Request for Update of Leash Law Regarding Cats in San Bernardino County Dear Board of Supervisors,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare in San Bernardino County, particularly regarding Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and low-cost spay and neuter services. Your dedication to these endeavors is commendable and reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of our community.
In light of these significant strides forward,I respectfully request an update to the Leash Law pertaining to cats in San Bernardino County. As it stands, the Leash Law has been in place for 20 years, encompassing cats as well. However, it’s important to reevaluate this policy in light of current circumstances and advancements in animal welfare practices.
Many shelter cats appear to be friendly which means that they have previous owners or caretakers.
Leash law allows trapping of people's pets which is very controversial and problematic.
Historically, the inclusion of cats in the Leash Law may have had its reasons, two decades passed and the historical relevance may no longer serve its intended purpose.
The approach of impounding and euthanizing has proven ineffective, with cats continuously trapped and impounded from the same areas.
The adjustment aligns with the national trend and the success seen in neighboring counties.
With ongoing efforts and initiatives such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and lowcost spay and neuter services, the landscape of animal care and control has evolved significantly.
In 2023, 2313 cats were euthanized in Apple Valley Animal Shelter and 459 cats in Devore Animal Shelter.
The toll of lives lost is a traumatic experience, affecting not only rescues and volunteers but also resonating profoundly beyond the immediate community. The threads of donation and comments reveal people's deep sense of helplessness and heartbreak, coupled with a resounding call for change.
Research shows that:
Three(3) out of four(4) people say it should be illegal to kill animals if the animals are healthy or treatable.
81% consider their animal companions "surrogate children." The number of communities saving over 95% of the animals in their tax-funded shelters is growing.
96% of Americans say we have a moral duty to protect animals and should have strong laws to do so.
I urge the Board of Supervisors to consider revisiting and revising the Leash Law to reflect these advancements and ensure it aligns with current best practices and trends in community cat management policy. This is an opportune moment to enact positive change for the benefit of both our community and our feline companions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Katherine Castaneda