Residents press council for investigation into San Bernardino animal shelter after contested seizure and alleged mistreatment

Residents, volunteers and animal-welfare advocates urged the San Bernardino mayor and city council to investigate operations at the city animal shelter, describe multiple incidents they said show mistreatment and seek accountability after a family said a dog named "Potato" was wrongfully seized and listed for adoption.

Multiple speakers described specific incidents they said illustrate systemic problems at the shelter, including dogs injured in kennel fights, animals losing weight while in care, misgendering of animals and alleged use of rough handling when dogs are transported. Emily Pina, the dog's owner, told the council the family was coerced into surrendering Potato and asked the council to "prevent his death," saying, "Potato does not deserve this." Her husband, Angel, said the dog had been a companion and a source of security for his family and urged the council to return the animal.

A shelter volunteer, Stephanie Lenfesti, said she had not planned to speak but asked the council to provide the family with documentation showing that Potato had bitten anyone. "This family deserves justice and their dog is still in animal control," she said. Other speakers, including Selena and Lydia Savala, presented data and alleged that historical shelter records were incomplete or had been altered, and they raised concerns about high euthanasia rates and transparency in published statistics.

Public commenter Sharon DeGrady and others described videos and incidents they say show animals being handled roughly during transport and alleged that some euthanasia procedures were not preceded by sedation. Speakers asked for an independent investigation and for the council to review shelter practices, documentation, and staff training.

Mayor Tran and City Manager staff acknowledged the speakers and said staff would follow up. City Manager Romo told the council the information was preliminary and asked that staff be allowed time to gather details; she committed to reporting back to the council once the city had reviewed the records. At least one council member said she planned a meeting to gather more information and that staff would provide an update via memo or report to council.

The public-recorded comments at this meeting did not result in an immediate policy vote; council members instructed staff to investigate and report back on the allegations and on specific records associated with the Potato case and other incidents attendees described.