Teller County Regional Animal Shelter Hailed for Dedication to Neglected Animals

The Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP), part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, is proud to announce that Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural BAP Exemplary Service Award.

The BAP works with animal welfare agencies across Colorado that consistently exceed expectations in support of animals and cruelty investigations. The annual Exemplary Service Award honors a specific agency for extraordinary compassion, professionalism, reliability, and partnership with the BAP team.

This Exemplary Service Award acknowledges TCRAS's exceptional assistance during animal cruelty investigations and animal removals or surrenders, as well as their reliable and timely support, compassionate animal care, follow-through communication, and a demonstrated commitment to animal welfare.

"TCRAS has been invaluable in providing compassionate care and critical support to animals from across Colorado that have been removed during neglect and cruelty investigations," said BAP Program Manager Dr. Courtney Diehl. "Through their dedication, professionalism and unwavering support, TCRAS has helped hundreds of animals from across the state find safety, healing and new beginnings. Their work exemplifies the collaborative spirit and high standards that this award was created to recognize."

While the shelter has worked closely with BAP for the past three years, its commitment in 2025 has been especially notable. In this year alone, TCRAS has stepped forward to assist with more than 15 complex cases involving companion animals, offering safe placement, rehabilitation and a path forward for animals in need. In 2024, the BAP investigated an animal neglect case in the San Luis Valley, which resulted in the removal of ten animals (dogs and cats) from deplorable conditions where the animals lacked access to food, water, or veterinary care. TCRAS was the assisting agency, helping the BAP team with housing, veterinary care and behavior care for these animals.

"We are honored to receive this award," said Kathleen Ruyak, TCRAS Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator. "Animal Welfare is about working together to help animals who are suffering from neglect to have a safe place to go and providing hope for a new beginning without pain and suffering."

TCRAS is a small, rural shelter that is supported by donations. Visit their website tcrascolorado.org and follow them on social media to see the animals they help and how they support the community and the state of Colorado

Advancing animal health and welfare is a key focus for the Colorado Department of Agriculture and is also one of CDA's priorities identified in the agency's multi-year strategic plan. Colorado has a strong network of animal care providers, including veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and emergency responders who work tirelessly to ensure the health and welfare of animals across the state.

CDA continues to advance animal health and welfare by addressing foreign animal disease preparedness, animal disease traceability, and ag-wildlife programs. Additionally, CDA's Division of Animal Welfare works directly with stakeholders to improve animal welfare through programs such as the BAP as well as the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).