Tucson, Arizona – Dog Euthanasia Concerns

Some dogs are facing euthanasia at the Pima Animal Care Center after being rescued by a non-profit organization, Passionate 4 Paws.

These dogs were later adopted by the Cochise County Sanctuary; however, both PACC and Passion 4 Paws have indicated they will not be providing any more animals to that sanctuary.

In February 2025, a welfare inquiry led the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office to visit the McNeill Animal Reserve. Although the agent didn’t provide a quote upon departure, the conditions reported alarmed the PACC, Passion 4 Paws, and local community members.

Following a public records request to the CCSO, 13News obtained body camera footage and audio from the welfare check. This material revealed various conditions at the sanctuary, including some dogs confined in cramped spaces.

According to a report from CCSO, there are currently 41 dogs on-site, some having originated from Pima and Pinal counties. About 10-12 of these dogs were initially slated for euthanasia before being rescued by Passion 4 Paws.

“Passion 4 Paws successfully brought 60 to 80 dogs into the community,” representatives noted.

Passion 4 Paws reportedly had prior knowledge of conditions at PACC and facilitated the adoption of those animals through their own sanctuary. While the CCSO found no criminal violations at the sanctuary itself, PACC has decided to cease all collaboration with them.

“There’s a distinction between legal violations and what people perceive to be troubling,” Kozaczik commented.

Passion 4 Paws shared a similar sentiment in a statement on social media. Attempts by 13 News to reach out for further comment were met with silence, despite leaving voicemails and contacting two listed addresses.

PACC intends to stop sending dogs to this sanctuary, although Kozaczik characterized the situation as a last resort. “These dogs were on the brink of euthanasia,” he explained. “There were no local adopters or foster homes available. It didn’t feel safe to place them in the community. The sanctuary was the final effort to salvage their lives.”