Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge action on San Bernardino animal shelter staffing, spay/neuter and volunteer programs
Summary
Multiple public commenters described high intake, low return-to-owner rates and staff shortages at the San Bernardino animal shelter and urged increased spay/neuter services, a full-time veterinarian and better rescue coordination.
Multiple residents and volunteers told the mayor and city council that San Bernardino’s animal shelter is overwhelmed, citing shelter intake data, staffing shortages and limited rescue coordination.
Sharon Negrete said national and local intake numbers are rising and told the council San Bernardino’s shelter took in about 13,558 animals in the 2024–25 year; she said only an estimated 15% were returned to their owners and that rescue coordinator staffing is inadequate. Stephanie Lenfesti, a volunteer who transports animals for rescue, said rescues have stopped working with the shelter because communication is “difficult” and urged electronic tablets for staff and a reduction in daily euthanasia deadlines to weekly to give rescues time to find fosters and transport.
Lenfesti and another commenter called for a full-time veterinarian; currently, commenters said, the shelter relies on part-time vets and per-diem veterinary support. Multiple speakers recommended increased use of the city’s spay/neuter mobile unit, targeted mobile clinics in neighborhoods west of the 215 Freeway, and school-based volunteer programs to expand community support.
Council Member Sanchez announced a public adopt event — “Choose to Adopt” — at Choose Gym, 1585 E. Highland Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Council members and staff acknowledged the problem and thanked volunteers; no new budget or ordinance was enacted at the meeting.
Speakers urged creation of a citizen advisory committee to improve transparency and coordination with rescues and recommended stronger enforcement against backyard breeding and expanded low-cost veterinary services to reduce intake going forward.
