Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Welfare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Imperial County proclaims October 2025 'Pit Bull Awareness Month' and waives adoption fees for pit bulls
Summary
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors adopted proclamations recognizing October 2025 as Pit Bull Awareness Month and National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month after a presentation by the Imperial Valley Humane Society. The Humane Society said it will waive adoption fees for pit bull and pit-bull-mix dogs for October and outlined included services.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 14 adopted proclamations declaring October 2025 both Pit Bull Awareness Month and National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, following a presentation by the Imperial Valley Humane Society that highlighted waived adoption fees and reduced-cost services for adopted animals.
The declarations were adopted by an affirmative roll-call vote recorded as District 1 — yes; District 2 — yes; District 3 — yes; District 5 — yes. (The transcript did not record a vote for District 4.)
The board’s action followed a presentation by Imperial Valley Humane Society Executive Director Devin Apodaca and adoption specialist Desiree Badari. Apodaca described one featured dog, named Woodson (referred to as “Blitzen” in the presentation), who “came into our care on December 17. He was brought in as an owner surrender.” Apodaca said the shelter has run a weekly volunteer program, “dogs hang out,” to socialize dogs in community settings and that many dogs have benefited from volunteers taking them to public parks and businesses.
The Humane Society said it is waiving adoption fees for all pit bull and pit-bull-mix dogs during October. The organization described the adoption package as including spay or neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, microchipping and a free wellness exam through Desert Veterinary Group; adopters also receive 50 percent off a first grooming at Mindy’s Groom Room in El Centro.
The Pit Bull Awareness Month proclamation noted national efforts to address misconceptions about the breed, and encouraged volunteering and support for local shelters. The National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month proclamation praised the Humane Society and Imperial County Animal Control for rescue and adoption efforts and urged residents to consider adopting shelter dogs.
The proclamations do not create county policy or funding changes; they are expressions of recognition by the Board. The Humane Society representatives left adoption contact information with the board and encouraged residents interested in adopting to contact the shelter.
The board took no additional formal action beyond adopting the proclamations at the Oct. 14 meeting.
