APA seeks donors as move looms

ACTion Programs for Animals (APA) is growing, and part of the growth is moving from its present location at 800 W. Picacho Ave. to a new, larger facility at 537 N. Solano Dr.

As is the case with most nonprofits, relies heavily on financial support from the community to further its mission.

To that end, the organization participated in El Paso Giving Day Oct. 15, which was an online charitable giving campaign designed to support causes in the community.

While that event has passed, APA continues to seek community support for its activities, most of which center around pulling animals from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) and finding good homes for them. APA also operates a pet food bank for low-income individuals.  

“After years of tireless work from a very small facility, we are making the move to a larger building with the hopes of being able to rescue more animals from the shelter,” said APA Executive Director Michel Meunier.

Meunier said all funds raised will go to:

• New, bigger dog kennels to rescue larger dogs.
• Outfitting feline rooms with outdoor “catios” (cat patios).
• Re-doing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and air exchange system to keep the animals healthy.
• Installing privacy fencing.
• Purchasing paint and other supplies to improve the building.
• Creating a space to engage with the public and for humans and pets to fall in love.

Meunier said funds also will go to the Prisoners and Animals Working Toward Success training program, in which APA partners with the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility to provide an opportunity for inmates to learn life skills while training adoptable dogs. In return, APA can adopt out fully-trained, well-behaved dogs to new homes at no additional cost.

APA, Meunier said, is a progressive animal welfare organization seeking to improve the quality of life for companion animals in Dona Ana County and greatly reduce the number of unwanted animals impounded and euthanized at the ASCMV.

Since May 2012, she said more than 4,800 animals have been rescued.

“The majority of these have been dogs and cats/kittens,” she said. “We do this through volunteer work of rescue/foster coordinators, foster families, weekend adoptions and donations.”

For more information email mail@apalascruces.org, call 575-644-0505 or visit www.actionprogramsforanimals.org.