People taking strays to shelter raises issue for city

"It’s an issue of accountability" when people transport a stray dog to the Humane Society of Yuma’s shelter and then the city gets billed for its care, said a city of Yuma spokesman.

The issue arose because the city was being billed for dogs kenneled at the HSOY shelter that had been turned in by private citizens, said city spokesman Dave Nash.

"The city is getting billed for animals at the shelter with no way of confirming the dogs did come from inside the city limits. We need to verify the animals were really from the city before we get a bill for them.

"We appreciate that people are concerned about the animals and want to help, but we have a responsibility to city taxpayers. It’s a technical accountability and billing issue."

If people have an animal control issue, such as a stray dog that’s been hanging around, Nash urged them to call the city’s Animal Control Division "and we’ll pick it up."

The number to call to reach the city’s Animal Control Division is 783-4421.

The billing issue came to light with a posting on Facebook stating that the Humane Society of Yuma had received a letter from the city of Yuma explaining the following information: "The city of Yuma will no longer assume responsibility for animals dropped off directly at HSOY by private citizens."

Therefore, the posting continued, "HSOY is asking that all citizens who have stray animals and, with all good intentions, are planning to rescue the dog or cat and bring it to HSOY on behalf of the city of Yuma, please call the city of Yuma Animal Control Department first at 928-783-4421. HSOY is unable to impound an animal without approval from the city of Yuma Animal Control Department. HSOY cannot assume the financial responsibility for animals within the limits of the city of Yuma."

Nash said he could find no record of such a letter being sent by the city to HSOY but agreed with the sentiment.

"The key thing is if there is an animal control issue, call and we’ll take care of it."