GRANTS, N.M. — Many pet owners feel that their pets are a part of their family; they are the fourlegged, furry extensions of the family. This is how the Grants Animal Care Center and Director Cheri Baisden also feel about all of the pets in Cibola County. Baisden, who has seen the good and the bad when it comes to pets in the area, recently shared a bit of advice and information on how pet owners can take better care of their pets, in general and during the upcoming winter season.
First, Baisden wanted to remind pet owners in the City of Grants that chains are not allowed to tie their pets up. According to City of Grants Ordinance No. 13-1200: Animal Control, Section 6-9A, “It is unlawful for any persons at any time to restrain any animal by way of the use of a chain with or without a stake except in the case of walking an animal utilizing an appropriate chain leash and collar… Where circumstances warrant and no other alternative exists for confining an animal on its owner's property, a rope, cable, tether or trolley system may be used to restrain the animal, only when the following criteria are met: 1. When affixed to the animal by use of a non-abrasive, comfortably fitted harness or pet collar; 2. When it is at least twenty (20) feet in length unless such length allows the animal to enter into another's property. In this case the restraint shall be no less in length than the maximum span available of the enclosure that will prevent the animal from trespassing on another's property or twelve (12) feet in length, whichever is longer; 3. Must be unobstructed by objects which might cause the animal to become entangled.” Pet owners who do not meet the requirements of this ordinance section may subject the animal to “immediate impoundment” and may subject themselves to “administrative fees and/or criminal penalties.”
Baisden explained that there are many harmful effects that can occur as a result of using chains to restrain pets without a comfortable collar. One harmful effect is when the chain digs into the animal’s neck and ingrains itself into the skin. When chains have been removed in these situations, one can actually see the imprint of the chain links in the animal’s flesh. A community member who witnessed this harm herself is Catherine Habiger. Habiger rescued a dog suffering from this type of chain-use neglect and posted the pictures of the effects on the Cibola Community Awareness Group Facebook page to spread awareness on October 8. “A couple of days ago I posted about a dog having a chain,” Habiger wrote on the Oct. 8 social media post. “I wanted to show you the outcomes of those chains and how they hurt!” Included in the post were images of the chain around the dog’s neck before being removed and images of the dog’s neck after removing the chains. The images were gruesome, showing the dog’s neck wounds and the way the chain links had dug into the animal’s flesh — arousing many horrified and angry community members in the comment section.
The dog was treated and found a new home. “I met with the owners of the dog to make sure the wound was healing. They were taught the use of a harness is better — less chance of choking and more control of the animal. The dog is doing great,” Habiger updated.
The effects of chains used to restrain animals can be extremely painful for the animal and can lead to infection in any wounds that develop. Habiger even stated that she has seen dogs “hang themselves in the process of having [chains] used on them.” Baisden and the Grants Animal Care Center have also seen these tragic effects and want to remind City of Grants pet owners of the animal control ordinance forbidding the use of chains to restrict animals and they also say there are better ways of restraining animals. Some of the alternatives that Baisden suggested for restraining pets in a safe way included using a harness or collars and cabling or tethering. Any options should include a comfortable collar or harness to be attached to the cable or tether device. Plastic-coated cable/tether devices for animals can be found at local stores such as Walmart or Diamond G. A chain can be used as a leash to walk an animal as long as it is not around the neck but is attached to a collar. Collars can also be easily found at many stores in the area.
Baisden also encouraged pet owners to evaluate their methods of restraint every so often, including the spaces that the animal inhabits, such as gates, fences, doors, or windows, so that there are less animals escaping and running around lost. Baisden said that the Grants Animal Care Center has been so full as of lately that at times, the shelter has had to resort to storing animals in the front lobby of the building. Baisden reported that a litter of puppies were abandoned near Mt. Taylor recently and the shelter had to keep those puppies in the reception area. Baisden said they adopt out animals everyday but they still “stay full.”
Finally, Baisden also shared information on how pet owners can keep their pets warm during the cold, winter season. For pets that live indoors, sweaters, blankets, and old T-shirts can be used to keep pets warm in their respective beds or kennels. For pets that live outdoors, a doghouse or some type of shelter is highly recommended for keeping pets warm. Pet owners can also use various types of heat installation inside the shelter space, such as blankets or even straws of hay. If any pet owners are in need of some type of shelter for their outdoor pets, they can contact the Grants Animal Care Center, who has resources to donate, as well as contacts with community members who are donating fairly large pet igloos and straws of hay. Diamond G also has affordable hay for pet owners to purchase. The number for the Grants Animal Care Center is 505-285- 4012.
When asked what community members can do if they suspect pet neglect, Baisden said, “Any concerns, please call so we can help. That’s why we’re here — to help.” Community members can also help the shelter in return by donating materials, toys, or food. Materials can include, towels, blankets, etc. Toys can include regular pet toys purchased at stores or even two pairs of unused socks tied together in a knot. The shelter has halted volunteer activities due to COVID-19 but is hoping to start those again in the future. Donations can be made by driving up to the Grants Animal Care Center front gate at 722 Sakelares Boulevard and calling the number 505-285-4012 for assistance. Business hours for the shelter are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Community members can also help the shelter by securing their pets in a safe and efficient manner to reduce the number of pets roaming, as well as reaching out about fostering and adopting if they are able.
“Our pets are our family, please take care of them,” pleaded Director Baisden. “If you need help, let us know how we can help. We stay full to capacity due to the unwanted and abandoned [animals], but please call so we know how we can help.”