By Jessica Johnson, Chief Legislative Officer; and Leslie King, Program Director
Friday, Oct. 28, 2016
Did you know: Bernalillo County voters have a golden opportunity in the upcoming November 8 general election to approve a bond measure that includes $1.5 million to solidify construction of the new Bernalillo County Animal Shelter?
A YES VOTE on General Obligation Bond Question #2 (Public Safety Facilities and Other County Buildings Bond) will not only help save the lives of countless BernCo animals, but it will also do so without costing tax payers a single extra penny.
What does Bond Question #2 do?
Bernalillo County determined that additional funds are necessary to complete the already-planned 17,000 square foot animal shelter facility, which will serve the unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County. Voters have already authorized nearly $6 million for the project. General Obligation Bond Queston #2, if approved by voters on Election Day, will provide the rest of the funds needed to finish the job—without affecting your taxes one bit—and start saving animals’ lives.
Why should I vote YES?
For years, all the dogs and cats taken in by Bernalillo County Animal Services have been transported to and housed in the City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department under a contractual arrangement. Because the city currently no longer accepts these animals, the county has been forced to make temporary arrangements to provide care for large numbers of animals, awaiting enough funding to begin construction on its own permanent shelter facility.
The new facility will provide for humane housing, returns, and adoptions of stray and relinquished companion animals. Bernalillo County currently handles approximately 2,000 animals annually, so a new county-operated shelter (which is designed to rescue and rehome up to 3,700 animals a year!) is an absolute necessity to meet the growing needs of residents and animals now and in the future.
Voting is easy—and it makes a difference!
Please cast a YES VOTE in favor of Bond Question #2—our animals are counting on us!
For more information on how to cast your vote, visit the Bernalillo County Clerk’s website here.
