PHOENIX — Abused and neglected animals seized by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will soon be getting a change of scenery.
The agency's MASH unit houses dogs, cats, and other animals that have been seized by deputies as "evidence" during MCSO investigations. When deputies receives calls of animals living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, then up to 100 animals may be recovered at a time and brought back to the MASH unit for processing.
Jail inmates help to rehabilitate the animals until they're eligible for adoption. The unit regularly posts pictures online of the animals they've rescued who are now looking for new forever homes.
County officials have recently reviewed an agreement to move the MASH unit out of the First Avenue Jail and into the Durango facility on 27th Avenue.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control intends to move out of the Durango facility after a new West Valley campus is completed. The Durango facility contains up to 400 animal kennels.
Sheriff Paul Penzone said the transfer deal ensures a better future for the MASH program and fulfills the "final promise" of his administration before Penzone steps down.
“I am so grateful the Board of Supervisor’s have provided a sound future for the MASH program," Penzone said in a statement. "The future transfer of the MCACC facility and pending renovation will provide a safe, sophisticated home for the animal population in our care due to abuses and neglect."
Information on adopting an animal from the MASH unit can be found here.
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