RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has moved forward with efforts to transform Riverside County’s animal shelters into “no-kill” facilities.
On Tuesday, during a unanimous 5-0 vote, the board approved a resolution reflecting the supervisors' dedication to achieving a no-kill policy. Riverside County Animal Services Department .
The resolution was jointly drafted by Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez. It primarily conveys the importance of valuing each individual’s life, aiming to foster a more empathetic and considerate society.
This process has taken some time to reach this point where an entire county can come together and grasp the significance of the matter," Perez stated. "A significant amount of effort still lies ahead, which necessitates adequate resources. It’s clear to me that expanding our financial allocation for animal services will likely be essential so that we can address all the requirements, worries, and necessities not just of our pets but also their families and supporters within the community.
The Riverside County Animal Services Department operates shelters in the Coachella Valley , Jurupa Valley and San Jacinto The agency provides services to both unincorporated areas and multiple cities.
As RCDAS has encountered recent criticism and legal challenges over its handling of animal shelters, focusing on high euthanasia rates, poor living conditions for the animals, and accusations of improper finance practices, they have now adopted a no-kill commitment. Detractors contend that the county did not properly tackle these problems, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
Supervisor Perez mentioned that he has addressed the matter of animal services by allocating funds for additional spaying and neutering clinics in unincorporated areas as well as in the Coachella Valley.
At Tuesday’s gathering, the County Executive Officer presented additional concepts aimed at progressing towards the no-kill objective. This included a proposal from the RCDAS to pursue financing for an extra 35 to 40 roles focused on adoptions, fostering, and pet assistance initiatives. As part of this long-term strategy, they might also consider enlarging animal shelter facilities should circumstances require such expansion.
Securing funding is essential for achieving the county's objective of becoming no-kill, with attention turning towards the upcoming county budget.
Meanwhile, Perez established an ad hoc committee for the community, bringing together individuals from the animal services sector of the Coachella Valley.
From where I stand, this represents a step in the correct direction," stated ex-Indian Wells Mayor Ty Peabody, who spent nine years on the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission and remains involved as Supervisor Perez’s representative. "Achieving this won’t occur quickly; we require support from the community to succeed. Our focus includes reviewing operating hours, staff allocation, and effective promotional strategies. Additionally, we are coordinating meetings with various city councils to keep them informed about our advancements.
As stated by the county, the RCDAS ranks among the top three biggest animal shelter systems across the country.
Riverside County isn't fully covered by RCDAS. Specifically, Animal Friends of the Valleys provides services for the southwestern areas including Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, and Wildomar.
The article Riverside County Pledges 'No-Kill' Goal for Its Animal Shelters appeared first on Palm Desert World news .
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