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BELEN--It’s not a secret that Valencia County has an animal control problem.
The Valencia County Animal Shelter is constantly full, and dogs and cats continue to roam the streets and fields in the county with no one to feed or house them.
The problem isn’t new and it isn’t going away. Valencia County taxpayers continue to fund the shelter, but with no end in sight, local volunteers are trying to help find a solution.
Richard Knittle moved to Valencia County a few years ago and quickly realized there was a problem with wayward animals in his community. With a background in raising money and as a problem-solver, he decided to step up and lend a helping hand.
Knittle was volunteering at the Harvey House last year when Belen Mayor Robert Noblin walked in, and they started talking. They didn’t know each other, but Knittle introduced himself to the mayor and he said, “Mayor, are you aware the county shelter hasn’t changed much in 52 years?”
He looked at me and said, “54.”
The city of Belen and other municipalities pay $35 per day per animal to be housed at the Valencia County Animal Shelter. When someone comes in to surrender a pet, they are asked where they live. It’s then that the county will start billing the city, town or village for the animal.
Noblin said the city council approved setting the animal shelter budget for $90,000 this fiscal year, and has spent about $70,000 so far. The fiscal year ends on June 30.
Knittle and Noblin hit it off right away and made a connection through their love of animals and wanting to make a difference. The two began meeting regularly, trying to find a solution. They put together a plan for a city-recognized committee of volunteers.
Belen Animal Safety Committee was first established by the Belen City Council last July with the first meeting held last August.
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“Our goal it to try to be more responsible to what Belen was producing, in terms of what Belen was producing in terms of homeless animals, wild animals, feral cats roaming the streets, just anything that the county doesn’t get involved in,” Knittle says. “The only thing they get involved in is if there’s a dangerous animal.”
Noblin said the city’s code enforcement officers, who are in charge of dealing with animal control issues, are working closely with the new committee, offering advice and education.
Knittle admits there is no one solution to solve the problem of stray animals in the Hub City.
“The first time we met, we came up with a dozen solutions, then we started narrowing our focus because we don’t have the funding,” Knittle said. “We decided to focus on three main things: educational assistance in the community, a holding facility in the city and working with groups to provide vaccinations and low-cost spay and neuter.”
Knittle said they have added a fourth goal, which is to provide transportation and delivery for the elderly or those who are disabled and can’t lift 40 pounds of dog food.
“We don’t have a great transportation service in town, and there’s a lot of people who can afford to donate a little something for this kind of service,” he said.
The members on the Belen Animal Safety Committee include Richard Knittle, Mayor Robert Noblin, Councilor Tracy Armijo, Mike Perez, Summer Ludwig, Amber Padilla and Noelle Chavez.
Ludwig was able to attain a $10,000 state grant that will be used to house a few animals for a day or two to give owners a chance to reclaim their pets. Knittle said they have also received a donation of a large, 24x60 foot carport they want to place at the city yard close to Impala Drive.
Knittle said once it’s placed on a slab on the property, they will work to close it up, put in electricity and water, getting it ready for animals. He said they’ve also received donations of several kennels — both large and small.
While the holding facility will be city-owned and on city property, Knittle said they will be needing volunteers to help care for the animals.
In an effort to raise money for the cause, Knittle also established a nonprofit organization, VBPaw, which is not affiliated with the Belen Animal Safety Committee, but does work with it.
“We have to keep them very separate,” Knittle said. “We established VBPaw because we saw a need outside simply of what the committee can do.”
Knittle explained the goal of the nonprofit is to promote responsible pet ownership, to provide assistance to people when it can and to support the formation of a permanent center in Belen that will help with adoption, food needs and possibly providing a thrift store.
Since its formation last year, VBPaw has been able to raise about $20,000 through different fundraisers, including bowling and golf tournaments. Knittle said some of the money has gone to helping with veterinary bills for a dog whose leg had to be amputated and its neutering.
They also are hoping to help bring RezDawg Rescue to Belen to provide free spay and neuter surgeries.
VBPaw will be holding a new fundraiser this weekend, from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Whistle Stop Cafe and Belen Harvey House Museum. All the proceeds from each meal served and Valentine’s specialty bake sale will benefit VBPaw.
They will also provide microchips for $5, and there will be dog adoptions through the Valencia County Animal Shelter. VBPaw merchandise will also be available for purchase.
Anyone who is interesting in volunteering or donating, contact Richard Knittle at VBPaw2025@gmail.com or call 505-615-9297.
