05/18/2026
Urgent news for Albuquerque residents. This concerns budget cuts that will significantly affect number of animal control officers, kennel workers, spay/neuter program at the city and number of veterinarians on staff at the shelter. A city council meeting will be held TODAY at 5pm. Please reach out to councilors, mayor or attend the council meeting this afternoon which starts at 5pm.
Update 5/19/26 - Funding has been restored for 4 (possibly 5) positions to be re-instated including the 3 Field Officers who were cut. Also, TNR for cats has been restored back to the original $500K & NMDOG FY27 MOU funding of $20K for City of Abq retention services has been approved + $10K to another local non profit who will be helping the City with adoptions! Thank you to Abq City Councilwoman Tammy Fiebelkorn & thank you to all who attended the City Council meeting last night &/or sent emails in support of Animal Welfare funding for our City! 🐶🐱
‼️ CALL TO ACTION ‼️
Albuquerque City residents & those in service to Abqs animals. YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED NOW. The City Council meeting which will determine this decision is being held TONIGHT - sign up to speak at 5pm.
If you cannot be there in person, PLEASE draft your emails of opposition to Albuquerque Animal Welfare budget cuts NOW.
Thank you to Animal Protection Voters for the following info:
Albuquerque’s animals urgently need your help!
The City of Albuquerque is finalizing their Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and it includes massive cuts in funding for the Animal Welfare Department. These budget cuts will eliminate 14 critical animal protection and law enforcement positions, and reduce spay/neuter and vaccination services for community cats by 50%. The result will set the City back years in its work to improve animal welfare, serve communities, and protect public health and safety.
Other cuts include a reduction in contract veterinarians, kennel keepers, animal handlers, and adoption counselors. A shortage in staffing will require more volunteers and force the department to focus on basic care to the extreme detriment of enrichment and behavioral work. This means reduced out-of-kennel times, fewer walks, and fewer chances at behaviorally-appropriate interactions, which are key factors in adoption. These actions will directly impact the emotional health and suffering of animals.
Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors need to hear from you! Respectfully urge them to fully restore the budget for the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department:
🔸Mayor Keller: [email protected] / 505-768-3000
🔸District 1 Councilor Stephanie Telles: [email protected] / 505-768-3111
🔸District 2 Councilor Joaquín Baca: [email protected] / (505) 768-3332
🔸District 3 Councilor Klarissa Peña: [email protected] / (505) 768-3127
🔸District 4 Councilor Brook Bassan: [email protected] / (505) 768-3101
🔸District 5 Councilor Dan Lewis: [email protected] / 505-768-3118
🔸District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers: [email protected] / 505-768-3152
🔸District 7 Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn: [email protected] / 505-768-3189
🔸District 8 Councilor Dan Champine: [email protected] / 505-768-3183
🔸District 9 Councilor Renée Grout: [email protected] / 505-768-3123
Thank you for taking action!