The City of Gallup has notified the McKinley County Humane Society that it will terminate its contract to run the city’s animal shelter at 1273 Balok Street, effective October 27, 2025, citing long-standing operational problems and a surge in parvovirus cases. City officials say the decision stems from concerns over a reported increase in parvo cases, rising euthanasia rates, and perceived lack of transparency in financial and veterinary practices. In response, Animal Humane New Mexico mobilized to transfer 21 dogs and puppies from Gallup into their care; many were exposed to parvovirus and required isolation and treatment.

Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department also offered emergency support, with reports that 10 puppies have already been adopted and 7 remain available for adoption. One particular case is Ophelia, a dog found abandoned in a Gallup school parking lot with a jaw injury, reportedly not eating and possibly blind. After transfer for care, she improved under veterinary treatment. Val Wilson, Executive Director of Animal Humane New Mexico, emphasized their collaborative history with McKinley Humane and their swift response to the crisis. The McKinley County Humane Society, in a public statement, affirmed its 40-year history of animal care and expressed willingness to cooperate in the transition.

The society also noted recent transport of 23 animals through Project Fetch to support adoption efforts. The contract takeover arises amid broader challenges faced by rural New Mexico shelters. The Grants Animal Care Center has temporarily closed to the public, citing severe overcrowding, holding 94 animals while aiming for a capacity of 50. In McKinley County—an area combining Gallup’s urban core and surrounding rural communities including parts of the Navajo Nation—the transition could affect stray animal control, adoption programs, and public health measures if not managed carefully. The City of Gallup has published a transition plan ensuring that the shelter remains open without interruption.

Existing humane society employees are being offered continued employment, and all equipment, volunteer operations, foster care, veterinary services, and animal care functions are planned to continue seamlessly under city oversight. As of now, the McKinley Humane Society has not issued a new detailed response beyond their earlier statement.

Residents are encouraged to route any animal welfare requests through Gallup’s city animal control during the transition.