Animal

Durango, La Plata County law enforcement agencies now performing animal protection duties

Some former humane society employees have been hired

February 23, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Horses leap through flames and pets go to church in Spanish animal rituals honoring St Anthony

cca SAN BARTOLOME DE PINARES, Spain – Hundreds of Spaniards watched horses gallop through towering flames, hours before pet owners…

January 24, 2026 • By IAIN SULLIVAN and SUMAN NAISHADHAM

Animal

Owl rescued from Durango playground, now recovering

Young raptor undergoing rehab after skunk spray, injuries

January 13, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Mesa Verde Pellets launches eco-friendly aspen-based cat litter

The pellets are reportedly safer than pine for animals

January 6, 2026 • Bailey Duran — Special to The Journal

Animal

Feeling burnout, La Plata County Humane Society director takes her leave

Julie Dreyfuss: ‘God bless the people who work there’

December 30, 2025 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Horse Sense and Common Sense; Taking the Panic Out of the Pandemic

Be safe, educate yourself, come together as a community

November 30, 2025 • Jenny Johnston — The Western Chronicles

Animal

Humane society to dissolve animal protection services after La Plata County ends contract

Formal approval still needed; Sheriff’s Office would assume duties beginning Jan. 1

November 15, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

La Plata County Humane Society requests additional funding from city of Durango

Range of services cost about $700,000 annually

October 24, 2025 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Humane Society on board with Durango’s plan to take on animal protection services

City and nonprofit remain good partners, LPCHS executive director says

October 23, 2025 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Durango to bring animal control in-house to address off-leash dogs, bear encounters

City cites slow response, cost concerns with Humane Society contract

October 17, 2025 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Agriculture

Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School using cafeteria scraps to feed pigs, ducks and chickens

Rural students leading way in district’s food recycling program

September 16, 2025 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

How to witness the season of love for tarantulas in Southern Colorado

A tarantula crosses the road south of La Junta late in the day on Sept. 30, 2023. (Shanna Lewis/KRCC News)…

September 12, 2025 • Shanna Lewis — KRCC

Animal

Dog hiding in Walmart produce ran into store from outside, company spokesperson says

Owner and status of animal unknown, according to corporation

August 19, 2025 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Dog filmed inside Durango Walmart pulled from produce shelves

Pets are not service animals, training expert says

August 19, 2025 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Animal

Photos: Avoid the rattle

Durango Kennel Club hosts rattlesnake avoidance clinic

June 7, 2025 • Jerry McBride — Herald Photo Editor