Latest news with #RiversideCountyDepartmentofAnimalServices
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Riverside County launches no-kill animal shelter plan
Riverside County has committed to making all of its animal shelters no-kill, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors this week. The resolution, co-authored by Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez, pledges that the Riverside County Department of Animal Services will work to save at least 90% of the animals in its care. The vote marks a significant shift toward a more humane approach to animal welfare in one of the nation's largest shelter systems. 'There is a lot of work to be done, and that requires resources,' Perez said during the Board of Supervisors' meeting on Tuesday. County officials say the plan will include hiring 35 to 40 new staff members to boost adoption efforts, foster programs and community pet support. The county is also exploring long-term strategies like expanding shelter space and increasing access to low-cost spay and neuter services, especially in the county's unincorporated areas and the Coachella Valley. The no-kill pledge comes after years of public criticism over high euthanasia rates, poor shelter conditions, and alleged financial mismanagement. County leaders say this new direction is a direct response to those concerns. 'Saving more cats and dogs and providing them with a real chance at life is a goal we all share,' Gutierrez said during the public meeting. In the short term, the county continues to promote adoption through events like 'Spring Bark,' a campaign with PetSmart Charities that waives adoption fees at all county shelters. The campaign aims to clear overcrowded kennels and connect pets with families. Supervisors will consider increased funding for the Animal Services Department during upcoming budget discussions. Meanwhile, the county has formed a community ad-hoc committee to help guide the implementation of the no-kill plan and keep local governments and residents informed. 'This is a start in the right direction,' Peabody said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
27-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
Pasadena Humane Society, Riverside County Animal Services waiving pet adoption fees through end of week
Both the Pasadena Humane Society and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services are offering waved adoption fees for impounded pets through the end of the week. "Our dog kennels are almost full, and we need your help," said a Facebook post from Pasadena Humane on Tuesday. They've waived fees through Friday as they currently have nearly 200 dogs under their care, 90 of which came from families displaced by January's Eaton Fire. "We are committed to caring for our emergency boarding animals as long as needed until they are able to return home," the post said. "In addition, we took in 25 stray dogs in the last five days alone." As such, they are in urgent need of adopters to help free kennel space and provide forever homes for the pups. The center will be open daily for walk-in adoptions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thursday when they will only be open until 2 p.m. Further south in Riverside County, the "Spring Bark" event was planned to coincide with the ongoing spring break that many students are enjoying. The event comes as a joint action with PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week. "Our local shelter and rescue partners are overflowing with animals looking for people to love," said PetSmart spokeswoman Heidi Marston. "Adopting or fostering a pet not only enriches your life but is the best way to support your community and local partners in their lifesaving work. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet." This is the second major adoption event that the county has hosted in recent weeks, after a three-week period of waived fees that ended on March 17. Typically licenses to adopt a pet range from $12 to $25 for altered pets, but they will be waived through Saturday. Mandatory basic license fees will still be requested, however. Visitors interested in in viewing the pets available for adoption can visit the Blythe Animal Shelter, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, Coachella Valley Animal Campus and the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter.
