The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) will permanently close the shelter’s deceased animal depository box, ending a long-running practice city leaders say no longer meets modern health and safety standards.
The change, endorsed by the AAMW Advisory Board and included in the department’s long-term strategic plan, follows a review of best practices in other Texas cities.
“Closing the depository allows us to focus more fully on protecting living animals while reducing unnecessary health and safety risks for staff and the public,” AAMW Director Victoria Medley said. “This decision brings Amarillo into alignment with best practices followed by other municipalities and ensures we are operating under the highest standards of care.”
Medley acknowledged the emotional side of losing a pet. “Losing a pet is never easy,” she said. “This change ensures pets are handled safely by their owners while allowing us to continue caring for the shelter animals who depend on us every day.”
City officials said the depository created long-term problems: Staff often had to re-bag unwrapped remains before transport to the landfill, increasing the risk of contamination and disease, while the site became a target for illegal dumping. State guidance from the Texas Animal Control Association also directs that living animals take priority and be kept separate from deceased animals.
Residents who experience the loss of a pet should place small animals in a secure plastic bag — in double bagging if possible — and dispose of them in their trash receptacle or take them directly to the city landfill. Families seeking other arrangements can work with their veterinarian or a private pet aftercare provider. The city does not provide these services.
For more information, contact AAMW at 806-378-9032.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: City of Amarillo retires animal depository to boost safety, care
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
