Tracy Dog Rescue advocates for better animal control response and community support

Concerns over animal welfare took center stage at the Tracy City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, as local rescue advocates voiced urgent calls for better solutions to address the growing stray dog crisis.

A passionate speaker highlighted a recent incident involving a puppy abandoned behind a facility, which sparked a flurry of community calls for help. Despite efforts to assist the dog, including leaving food and attempting to gain its trust, the situation escalated when animal control was called. Instead of securing the dog, responders chased it away, leaving it vulnerable on the streets. "You don't chase a dog," the speaker emphasized, urging for better training and more transparent communication from animal control about their capacity to help.

The speaker expressed frustration over the lack of immediate solutions for stray animals, stating, "We need to be honest with the community." With reports of people getting bitten while trying to help stray dogs, the urgency for a coordinated response was clear. The speaker called for community support and collaboration, stressing that the current system is failing both the animals and the residents who care for them.

Another advocate from Tracy Dog Girls Rescue shared her ongoing struggles with animal control regarding a chipped husky that had been in their care for five months. Despite having the owner's information, no action had been taken to hold the owner accountable. "Why are these people not being held accountable?" she questioned, highlighting a gap in enforcement that leaves rescuers in a difficult position.

The discussions underscored a critical need for improved animal control policies and community engagement to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and residents. As the meeting concluded, the advocates left with a clear message: the community is ready to help, but it needs a responsive and effective system to do so.