MoSho was joined by members of El Paso’s Animal Services department.  Public Affairs Director Julie Newbold and Field Supervisor Alberto Ortiz. They were here to raise awareness about their spring campaign against cruelty to animals.

Some timely information was shared with us.

1.)   The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act

This Texas law was passed in 2022. The law makes it illegal to “restrain dogs with heavy chains, deprive them of shelter, food or water, or leave them outside in extreme weather”.

2.)   Additional Local Laws and Ordinances

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In El Paso, neglect, abandonment and abuse are all punishable as a Class C misdemeanor. Class C is the lowest level of misdemeanor…BUT, extreme cases of abuse or neglect can become a felony case. If it gets to the felony level, offenders could possibly face jail-time.

3.)   The Hottest Months are Almost Here

Field Supervisor Ortiz told us that we’re almost to the time of year when pets left in hot cars can suffer and die. Also, it sounds like there’s a chance your car window might get smashed by police, Animal Services or even a particularly zealous Good Samaritan (good for the dog, not your window).

4.)   What Can We All Do?

Julie Newbold told us there is a specific call to action: if you see or suspect animal abuse, call 311 for violations; call 911 if you witness cruelty in progress.

If you want to help raise awareness, you can wear orange, change your porch lights to orange and spread the word on social media.

To find our more, or for questions you can visit https://elpasoanimalservices.org . Or, you can call Animal Services at 915-212-PAWS.