Durango to Shift Animal Protection Services to Police Department
UPDATE: Starting January 1, 2026, the city of Durango will assume direct control of animal protection services, transitioning responsibilities from the La Plata County Humane Society (LPCHS) to the Durango Police Department. This significant change marks the end of LPCHS’s two-decade role as the primary provider of animal protection in the area.
The shift is part of a broader strategy to align with models adopted by many communities across Colorado. Under the upcoming arrangement, approximately $289,883 in annual funding – previously allocated for three full-time Animal Protection officers – will be redirected to bolster the Durango Police Department’s Open Space Ranger Program, which will now also oversee animal control.
In 2024 alone, LPCHS officers responded to a staggering 1,366 calls, encompassing a variety of incidents, including 30 vicious animal cases, 216 stray or abandoned pets, and 471 dogs off-leash. Their work has been crucial in enforcing compliance with licensing, rabies vaccinations, and handling cruelty investigations, ensuring that pets in Durango are treated with the utmost care and respect.
Julie Dreyfuss, executive director of LPCHS, expressed pride in her team’s legacy, stating, “As the city assumes these important responsibilities, it inherits not just ordinances to enforce but a legacy of humane practice and community trust.” She emphasized that while the city will manage animal protection enforcement, LPCHS will continue providing shelter and adoption services.
Why Does This Matter NOW? This transition is critical for maintaining public health and animal welfare in Durango. The collaboration between the police department and LPCHS is expected to ensure a seamless integration of services, preserving the integrity of the city’s animal protection system.
As the Durango Police Department prepares to take on these new responsibilities, residents can expect continued enforcement of the Animal Protection Code, which includes vital components such as rabies reporting and cruelty investigations. The police will now be the frontline responders for animal-related incidents, further enhancing community safety.
For ongoing updates and information about animal protection services, residents are encouraged to visit the La Plata County Humane Society website at www.lpchs.org. This transition not only represents a change in management but also reinforces the city’s commitment to humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
Stay tuned for more updates as the city of Durango works to implement this significant change in animal protection services.
