TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The Pima Animal Care Center is facing a significant increase in the number of dogs being euthanized, raising concerns among volunteers and animal advocates. Those that spoke with the News 4 Tucson Investigators blame the shelter’s new leadership for the shift away from its previous no-kill goals.
N4T Investigators: PACC seeing increase in euthanized dogs
One longtime volunteer we spoke with, who does not want to be identified in fear of retaliation, said every week about 8-10 dogs are being euthanized.
“I think, we believe, that ever since Steve [Kozachik] became the director in December, it all started in January,” she said.
Steve Kozachik, the new director and former Tucson City Councilmember, spoke with News 4 Tucson about the situation. He acknowledged that PACC has euthanized 100 more dogs in the first quarter of this year compared to last year.
“We have here today, over 550 dogs in a shelter that was built to house 233,” Kozachik said. “Here at PACC what we’re doing is we’re playing the hand the community has dealt us.”
Kozachik pointed to community factors as the root cause of overcrowding, noting that many animals arriving at the shelter are not spayed, neutered, vaccinated, or microchipped.
“Fifty-seven percent of the animals we get in are strays; only 15 percent are microchipped,” Kozachik said.
The shelter is also experiencing an increase in bites on staff and volunteers, with limited options for rehabilitation.
“I can’t in good conscience as the director of this facility, put animals out in the community that have a bite history or significant behavioral issues,” Kozachik said.
He emphasized that the solution lies in the community’s hands, urging for more foster homes and better pet care across the region.
“We didn’t invent the census crisis but we’re trying to manage it and yes, euthanasia is part of that management protocol,” Kozachik said.
Volunteers we spoke with suggested adding more space as a potential solution, but this would require budget approval from the County Board of Supervisors. Currently, this option is not being discussed or requested by PACC. Kozachik told News 4 Tucson’s Chief Investigative Reporter Chorus Nylander that PACC could build 1,000 new kennels and they would all fill up very quickly leaving the shelter in the same situation.
Kozachik said the current facility already cost taxpayers $20 million.
The volunteer we interviewed said, “We need someone with some new ideas thinking outside the box. Death is an easy solution.”
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