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Residents urge changes at San Bernardino animal shelter, call for full‑time veterinary staff and transparency
Summary
Multiple residents urged the San Bernardino City Council on Feb. 27 to address alleged deficiencies at the city’s animal shelter, calling for a full‑time veterinarian, better medical screening before adoption and more transparency.
Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Feb. 27 council meeting to describe what they said were longstanding problems at the San Bernardino Animal Shelter and to call on the city to provide full‑time veterinary services, better medical screening before adoption, and greater transparency.
A commenter identified as Georgia said: "No no no es de dudarse que los animales están hambrientos hasta morir peleándose por comida. ... No hay sedativos antes de la eutanasia." She urged the council to stop what she described as mistreatment and demanded action at future meetings.
Lido Shivot described a personal adoption that led to unexpectedly caring for eight puppies after an adopted dog was pregnant; he told the council he had expected the shelter to disclose the animal’s condition and urged a full‑time veterinarian or stronger partnerships with veterinary schools.
Another commenter who identified work preparing a grant package said the city had access to roughly $3.3 million in funding lines for animal services (including approximately $1.5 million for a veterinarian and $1.5 million for a mobile clinic in the materials the speaker provided). That commenter said none of the programs in the package were being used to support community sterilization or preventative programs as intended and urged the council to deploy funds for community services and a full‑time doctor.
Speakers described rescues of dozens of animals and expressed frustration at perceived indifference from staff. Councilmember Ortiz and other members accepted invitations to visit the shelter and review the mobile clinic; staff acknowledged a part‑time veterinary presence but did not announce a full‑time hire during the meeting.
Residents framed their concerns as issues of basic animal welfare and municipal accountability, and they called for a transparent investigation and a plan to ensure medically informed adoption procedures, community‑based sterilization programs and improved shelter operations. City staff acknowledged receipt of public concerns and said staff would follow up.
