Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Welfare Shelters topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rescue groups and advocates push county on animal care center, Apple Valley shelter practices and mobile spay/neuter plan
Summary
Animal‑welfare advocates at the meeting pressed the board for accountability and progress on a promised Animal Care & Control center, raised questions about Apple Valley Animal Shelter practices, and asked the county to mobilize a mobile spay/neuter unit and support local rescue coordination.
Multiple animal‑welfare speakers urged the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to explain delays and actions related to the county’s animal care initiatives, including the long‑promised Animal Care & Control center and mobile spay/neuter services, and raised concerns about high euthanasia rates at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
What advocates said: Pamela Hall asked why a site described as “coming soon” had not seen ground work or explanation for a budget increase; she said the county must detail delays and the status of a mobile spay/neuter unit. Margaret Cashin and other shelter advocates presented data raising questions about Apple Valley Animal Shelter’s cat intake, euthanasia and urgent‑list practices — for example, that many euthanized cats were not listed as urgent and that live‑release rates for cats were far lower than for dogs.
Why it matters: Advocates said transparency is needed on county contracting, shelter intake and transfer practices, and on how county investments in a regional care center and mobile services are being deployed. They urged the county to coordinate with local rescues and to create a dedicated county rescue coordinator for cats at Apple Valley while capacity and procedures are improved.
Board response and next steps: The item was addressed in public comment; no board action was recorded. Speakers requested that their submissions be added to the record and asked county staff for follow‑up explanations of contract terms, program timelines and data reporting. The board did not announce new funding or a revised timeline at the meeting.
