In a notable development within the animal welfare sector, Moms and Mutts: Colorado Rescue (MAMCO) has voluntarily surrendered its Pet Animal Care and Facilities (PACFA) license following an agreement with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, as reported on Friday. This move comes as a culmination of a series of inspections that revealed numerous violations, resulting in a suspended license and ceased operations as of February 28.
Nick Fisher, PACFA’s Program Section Chief, expressed that the agreement, as per the State of Colorado, "brings closure to this case", while emphasizing the difficult nature of such investigations, Fisher said "While investigations into these types of complaints are difficult and unfortunate for everyone involved, PACFA and CDA feel this was the best outcome for the animals in MAMCO’s care," with a continuing commitment to collaborate closely with rescues and shelters to ensure the welfare of dogs and their owners in Colorado.
The groundwork for the termination of MAMCO's license was laid in December 2024 when a Stipulation and Order placed the rescue's PACFA license on probation for 18 months and stipulated adherence to all PACFA laws and rules, in addition to a $12,000 fine being stayed. However, inspections in January and February indicated a failure to comply, and the discovery of breaches that posed an imminent threat to the health and safety of dogs and humans led to suspending activities requiring a license.
Under the written Stipulation for Revocation, MAMCO's leadership is barred from applying for any PACFA license for five years, which according to the agreement reached with the Department of Agriculture, spares them from civil penalties, including the previously mentioned fine, in a bid to safeguard pet animals and maintain public health standards in the region, despite these restrictions PACFA aims to continue its core mission which includes preventing the spread of communicable and zoonotic diseases amongst pet animals in Colorado.
