LITTLETON, CO --- Arapahoe County has ended its contract with Colorado Humane Society, in light of recent allegations against the non-profit agency, as well as the agency's own admissions of improperly disposing of euthanized animals in a dumpster.
Information obtained by Arapahoe County from Tri-County Health Department, the Colorado Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry and 7 News investigative reports indicate the agency has violated the terms of their agreement with Arapahoe County Animal Control Services.
ArapahoeCounty pays Colorado Humane Society $4,125 a month to house and care for the County's stray animals, properly dispose and cremate deceased animals, and hold animals involved in bites.
On Oct. 5, ArapahoeCounty notified Colorado Humane Society that they were in breach of contract for failing to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Reports from the Colorado Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry show Colorado Humane Society has been cited with numerous violations over the past seven years related to the care and keeping of animals at the facility.
7 News reports in September showed the disposal of deceased, euthanized animals in a dumpster, which is a violation of state law.
Arapahoe County requested that by Oct. 15 Colorado Humane Society provide proof of a contract for services in good standing with a licensed vendor for crematory services; a contract in good standing for waste disposal with exclusion for animal disposal; and financial records demonstrating an ability to continue operations in compliance with the law. This information was not received.
On Oct. 17, ArapahoeCounty notified Colorado Humane Society by certified letter that it was giving 30 days notice ending its agreement for services. ArapahoeCounty can terminate the contract with or without cause at any time.
ArapahoeCounty is working with several local organizations to house and care for the County's stray animals, hold animals on a 10-day quarantine for bites, adopt dogs and cats, care for sick and injured animals and properly dispose of deceased animals for the County.
Residents in unincorporated ArapahoeCounty or the City of Centennial that need Animal Control Services can call 720-874-6750.