Commission approves recommendation to start pilot notifying public about at‑risk and senior animals

The Sacramento Animal Well‑Being Commission voted April 15 to recommend that city staff implement a pilot “final plea” program to promote adoption or transfer of senior and at‑risk animals, despite a lengthy debate over whether ‘sad’ or urgent messaging discourages some potential adopters.

Commissioner Hayes, who chaired the subcommittee that drafted the proposal, framed the pilot as a targeted outreach effort modeled on other shelters’ practice: “This is something that can save lives,” she said, adding that the draft includes flexible, "if applicable" language to account for Front Street’s smaller staff and vacancies.

Public commenters offered sharply different views. Paul Hefner warned the commission that campaigns that emphasize animals’ risk of euthanasia can reduce overall foot traffic and conversions: “The proposal before you...moves all three (foot traffic, conversion rates, and returns) in the wrong direction,” he said. Susan Falconee disagreed, saying residents respond to transparency and will take action when they see animals listed as at‑risk. Dia Good said staffing gaps at Front Street — including a recent shelter manager resignation and other vacancies — mean the shelter may lack capacity to run a major public campaign without additional volunteer coordination.

Commissioners weighed those concerns. Some urged caution and more time to refine language and metrics, proposing a staged approach and clearer measures of success (length of pilot, follow‑up calls, return rates and adoption outcomes). Others argued that delaying action costs animals’ lives and volunteered to assist with outreach or follow‑up calls.

After discussion, Commissioner Hayes moved — and Commissioner Benedict seconded — a motion to forward a recommendation to the Personnel & Public Employees committee that City staff initiate a pilot program to promote adoption and rescue of at‑risk and senior animals using kennel cards, a lobby identification board, social media posting and digital notifications. The commission took a roll‑call vote; the motion passed. The clerk’s roll call recorded recorded votes (yeas, nays and one abstention) and the motion will appear in the staff packet to PP&E.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation and the staff report — which will reflect the discussion and suggested amendments — will go to the Personnel & Public Employees committee for direction to staff. Commissioners and volunteers signaled they will continue collaborating with staff on messaging and measurement if the pilot proceeds.