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Steamboat Magazine

Colorado Humane Society Granted Commission to Work in Routt County

12/05/2013 12:17PM ● By Grant Johnson

The Colorado Humane Society & SPCA (CHS) has received commissions for five new counties and one new Bureau of Animal Protection field investigator from the Colorado Agricultural Commission, a group of nine agricultural leaders that serves as the rule-making body for the state Department of Agriculture. With these new additions, CHS now serves 28 counties throughout Colorado with five commissioned agents.

CHS and sheriffs’ offices in Chaffee, Lake, Routt, Jackson and Kit Carson counties will work together to investigate and prevent the cruelty and neglect of companion animals and horses (excluding livestock) in these jurisdictions. Additionally, as part of the CHS mission, agents will work with local law enforcement to educate citizens about animal care and safety to avoid possible animal neglect or abuse situations.

“With Memorandums of Understanding and commissions in 28 counties throughout Colorado, along with a new BAP agent in the San Luis Valley, we are expanding our service area and commitment to assist sheriffs to better protect and serve animals,” said Duane Adams, director for CHS. “We are honored to offer services and extra resources in challenging situations. If you suspect cruelty or neglect involving dogs, cats or horses, we encourage you to file a report with the Colorado Humane Society.”

With the addition of nearly a dozen new counties in the past year, Gerald Garcia joined CHS as the fifth animal abuse investigator with the agency. Investigator Garcia will serve the San Luis Valley and nearby counties in Colorado. He was a Colorado Department of Agriculture brand inspector for the past five years in the Valley. Prior to that, he spent 10 years in New Mexico as a certified special response, security and police officer. The Colorado Agricultural Commission granted his commission as a Bureau of Animal Protection agent at its November meeting.

“I’m honored to bring my expertise and commitment to the Colorado Humane Society to serve the San Luis Valley,” said Garcia. “As the brand inspector and a resident, I have developed good relationships with the various law enforcement agencies and folks in the community. I look forward to working hand in hand with them to prevent animal abuse and neglect.”

The Colorado Humane Society & SPCA works with local law enforcement and government agencies to investigate and prevent the cruelty and neglect of companion animals and horses (excluding livestock) within the state. CHS is an independent, Colorado-based, nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with national advocacy groups or government agencies.

The Colorado Humane Society & SPCA serves the following counties: 

·         Alamosa

·         Bent

·         Chaffee

·         Conejos

·         Costilla

·         Crowley

·         Custer

·         Elbert

·         Fremont

·         Huerfano

·         Jackson

·         Kiowa

·         Kit Carson

·         Lake

·         Las Animas

·         Lincoln

·         Otero

·         Phillips

·         Prowers

·         Mineral

·         Morgan

·         Rio Grande

·         Routt

·         Saguache

·         Sedgwick

·         Washington

·         Yuma

·         Weld