​Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Rules and Regulations City and County of Denver Board of Public Health and Environment
All interested parties are hereby given notice that the City and County of Denver, the Board of Public Health and Environment, will hold a public rule-making hearing to consider rules and regulations governing PRIVATE OFF-LEASH DOG ENCLOSURES

The hearing will be held at the meeting of the Board of Public Health and Environment (BPHE) at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Permit Center/Elections Building, located at 200 W. 14th Avenue, Suite 200, 2nd Floor in the Grand Mesa Conference Room. Any change to the meeting location will be posted prior to the meeting on the BPHE website.

Please notify us via email at BEH@Denvergov.org of your intent to speak at the public hearing no later than Monday, May 7, 2018, or submit comments in writing to BEH@Denvergov.org by Monday, May 7, 2018. Comments can also be mailed or hand delivered to the Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE), Administration Offices, Attention Kathy Houston, 200 W. 14th Avenue, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80204-2732 no later than Close of Business, May 7, 2018.

The proposed rules and regulations can be viewed here or in person at the DPHE Administration Offices, (200 W. 14th Avenue, 3rd floor, Suite 300) or by calling 720-865-5484.

Failing to provide adequate shelter from the cold could result in up to $999 fine and/or a year in jail

As the Denver Metro area braces for several days of bitter cold, Denver Animal Protection reminds residents to ensure pets are protected from the elements. Failing to do so could have dire consequence for pets and result in a Cruelty to Animals or Animal Neglect charge, up to a $999 fine and/or a year in jail for the owner. 

Ideally, the best way to protect pets from extreme temperatures is to avoid long-term outdoor exposure. However, if pets have to be outside for longer durations, Denver city ordinance requires that pets have adequate outdoor shelter such as a dog house, porch area, or a similar structure that allows the animal to escape the elements. 

Further insulating the shelter or adding a “doggie door” to a garage or covered area adds another layer of protection from the cold. 

Additional tips include:

• When pets come in from the outdoors, remove snow, ice, salt other ice treatment chemicals from their coats and paws. This will not only keep them dry, but will also prevent them from ingesting the chemicals.
• Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between toes. Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide protection from irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.
• Don’t leave dangerous and potentially lethal chemicals like snow and ice remover or anti-freeze within your pet’s reach.
• Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles before starting them up. Stray cats often look for refuge on warm engines.
• Don’t shave your dog down to the skin in the winter as a longer winter coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting a coat or sweater.
• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in the wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories. Ensure they also have plenty of water to help keep them hydrated and to prevent dry skin.

For information about Denver’s Animal Protection ordinances or additional pet safety tips, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org.
 
As Denver’s nationally-accredited local public health agency, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver’s environmental and public health goals. DDPHE Divisions include Denver Animal Protection, Community Health, Environmental Quality, Office of the Medical Examiner and Public Health Inspections.
 
For more information about DDPHE visit www.denvergov.org/EnvironmentalHealth. Follow us onwww.Twitter.com/DDPHE.

 Approximately two dozen French Bulldogs rescued as part of a special investigation by Denver Animal Protection will get a chance at a new start during a special adoption event on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Denver Animal Shelter (DAS).

Earlier this month, Denver Animal Protection removed more than 34 animals from a Denver residence as part of a special investigation. Since then, DAS medical and behavior teams have been working nonstop to provide medical care for the dogs and prepare them for rehoming. Many of the dogs will be available for adoption on Aug. 26 on a first come, first served basis.

DAS staff anticipate significant interest in the dogs and encourage those looking to adopt to arrive early and be prepared for longer-than-usual wait times. The French Bulldogs will only be adopted to Colorado residents, and no pre-adoption visits will be available.

To help recoup the costs of the specialty medical care the dogs have received, the requested adoption cost for this event will be $400, which includes the shelter’s standard adoption fee and a suggested donation. This care includes:

• Soft palate resection and nares resection to allow them to breathe more easily
• Dental procedures to remove rotten and painful teeth
• Giardia and deworming treatments
• Medicine for severe ear and skin infections
• Surgery to relieve infected eyes
• Bite wound treatment

The adoption cost also includes the spay or neuter, vaccinations, a microchip, and a one-year pet license.

Prospective adopters should also be aware that French Bulldogs can require special ongoing care with regards to medical and behavior needs. For those not able to adopt but still eager to help, the shelter is also accepting monetary donations to help defray the costs of animal medical care, dental care and rehabilitation.

