Change to Holloman pet enforcement

  • Published
  • By 49th Security Forces Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In 2008, 62 stray canines were captured by 49th Security Forces Squadron patrolmen. Of those 62 pets, 52 were returned to their owners. However, the majority of the time it wasn't until a day or two after being captured. This could have been avoided if the canines had been microchipped. Microchipping your dog is a Holloman AFB and Soaring Heights Military Family Housing requirement.

Every day that a dog is in the stray animal facility, it's provided food and water. Stray dogs are kept for seven days and if there aren't claimed, they are transported to the Alamogordo Animal Shelter. Unfortunately, 10 of these canines were taken to the shelter last year where they were held until they were either adopted or euthanized. Each day the animal is in the shelter, the 49 SFS incurs a charge of $12.00 which covers kenneling of the animal and, if unable to adopt the animal out, euthanization and disposal fees.

In the past, when 49 SFS patrolmen have captured stray canines, for the first offense the owner only received a violation notice. However, the policy has recently changed. Beginning March 1, 2009, IAW AFI 48-131, HAFB Sup, Control of Animals, dated Dec.1, 2008, the following fines will be imposed to aid in the care and maintenance of stray dogs captured by 49 SFS:

*1st offense will receive a $25.00 fine.
*2nd offense will receive a $50.00 fine.
*3rd offense will receive a $75.00 fine.

Fines will be paid via DD Form 1131, Cash Collection Voucher. In order to retrieve your animal, a copy of the processed DD Form 1131 from the 49 CPTS must be presented to Security Forces. Your animal will not be released to you if the Cash Collection Voucher is not presented. All offenses will be tracked for a period of one year on each animal.

As a reminder, if you live on Holloman AFB, it is mandatory for all canines and felines to be microchipped. The installation veterinarian office provides this service for a fee of $26.00. All animals must also be registered through the veterinarian and with Soaring Heights Military Family Housing. For more information on microchipping or registering your pet, please contact the base veterinarian at 572-3303 or Soaring Heights at 479-1175.

Finally, while on temporary duty or leave, it is the pet owner's responsibility to provide Soaring Heights Military Family Housing Office with the name, address and telephone number of the individual who will be responsible for your animal(s) during your absence. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the 49 SFS Police Services Office at 572-0882.