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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- People living in a neighborhood off of Academy Blvd. and Hartford Street say wild dogs are roaming their streets, but El Paso County and the humane society won't help.

El Paso County is offering only limited animal control services.

In December the county cut its contract with Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) by more than $100,000.

County commissioners did negotiate to keep licensing and sheltering of animals in the county, but field work by the humane society was significantly cut.

Because of those cuts the humane society will only pick up a stray if staff are called by the sheriff's office and only for one of four reasons: an injured stray, an aggressive animal, and an eviction or unattended death in which a pet is present.

"It really represents a significant change in the animal control program," said Ann Davenport, HSPPR director of community resources.

"It's very frustrating," said Kathy Moore.

Frustrating because Moore and her neighbors keep spotting a pack of wild dogs patrolling the neighborhood especially on trash days.

"They will literally stare you down," Moore said.

"At the time we saw them there was four or five all mixed together," said Janice Vanwinkle. "Afraid for my dog's safety, afraid for my grandchildren and afraid for myself."

Moore has called the humane society and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office but no one will come get these dogs.

"I was told they literally have to bite somebody before they come out, and that's unreasonable," Moore said.

"The decision to cut the animal control budget has had some far-reaching ramifications people don't realize until they see it happen right there in front of them," Davenport said.

County Commissioner Amy Lathen said there's nothing El Paso County can do about the pack.

"We certainly can't put that over other priorities, mandates we have with the sheriff's office, the district attorney, coroner's office, that we are having trouble funding at this point," Lathen said.

Those persons who do catch a stray dog in the county can bring it in to the humane society.

HSPPR officials said for those people who are concerned by these conditions, they should call county commissioners,

The cuts to the humane society came in response to ballot issue 1-A failing in last November's election.

The county will begin discussing the 2010 budget in July.