– Protecting Phoenix Area Animals with MASH- The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Safe Haven Program –
I was shopping at Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Road recently when I saw a booth with dogs for adoption in front of PetSmart advertising the MASH Program. I stopped by to say hello to the dogs and talk with the two great ladies who were there as the caretakers of the dogs. The women explained to me that they do these events at the stores in hopes of finding wonderful new owners for the dogs they brought with them, or others at the shelter.
I had only heard a little about this program previously and was interested to learn more. MASH stands for Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Animal Safe Haven. It was originally started by Sheriff Arpaio and has now been in operation for a decade.
The Evolution of MASH
The MASH program evolved in 1999. In response to horrific brutalities several cats had suffered, Sheriff Arpaio decided to take action. He first formed the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Posse to investigate these cases and hold hearings. Based upon the hearing results, the animals were either returned to their owners or they were entered into the MASH adoption program. Moving forward, Sheriff Arpaio and his team continued the crusade and they have been instrumental in getting strong state laws passed that allow stiff penalties for people who abuse animals in the county.
With the start of the Posse, the need for housing the abused pets removed from their homes became a big issue. The sheriff immediately thought of the old 1st Avenue Jail in downtown Phoenix which was closed to housing prisoners, but a perfect place for the animals. Having the animals at the jail allowed for the creation of a new Inmate Program, where inmates were able to have an active role in the healing process of the animals. From this, MASH I was created and is now considered a great success.
Through MASH I, a dog park was created on the roof of the 1st Avenue jail to give the animals a place to run around and play. The dog park was a joint effort between some fine police officers, some Alpha Program graduates (In Jail Substance Abuse Treatment Program), and some female trustees. Together, with donations from the community they cleaned, painted and built the entire dog park.
With the MASH I “no-kill” shelter being such a success, the leaders determined that they now needed to solve the problem of where to house other animals such as horses, donkeys, pigs, cows, chickens, goats and even a couple of monkeys that had been rescued.
In 2003, under Lt. Dave Williams, a parking lot near the Tower’s Jail Facility was converted into a farm and called MASH II. In MASH II, male inmates are tasked with taking care of the larger animals, and the only prerequisite to be involved is a willingness to learn and great compassion for these injured souls.
This entire program has been a win-win for the animals and also for the participating inmates of the county jail. Many of the inmates found that caring for animals that needed them so much helped them gain confidence, build skills and taught them so much about day-to-day life.
How Can I Adopt One of These Animals?
The MASH Unit is always looking for prospective new homes for their animals and only ask for a donation to the unit to adopt one of the pets. You can adopt dogs, cats, horses and more.
All of the animals are spayed or neutered and are completely up to date on their shots.
To reach the unit, call 602-876-1212.
And, if you see any animal cruelty, their hotline to report it is 602 876-1681.
To learn more about this outstanding program and search for adoptable animals, click here.
