24
Feb 2023
Since February 2, 2023, Ark Valley Humane Society’s world has been turned upside down. Our mission has always been to ensure the welfare of companion animals through compassion and care. Through every program we run, every partnership we collaborate on, every hour our volunteers give and every day our staff members dedicate – the core of what we do is spent caring for, treating and spending time with each animal that comes through our shelter doors in hopes to give them a better life. But as with all situations in our lives,......
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23
Feb 2023
February 23, 2023 Contact: Amber van Leuken Executive Director (719) 395-2737, main phone avanleuken@ark-valley.org Ark Valley Humane Society granted ownership of relinquished dog Salida, Colo. – Following a hearing at the Chaffee County Courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 23, the complaint against the Ark Valley Humane Society (AVHS) was withdrawn, and the injunction dismissed pertaining to ownership of Great Dane-Mastiff dog, Echo. Preceding the hearing, Echo was relinquished by his previous owners to AVHS on Thursday, Feb. 2 and has been in AVHS care since then. Please reach out to AVHS......
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17
Feb 2023
With the intent of transparency to the public about Echo’s current care, below is a detailed outline of Echo’s daily enrichment plan. Echo’s kennel size has been inspected by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) program, and is currently in compliance (please see the detailed PACFA report here). Echo’s case is pending and no action will be taken as the legal process is conducted. A hearing will occur on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Echo Behavior & Enrichment Plan Please reach out to Executive Director Amber van Leuken with any questions: avanleuken@ark-valley.org....
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16
Feb 2023
On February 15, 2023, Ark Valley Humane Society (AVHS) received a formal inspection from the Pet and Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) program regarding the kennel and enclosure sizing for 170-pound Great Dane-Mastiff dog Echo. At the time of inspection, Echo’s enclosure meets PACFA requirements. No violations were discovered and AVHS is in compliance. To view the full report, please see below. AVHS PACFA Inspection Report, 2/15/2023....
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15
Feb 2023
Ark Valley Humane Society’s (AVHS) lawyer has advised that transferring Echo to any individual, rescue group or other such entity will not relieve AVHS of any future, potential liability. It is not possible for the previous owners or any other individual or organization to sufficiently indemnify AVHS should another person or animal be injured by said animal....
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15
Feb 2023
Ark-Valley Humane Society is an essential partner organization for The Alliance. AVHS provides free emergency boarding services for pets belonging to clients of the Alliance for up to two weeks and sometimes more, to allow time for clients to figure out new housing solutions and keep their pets. This emergency pet boarding option is also the reason some people are willing to leave their abusive partners with The Alliance’s assistance, because they know their pet is safely cared for by AVHS. The services that AVHS provides are essential to our community, and......
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13
Feb 2023
Ark Valley Humane Society (AVHS) wanted to provide a status update on Echo. His scheduled euthanasia is on hold while the legal process is conducted. AVHS is continuing to look into additional resources for further assessment of Echo. When we have additional updates, we will share these with the community. Please send any questions directly to Executive Director Amber van Leuken: avanleuken@ark-valley.org....
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13
Feb 2023
First and foremost, I want everyone associated with the recent situation involving the actions surrounding Echo to know where I stand. As a community member, father, and veterinarian I whole-heartedly support AVHS. I have worked professionally with AVHS since 2004. I have found the volunteers, employees, administrators, and board members to ALWAYS have the interests of animal health and care as their number one priority. Recent public sentiment brought into question whether or not the staff at Ark Valley were caring or dedicated to the welfare of animals. I read a......
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12
Feb 2023
February 12, 2023 Contact: Amber van Leuken, Executive Director (719) 395-2737, main phone avanleuken@ark-valley.org Community Members Report Bite Incidents Following Ark-Valley Humane Society’s (AVHS) media release sent out on Saturday, Feb. 11 regarding the Echo relinquishment incident, AVHS has received two reports from verified community members of Echo’s past behavior, both of which resulted in biting. The first report states that Echo bit a child while his owners were in Europe, and the dog was being cared for in Salida. The child was bitten on the arm, leaving bruises on......
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11
Feb 2023
February 11, 2023 Contact: Amber van Leuken, Executive Director (719) 395-2737, main phone avanleuken@ark-valley.org AVHS Response to Recent Dog Relinquishment The purpose of this press release is to provide a factual timeline and additional information to our community and the public about a recent event that transpired at our facility. Ark Valley Humane Society’s (AVHS) mission is to ensure the welfare of companion animals through compassion and care. The way we conduct care, what we stand for and our policies are all in place to protect animal and human lives. Echo,......
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