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Animal control says shelter operating at ~200% capacity; code compliance reports multiple closures including rehabbed hotel
Summary
Animal control reported 144 service requests in December and shelter capacity around 200%. Code compliance said it completed major cases including a Palm Drive property and an abandoned hotel now under rehabilitation; commissioners asked about reporting potholes and pavement management.
Tyler, the city’s animal control and code compliance representative, told the commission on Jan. 8 that animal services handled 144 service requests in December, processed 52 intakes, returned 17 animals to their owners and arranged rescues and adoptions. Tyler said the city’s kennels are operating at roughly double capacity and staff prioritize injured animals, microchipped pets and public‑safety risks when intake space is limited.
Tyler said: “Right now we have, 126 animals ... So we're at about 200% capacity right now,” and described education and reunification efforts and local veterinary partnerships to reduce transport time.
On code compliance, Tyler reported 134 service requests, 434 inspections, 119 notices of violation, 40 citations totaling $14,400 and 106 opened cases for December. Staff closed a long‑running receivership case on Palm Drive after the property passed final inspection and obtained a certificate of occupancy, and they said an abandoned hotel has been rehabilitated by a receiver, sold and is undergoing interior repairs with 24/7 security in place.
Commissioners asked how residents report potholes and other concerns; staff noted several reporting channels including the city website and the myDHS mobile app. Commissioners requested a follow‑up briefing on pavement management and the Hacienda road project to provide design details to the public.
Sources and attribution: data and quoted text drawn from Tyler’s December reports to the Desert Hot Springs City Commission meeting on Jan. 8, 2026.
