GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) - Starting New Year's Day, the Grand Junction Police Department will assume animal control services within city limits.
This comes after Mesa County Animal Services restructured its services earlier this year. Animal services will still offer shelter services while GJPD will help with animal control concerns and reuniting lost pets with their owners within the city.
The police department prepared for this change by creating a new Animal Control Unit. GJPD also has two current members with previous local animal services experience who gave feedback on starting the new service.
This unit's responsibilities include responding to dangerous animals, public nuisance complaints and other related issues.
“As we begin our role in providing animal control services for the City of Grand Junction beginning in 2025, the Grand Junction Police Department is committed to building a top-tier Animal Control Unit focused on education, excellent customer service and the reunification of lost animals with their owners,” GJPD Civilian Manager Amber Peck, who will oversee the new unit, said in a press release.
Creating this new unit cost $530,000, which included purchasing equipment, uniforms, a new vehicle and operating expenses. A new specialized animal control truck, priced at around $90,000 was also included.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office will continue to address animal control issues within unincorporated parts of the county.
The GJPD's new Animal Control Unit can be reached at 970-549-5000 for non-emergency concerns; in an emergency, dial 911.