County assumes animal control services in El Mirage

Maricopa County Animal Control will have more of a presence in El Mirage when they take over animal services this summer.

Peoria Animal Control previously had a contract with El Mirage, but need more assistance in light of more reports of strays dogs and attacks.

El Mirage Police Chief Michael Frazier said the city is prepared for county animal control to patrol the neighborhood streets.

He said it's important to keep stray dogs and cats off the city roads as well as out of residents' yards.

"Peoria Animal Control has so much going on in their city that it's almost impossible for them to be here as much as possible," he said. "They do good work when they're here but a lot of response times are slow."

On June 1, the county animal control officer will patrol El Mirage, which he'll add to his regular responsibilities.

"It's convenient because the officer lives in the community, so he can keep a watch on things on a little more," Frazier said.

It's important for El Mirage, Frazier said, to have animal control assistance on a regular basis due to recent incidents with stray dogs and recent attacks in the community.

Two weeks ago, a pit bull attacked another dog and a resident in a park.

In addition, a city police officer shot a dog after the animal strayed into a neighbor's yard and attacked their dog and the officer.  

"We need assistance because stray animals shouldn't be running loose around the city, but overall, it's up to residents to watch their pets," he said.

Councilman Bill Conner, who has long supported the idea of more animal control assistance in El Mirage, said he's glad the county will be able to provide the service.

"They can give us service at the levels we need and provide it to the taxpayers," he said. "The agreement with Peoria was destined for failure because it never amounted to the number of manpower hours that we needed here."