No more backroom deals. The City of El Paso must let the community lead in selecting the next Animal Services Director.
Mayor Renard U. Johnson, City Manager Dionne Mack, City Representative Alejandra Chávez, City Representative Dr. Josh Acevedo, City Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, City Representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo, City Representative Ivan Niño, City Represe
It’s time for the City of El Paso to finally do what’s right: make animal welfare a true priority so that our pets — and the families who love them — once again have a voice that matters.
After years of mismanagement at El Paso Animal Services, our community has been left to deal with the consequences: rising numbers of stray animals on our streets, attacks on innocent El Pasoans and their pets, backyard breeders openly breaking the law, and a shelter that remains overwhelmed and under-resourced because of a lack of leadership and support from our city government.
But this crisis can change — if our leaders are willing to listen. Animal Services is not a side issue. It is a matter of public safety, accountability, and compassion. The Director of Animal Services must be chosen with the same transparency and seriousness that the City gives to hiring a new Chief of Police or City Manager.
We, the undersigned El Pasoans, say clearly and firmly: No more backroom deals. The City of El Paso must let the community lead in selecting the next Animal Services Director.
We demand the following:
A Transparent Hiring Process
The public deserves full disclosure of conflicts of interest, a breakdown of the cost of the search, and clear updates at every milestone. Anything less is unacceptable.A Prescreening Process With Animal Welfare Advocates
Before finalists are chosen, the City Manager must meet with advocates citywide to hear their frustrations, learn from their expertise, and understand their expectations for the next Director.Direct Dialogue With Finalists
Finalists must meet openly with animal advocates, answer tough questions, and present their plans to improve the shelter, rebuild staff morale, and address El Paso’s animal crisis head-on.Community Meetings in All 8 Districts
This crisis affects every El Pasoan. Finalists must attend public meetings in every district to hear directly from residents before being considered for the role.A Change to the City Charter
The Director of Animal Services must no longer operate outside accountability. This position must be hired, reviewed annually, and, if necessary, fired by City Council — just like other top city officials. Without this reform, the failures of the past will only repeat themselves.
El Paso deserves better. Our pets deserve better. And our community demands better. The time for change is now — and the voice of the people must lead the way.
SIgned,
Wesley Lawrence
Founder Hope's Animal Welfare Coalition
Petition by
Sponsored by
To:
Mayor Renard U. Johnson, City Manager Dionne Mack, City Representative Alejandra Chávez, City Representative Dr. Josh Acevedo, City Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, City Representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo, City Representative Ivan Niño, City Represe
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned El Pasoans, are demanding an end to backroom deals. The City of El Paso must let the community lead in selecting the next Animal Services Director. Our shelter system is in crisis, and we refuse to accept another closed-door appointment that fails both our animals and our community.
We call on you, our city leaders, to take immediate action by ensuring the following:
1. A Transparent Hiring Process
The public must be fully informed about the hiring process. This includes disclosure of conflicts of interest, clear updates on the budget allocated for the search, and milestone reports to guarantee an open and accountable process.
2. A Prescreening Process With Animal Welfare Advocates
Before selecting any finalist, the City Manager must meet with advocates across El Paso to hear their frustrations, listen to their expertise, and understand their vision for the next Director.
3. Honest Dialogue With Finalists
Any finalist must meet directly with animal advocates. Advocates deserve the chance to ask questions, understand the finalist’s background, hear their plans for the shelter, and evaluate their vision for employee morale and community engagement.
4. Public Meetings in All 8 Districts
The shelter crisis affects every corner of our city. Finalists must attend a public meeting in each of the 8 districts to directly hear from the people they will serve.
5. A Change in the City Charter
We demand a City Charter amendment that places the Director of Animal Services under the oversight of City Council. This role must be hired, fired, and reviewed annually by elected representatives to ensure accountability, enforceable metrics, and real progress in addressing the stray crisis.
The animals of El Paso cannot speak for themselves, but we can. We urge you to take these steps immediately to restore trust, rebuild our shelter system, and give our community the voice it deserves.
Sincerely,
Concerned Residents of El Paso