Commission hears limits on municipal control over rescue transfers; staff describe large rescue pull volume

San Bernardino Animal Services staff told the commission that state law requires municipal shelters under an open government contract to release animals to 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescues that request them, a practice some commissioners and members of the public have questioned.

Chris Watson explained that state law compels release of animals to rescuers who present as 501(c)(3) organizations; she said state rules do not require rescues to be California‑based or to be licensed by local animal control before pulling animals. Watson said staff attempt to vet rescues by requesting documentation and Sterling checks, but that the department is limited in what it can verify before transfers.

The department reported 38 new rescue partners in the first six months of the year and said rescues pulled 1,821 animals during that period. Watson said rescue partners dramatically increased cat pulls after a June request: rescues pulled 133 cats in June compared with 55 the prior year’s June.

Watson told commissioners the department will deny release only when staff have concrete evidence—such as a cruelty investigation or documented out‑of‑compliance status—supporting a refusal. She urged members of the public to provide documentation if they believe a rescue is acting in bad faith.

During public comment and later discussion commissioners and staff also discussed online misinformation and “networkers” who pledge funds but do not provide verified rescue commitments. Staff said public pressure based on unverified social posts can create confusion for department operations.

Ending: The commission received the staff explanation about state requirements and rescue pull volumes; no local change to transfer policy was proposed at the meeting.