Douglas Animal Control welcomes new staff member, Shyla Farnsworth.

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Farnsworth came to Douglas on a rodeo scholarship to Cochise College in 2005 and decided to stay in the community.

She has been around animals all her life growing up in a rural area west of Phoenix down the street from Phoenix International Raceway.

“I always pictured myself working with animals. ... I’m a big animal lover,” Farnsworth said.

She has been with the animal control for six weeks and during this time has made a big impact on the drop of the euthanasia rate.

“I’ve been trying to keep in touch with rescues that will take our dogs so we can lower the number of dogs being euthanized,” she said.

Pet overpopulation is a huge problem. Over 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day. Over four million homeless pets are put down each year in the U.S.

“I believe the main reason our shelter has been so full is because people are not taking responsibility of their pets,” she said. “If you have a female that you do not use for breeding purposes get her spayed, if you have a male that is not purposely being used for breeding purposes get him fixed.”

Farnsworth said, people get dogs and decide they are too much work or cannot afford them so they dump them and they become someone else’s problem.

The animal control staff does everything to care for these animals. “We try to figure out what is wrong with them and make them as comfortable as possible,” the animal lover said.

Currently the shelter has approximately 20 dogs, some are ready to be adopted and some are being sent to animal rescues.

According to Farnsworth most people want to adopt puppies.

“If they got to know the older dog’s personality they would want them as much as a puppy,” she said.

The Douglas Animal Control cannot take donations but private donations can be taken by Douglas Small Animal Rescue (DSAR). The funds are used for the rescue of dogs until they are able to find a home.

“We use the funds for food, medicine, shots, blankets, toys whatever they need,” DSAR organizer Donna Henderson said.

The Douglas Animal Control has a $10 fee to adopt an adult dog. A vaccination deposit of $15 and a $25 deposit for spay or neuter on dogs over the age of one year old is required.

“If you get your new dog vaccinated and fixed the city will refund you $40,” Farnsworth said.

To adopt a pet visit the Douglas Animal Control at 2017 N. Rogers Avenue, or call (520) 417-7567. If you are interested in making a donation to the Douglas Small Animal Rescue contact Donna Henderson at (520) 234-7531.

All adoptable animals are available on the Douglas Animal Shelter Facebook page.