For more than 20 years, La Plata County Humane Society has served as Durango’s primary provider of Animal Protection services, ensuring that every requirement outlined in Chapter 4 of the City Code was consistently met or exceeded. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the city of Durango will transition to managing animal control and protection under the auspices of the Durango Police Department. This is a model that many communities in Colorado follow.
Chapter 4 of the city’s Animal Protection Code is a comprehensive set of regulations that extend well beyond off-leash citations. Responsibilities include rabies prevention, cruelty investigations and handling vicious animals. Calls to Animal Protection have been routed through the city’s dispatch system and handled by LPCHS’ dedicated Animal Protection officers. In 2024 alone, LPCHS officers responded to 1,366 calls, including 30 vicious animal incidents, 38 dead or injured animals, 51 bite cases, 78 barking complaints, 179 cruelty and neglect reports and subsequent court cases, 216 stray or abandoned pets, and 471 dogs off-leash.
In addition to responding to calls from the public, Animal Protection officers have ensured compliance with licensing, rabies vaccination, sterilization and tagging requirements – key components of responsible pet ownership and reducing stray and pet overpopulation. The APOs’ coordination with state health officials on rabies control, quarantine enforcement and testing has been essential in protecting both public health and animal welfare.
LPCHS has also maintained extensive case records, processed citations and educated the public about humane pet treatment and safety. Acting as a bridge between citizens, law enforcement and city administration, LPCHS Animal Protection officers have upheld the integrity of Durango’s animal protection system for more than 20 years.
Beginning in 2026, the city will assume full enforcement responsibilities under the Durango Police Department and its expanded Open Space Ranger Program. Approximately $289,883 in annual funding – previously contracted to LPCHS for three full-time trained and equipped Animal Protection officers covering 365 days a year plus 24/7 on-call service – will be redirected to support new ranger positions focused on animal protection, trail safety and wildlife management.
While the city will be responsible for full compliance of the Animal Protection Code – from licensing and impoundment to rabies reporting, cruelty investigations and education – it will still rely on LPCHS for sheltering and adoption services.
As the executive director of LPCHS, I know our team has been proud to serve the city of Durango for over two decades, ensuring that our community’s pets are treated humanely. As the city assumes these important responsibilities, it inherits not just ordinances to enforce but a legacy of humane practice and community trust. We look forward to working with Durango Police Department to make this a seamless transition and continuing our collaboration with the city through shelter and adoption services at the La Plata County Humane Society on 1111 South Camino del Rio.
For more information about our services, including Animal Protection, please visit our website at www.lpchs.org.
Julie Dreyfuss is executive director of La Plata County Humane Society.
