Tucumcari should prepare for and seek funding to comply with pending state-regulated humane euthanasia of shelter animals and regulation of animal shelters, according to a recommendation from a local resident.

Funding could initially come from the non-profit group Animal Protection of New Mexico (APNM) and additional funding from capital outlays from Gov. Bill Richardson, the State Legislature and private sources,  Robert Ciolli has suggested to the city commission.

Ciolli also recommended that the city build a  new shelter to meet the needs of the area and presented the commission with  141 signatures petitioning for a  new shelter.

Ciolli has organized two visits by a mobile animal clinic to Tucumcari which has provided free or low cost spaying or neutering for residents’ animals.

Future changes call for humane euthanasia of animals  by injection instead of poisoning in carbon monoxide chambers – which is presently used by Tucumcari. The injection method could cost between $6 and $45, because of the current lack of local and statewide trained and licensed staff, Ciolli said.

However, by making the transition to the preferred injection method, and with APNM’s assistance, the cost to the city could drop to between $1 and $2 per animal, Ciolli said.

The APNM would assist Tucumcari during the first year by providing drugs and training, said an APNM spokeswoman.

A dollar amount was not named, but the APNM would study Tucumcari’s shelter operations, the number of the animals it serves and other factors to determine how much it would costs for a year, said the spokeswoman.

While any expected legislation is about a year away, Ciolli said the city should prepare for what the new regulations will bring.
John Sutherland said one of the aspects facing the city is a lack of funding for such a  project.

However, Sutherland and city commissioners  said they needed time to review the anticipated changes and Ciolli’s recommendations