DAS is an open-admission shelter that cares for approximately 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.

The shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. in Denver and can be reached by phone at 720-913-1311 or online at www.DenverAnimalShelter.org.

“Name your own adoption fee” event aims to place 40-plus animals in forever homes

Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is partnering with Telemundo Denver to host Clear the Shelters on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This “name your own adoption fee” event is one of hundreds of local adoption events taking place across the country as part of the annual promotion. Each event aims to place all stray, abandoned, lost, and homeless pets in safe and loving homes.
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DAS is an open-admission shelter that cares for approximately 7,500 lost and abandoned pets each year, with standard adoption fees ranging from $15 to $150. The shelter currently has more than 40 cats, dogs and other animals available for adoption. 

While most animals will be adopted as family pets, the shelter also has a new Working Cat program for cats that can help provide rodent control.
 
Denver Animal Shelter’s adoption package includes a wellness check, spay or neuter, and a one-year pet license. While adoption fees will be reduced for this special event, potential adopters must meet with an adoption counselor and complete the shelter’s application process. Spanish-speaking adoption counselors will be on hand as well.
 
For those not able to adopt but still eager to help, the shelter is also accepting monetary donations to help defray the costs of animal medical care, dental care and rehabilitation.
 
The shelter also offers low-cost vaccination, pet licensing, microchipping and other helpful services.
 
DAS is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. in Denver. The shelter can be reached by phone at 720-913-1311 or online at www.DenverAnimalShelter.org.

As temperatures across Denver are expected to hit 90, Denver Animal Protection (DAP) and Denver Public Works are teaming up to remind pet owners of the dangers of leaving pets unattended in hot vehicles. 

Since the beginning of the year, DAP has received 175 calls regarding dogs left inside vehicles during extreme temperatures. Leaving your pet in an overheated car could result in a summons for animal cruelty, which can result in a fine of up to $999 and/or a year in jail. 

As a reminder about the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles during the blistering heat, Denver Public Works Right of Way Enforcement Agents will distribute flyers and keep an eye out for pets left unattended in hot vehicles while on patrol.

“Temperatures inside of a vehicle can reach 120F in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked,” says Sgt. Jim Sanborn of Denver Animal Protection. “The best way to keep your pet safe during the blisteringly hot temperatures is to leave your pet at home.”

DAP offers the following tips for protecting your pet from the heat:

• It is illegal to let dogs ride loose in pick-up truck beds. Hot metal can burn paws, and exposure to the direct sunlight can be just as harmful as has being left in an enclosed vehicle.
• Ensure pets are groomed. Long-haired pets are more susceptible to overheating.
• Avoid excess exercise with your pet when it’s hot outside.
• Be mindful of hot pavement that can burn your pet’s feet.  
• Provide adequate shelter from the elements, as well as access to fresh water. Denver city ordinance requires that pets have adequate outdoor shelter such as a dog house, porch area, or a similar structure that allows an animal to escape the elements. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to $999 and/or a year in jail.

The new Colorado law that protects good Samaritans from breaking an animal or child out of a car goes into effect on August 10th. If you see a dog in a hot car, immediately call 311. 

Wednesdays in June, 5:30 p.m., Denver Animal Shelter
Find your chakra alongside enlightener, free-roaming, adoptable cats during Denver Animal Shelter’s YogAdoptables series. Classes are held on Wednesdays in June at 5:30 p.m. and are taught by a local, certified yoga instructor. Bring your yoga mat and all your yogi friends for some fun, flexible philanthropy with felines! Register today.

You’ve officially been invited to help raise money for Pet Wellness Packages for Denver Animal Shelter! Every $55 raised spays or neuters, microchips, licenses, and vaccinates a cat or dog.
 
What can you do to make this fundraiser a success? Getting all of your friends to make a donation! Simply go to the page below and click the FUNDRAISE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN button and you'll have your own fundraising page as a part of our Team. (Before you invite your friends to donate, be sure to make a donation yourself!)
https://www.crowdrise.com/denver-animal-shelter-savingpets2017
 
The Michelson Found Animals Saving Pets Challenge is even more exciting than a normal fundraiser because we have the opportunity to win extra money for the shelter. Throughout the campaign, Denver Animal Shelter will have the opportunity to receive bonus grants. One of the bonus grants is tied into the people we have fundraising on our team. So don’t delay – join our Team and invite your friends to donate!