NM shelter cancels plan to euthanize 50 strays to make room for court-held pit bulls

NM shelter cancels plan to kill dozens of dogs

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Officials of a New Mexico animal shelter say they have canceled plans to euthanize more than 50 dogs to make room for court-held pit bulls.

Dona Ana County Sheriff Todd Garrison says 12 pit bulls being held as evidence in a dog fighting case will no longer be transferred to the county shelter. He says donations will allow for the dogs to be cared for at another site.

Garrison also says he expects revenue from a law that goes into effect July 1. Under the law, judges can require suspected animal abusers to pay for their animals’ care while cases are pending.

The 12 pit bulls were to be placed in one cage apiece at the shelter. The spaces usually house two or more dogs.

The pit bulls were confiscated in 2007 from Daron and Duryea Scott. Allegations of dog fighting and animal abuse against the brothers are pending before the state’s appeals court.