07/22/2025
Thanks to everyone for sharing your comments about our Mounted Patrol. We put it out there so the public can weigh in and have their voices heard. One of the concerns surfacing is several people wanting to revisit our former Animal Control Program. However, the only thing these two programs have in common is animals.
While preparing my 2021 budget, I was told by the County Commissioners to reduce my budget request by $1.5 million. Because I have several statutory responsibilities that require funding (operating a jail, public safety, criminal investigations, search and rescue, etc.) I had to look at cutting funds for programs that are not required. Our animal control program cost $1.2 million per year. It covered three full-time deputies, three vehicles, vaccine, spay and neuter clinics and subsidies for local animal shelters. The program was expensive and I decided to cut it so that I could continue to fund required operations. I created the program in my first term, was extremely proud of it and hated to do it, but tough decisions had to be made. Also, it must have consistent funding and cannot be managed by donations.
On the other hand, when I was approached with the idea of a Mounted Patrol program, I insisted that it be almost completely funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. Also, this is a collateral program that interested deputies can join. They are not assigned as full-time mounted Deputies. They provide their own horses, but uniforms, a stipend for care, etc. are all funded by outside funds, not my budget.
I hope this not only clarifies some of the confusion, but also will get you to support our Mounted Patrol program.
Lou Vallario
Garfield County Sheriff
