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Distemper outbreak, intake limits and volunteers put San Bernardino animal services under scrutiny
Summary
Public commenters and animal‑welfare advocates pressed the council over a distemper outbreak at the city shelter, reports of animals being released when intake was limited, and calls for an in‑house veterinarian, mobile clinics and more funding. Shelter director said the department is managing a distemper outbreak, using PCR testing and temporary s
At the June 4 San Bernardino City Council meeting, a prolonged public comment period included numerous speakers who criticized Animal Services for an ongoing distemper outbreak, alleged shelter admissions problems and what they described as poor conditions for animals. Several speakers urged the council to fund a staffed veterinarian and to reinstate or better resource the mobile animal clinic.
Public testimony and reports: Multiple residents and rescue volunteers recounted incidents where they said animal control either refused intake because of the distemper outbreak or advised residents to leave animals in the field; witnesses described examples of animals abandoned in washes and at the city cemetery and of rescues taking animals when the shelter could not accept them. Several speakers provided a history of poor outcomes and urged the city to increase staffing, provide a paid veterinarian, re‑deploy the mobile clinic, and contract rescue reimbursement for animals the city cannot accept.
Shelter response: Director Watson addressed the council and public, confirming a distemper outbreak affecting dogs. She said staff was taking several steps: prioritizing individual housing for animals, purchasing additional rapid tests (SNAP tests) and PCR nasal swab testing (obtained with assistance from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine at a discounted rate), and seeking foster placements to reduce density in the shelter. Watson said some jurisdictions (she cited Apple Valley) had closed intake during outbreaks; the city was trying to manage intake while still accepting animals in need and coordinating testing. She reported that the shelter took in 23 dogs the previous day and is ordering 350 PCR tests to expedite diagnosis.
Why it matters: Canine distemper is highly contagious, can spread rapidly in shelter populations and is difficult to treat; outbreaks complicate intake policy and can strain the capacity of municipal shelters and local rescue networks. Citizens said that shelter practices and communication need improvement, and some urged council to fund an in‑house veterinarian and to consider financial assistance for rescues that take animals when the shelter cannot.
Council response and next steps: Council members heard the testimony and directed Director Watson and staff to continue outbreak mitigation measures. Several members asked for a longer briefing on shelter operations and funding and asked staff to provide options for vet staffing and mobile clinic deployment. Watson said testing and isolation protocols were under way and that staff would follow up with more details.
