By Rodd Cayton
Torrance County and the Town of Edgewood are among 17 animal shelters across New Mexico benefitting from a grant program that disbursed almost $2 million.
Danette Langdon, the county’s animal services director, said a $125,000 grant will permit construction of a standalone cat room. She said the project will allow the shelter to take in more cats and provide appropriate feline housing, “which is something we had been working toward for a while.”
Edgewood animal shelter manager Christine Romero told the Route 66 Independent her shelter’s $40,000 grant will help make a planned quarantine building a reality. She said it will be combined with money previously set aside for the project, and staff will know after seeking quotes whether there is enough to call it fully funded. The building, Romero said, would provide a way to keep new-intake animals, and those confined in bite investigations, separate from healthy shelter occupants.
The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) administers the New Mexico Animal Welfare Program, which provides a framework for ongoing state support of animal welfare initiatives focused on the care and sheltering of cats and dogs.
DFA Spokesperson Henry Valdez said recipients were selected through a competitive grant process with the goal of helping “to improve animal shelters in as many New Mexico communities as possible.” The City of Moriarty received $15,000 for fencing, play yard, and drainage improvements.