In 2024, animal control officers with the City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) responded to 16,730 calls for service from Amarillo residents. In terms of basic math, this equates to more than 45 calls a day in the span of a year to AAMW officers – ranging from stray dogs to wild animals to animal welfare checks. All the more reason to recognize Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, which runs through Saturday. “AAMW officers have a lot of responsibility as far as ensuring public safety and the safety of animals in our community,” said COA Deputy City Manager and Public Safety Director Andrew Freeman. “Being a first responder to the array of calls AAMW receives on a daily basis is only part of the job, though. AAMW officers are committed to returning lost pets to their owners or finding homes for pets at the shelter as soon as possible.” From January 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024, AAMW officers responded to 16,730 calls. The largest number of calls were for strays (4,684).  AAMW officers also returned 903 animals to their owners at the AAMW shelter and another 377 in the field. Animal adoption is also a priority for AAMW officers. A total of 1,377 dogs and 1,102 cats were adopted from AAMW in 2024. That’s 3,759 animals that were either returned to their owners or adopted from AAMWlast year. “Being an AAMW officer is a calling,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “AAMW officers are dedicated to serving the public by protecting not only our residents, but also the animals that call Amarillo home.” For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

Early voting for the May 3 election begins Tuesday (April 22) and runs through April 29. Election Day is May 3. For voting information in Potter County go to:  www.pottercountytexasvotes.gov/early-voting-locations For voting information in Randall County go to:  www.randallcounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3810/Early-Voting-Schedule?bidId= For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov ###

The City of Amarillo has confirmed the second case of measles in a resident of Potter and Randall Counties. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to severe, life-threatening illness, particularly among individuals who are not vaccinated. The most effective protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and continue to be infectious for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include: A person with measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. Individuals who suspect they may have measles should stay home during this time to prevent spreading the virus. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before they arrive to be tested. It is important to let the provider know that the patient may have measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of MMR. Given the ongoing risk of exposure with the current regional measles outbreak, Amarillo Public Health recommends that infants 6-11 months be given an early dose of MMR to decrease the risk of developing measles. Infants who receive an early dose of vaccine should continue to receive the MMR vaccine according to schedule. Adults and children who are uncertain that they have received two doses of measles vaccine, should consider a second dose. Providers should report any suspected

In recognition of Good Friday, City of Amarillo (COA) offices will be closed on Friday (April 18). The COA service schedule for the week: The schedule for Solid Waste services: Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes will have normal hours of operation.