16-04-2025
San Diego Humane Society says city's proposed funding cuts are ‘devastating'
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's recent draft budget included slashing a contract with the Humane Society by 20%, prompting the organization to warn that this could impact public safety and put both animals and humans at risk.
The draft budget was announced by the mayor's office on Tuesday, including a $13.6 million net decrease in 'external contracts and services.' Of that amount, $6.5 million would be reduced from services in the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
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Specifically, the San Diego Humane Society's animal services contract would be among those expected to take a hit.
'This adjustment includes the reduction of $3.5 million in non-personnel expenditures associated with the San Diego Humane Society Animal Services contract,' the proposed budget stated. 'The 20% reduction in the Animal Services contract with the San Diego Humane Society will affect services like patrols, with further impacts to be determined.'
However, on Wednesday, SDHS issued a statement, saying the trickle-down effects could be 'far more severe.'
By making cuts to the contract, the organization said they would be unable to respond to animal cruelty or neglect cases, no animal law enforcement and no park patrols to confront off-leash or aggressive animals.
It would also mean no enforcement of rabies control and other public health matters, and no investigations of animal bites, SDHS added.
'To say this would be a devastating blow to our mission and our service to the community would be a tremendous understatement,' said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and chief executive officer of SDHS.
Additionally, the organization implied the city would need to find a new provider for animal control and sheltering services if the proposed budget cuts were to pass.
A public hearing will take place on Monday, April 21. The city council will hold more hearings from May 5 to 9.
Mayor Gloria will then release a revised proposal on May 14, and the city council is expected to vote on a final budget by June 10.
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