City Donates Vehicle to Support Portales Animal Services
A collaborative effort to strengthen regional animal welfare and community safety
ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) has donated a decommissioned animal service vehicle to the City of Portales Animal Control (PAC), providing a vital resource to help support animal services in the neighboring community.
Kelly McClellan, community services director for PAC, reached out to AWD for assistance as their current vehicles are nearly 20 years old and no longer reliable. AWD stepped up and offered a fully functional decommissioned vehicle to help Portales continue providing safe and effective animal control services for their residents.
“When one community needs help, we step up,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By sharing our resources, we help communities protect their animals and support public safety. We are glad to help Portales continue their mission.”
On November 17, PAC representatives traveled to Albuquerque to pick up the vehicle. The “new-to-them” van is now being prepared for service with updated decals and paperwork before being deployed in the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the City of Albuquerque for donating an Animal Control van,” said Portales City Manager Scott Mitten. “This generous contribution will greatly enhance our ability to respond to calls, safely transport animals, and serve our community with the efficiency and professionalism they deserve.”
This collaborative effort reflects the City of Albuquerque’s commitment to repurposing public resources to support communities in need across the region. AWD’s donation illustrates the importance of partnerships in animal welfare and reduces the burden on shelters by enabling more humane and efficient animal care.
“Our goal is always to improve animal welfare, not just in Albuquerque but across New Mexico,” said Animal Welfare Department Director Carolyn Ortega. “By repurposing this vehicle, we’re helping Portales Animal Control continue their important work and making sure animals receive the care they deserve.”
This donation demonstrates how inter-city partnerships can strengthen animal welfare across the region and ensure that even limited resources can make a big impact when used collaboratively.