Public Comments September 10, 2024 — Apple Valley City Council, September 10, 2024

To whom it may concern:

I am writing to express grave concerns regarding the alarming rise in euthanasia rates and the ongoing systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS). The situation has reached a critical point, with dozens of cats losing their lives everyday without proper evaluation or consideration for alternatives like adoption or rescue.

According to AVAS July disposition report, out of 213 cats taken in alive, only 9 were adopted/rescued. 102 were euthanized and 107 have unknown outcomes (either under holding or still listed on the website).

AVAS has significantly neglected its eƯorts on the cat side, and the outcomes for AVAS cats in 2024 may mirror those of 2023 (only 7% cats made it out alive out of 3469 intake in 2023) :

Key Observations:

1. No improvement shown even with intake significantly decreased, only 1 cats were added to the list beginning Sep.1

2. Ongoing outbreak since July 2024 till now, with new intakes continuing to be exposed and scheduled to be euthanized in just a few days. Adoption requests were rejected, and random rules have been added that undermine life-saving eƯorts.

3. No urgent lists are provided, despite multiple requests, and cats are often euthanized directly with no chance at adoption or rescue

4. Volunteers are still denied access to take videos or photos of these cats in the back end, meaning they remain invisible from the moment they enter the shelter.  Poor visibility contributes to the high euthanization rate. Only 5% to 10% of the cats are put in the adoption area and visible to the public
 A recent request sent to AVAS by a rescue partner asking for a volunteer to take videos on behalf of them was rejected by AVAS

5. Around 40% (or less) of cats are listed on the AVAS website each month compared to 100% of the dogs which means AVAS has the ability to list all their animals on the website

6. Cats in the back end were euthanized swiftly when they could legally be, despite ample space available.

7. Medical Care is Nominal:
 Monthly disease outbreaks result in mass euthanasia for health reasons.  New intake has been placed in the same room/ area exposed to ringworm/panleuk the SAME day positive cases left/euthanized
 No vaccine was given for cats labeled as feral and almost NO cat was vaccinated during intake
 AVAS euthanizes cats being exposed without even testing them  Lots of cats labeled "under treatment" show no medical records beyond their vaccination, yet many are euthanized regardless.
 Some cats and kittens scheduled to be euthanized turned out to be “overall healthy” when checked by a vet
 No regular evolution /health check was given. It’s normal that kittens were not reweighted in weeks or even months. A kitten adopted out last week was put under observation for more than 2 month

8. Adoption (even rescue) requests are often denied by A-V-A-S. The reasons can vary, from claims that "the cat has been exposed to [illness]" to requiring the remote adopter to be physically present. In some cases, by the next day, they simply respond with, "The cat you requested has already been euthanized."

9. AVAS does not include cats in their adoption event. In contract, almost every cat rescue hosts adoption events in public places
Based on recent observations and data, it is evident that immediate reforms are necessary to ensure the welfare of animals under AVAS's care and to restore community trust.

Given AVAS's ongoing negligence and mishandling of these animals, we strongly urge the following immediate actions:

I. suspending the intake of cats to AVAS until substantive reforms are enacted, including:

1. Grant access to authorized volunteers to take videos and photos of those 90% of cats in non-adoption areas to increase visibility and promote adoptions.

2. List all cats on the shelter's website within 24 hours of intake  Disclose the outcome of each cat in monthly reports to ensure accountability and transparency.

3. Stop euthanize cats not in adoption area when they can legally be  Avoid euthanasia when space is available.
 Implement regular reassessment of cats and timely updates to shelter notes to accurately reflect their behavioral status.

4. prioritize providing medical care over resorting to euthanasia as a first option:
 Administer vaccines to every cat upon 72 hours from entry to the shelter, including feral ones.
 Stop put new intake to exposure area
 A comprehensive medical treatment plan must be provided for the cats currently sick .  measures must be implemented to prevent further intensive and frequent outbreaks  Refrain from immediate euthanasia for health reasons; Maintain a variety of antibiotics and medications to treat illnesses promptly.
 Kittens should be paired up and kept in separate cages instead of free roaming in the same room when there’s no suƯicient medical care.
 Establish a dedicated medical room and consider oƯering on-site veterinary services, potentially through partnerships with veterinary clinics.  Improve airflow and hygiene protocols within the shelter to prevent the spread of disease.

5. Support Adoption and Rescue EƯorts:
 provide a daily urgent list of cats to rescues and the community.  Adoption and rescue request need to be respond in a timely manner  Discontinue rejecting adoption or foster requests due to random reasons and cease euthanizing cats under evaluation.
 Ensure cats are included in all adoption events and community fairs to maximize adoption opportunities.

6. Those responsible for the mishandling of disease outbreaks must be held accountable.

II. Launch an investigation into AVAS.

It’s becoming clear that AVAS is doing the bare minimum to meet legal standards, while neglecting the actual care of these animals.

Euthanasia seems to be the easiest route for them,and it’s heartbreaking to see life-saving eƯorts pushed aside in favor of convenience.

This isn’t just neglect; it’s a system that’s failing these animals, leading to unnecessary deaths.

An immediate investigation is needed to address these failures, ensure proper evaluations, and restore transparency. The community and these animals deserve better. Those responsible for mishandling disease outbreaks must be held accountable.

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters. I look forward to seeing positive changes that benefit both the animals and our community.

Dear Friends,

We are writing with urgent concerns about the cats at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. In 2023, 7% cats were adopted from AVAS. ZERO were rescued from May 2023 to February 2024. There are cats under holding with no final outcome avaiIable.

One hesitates to call such extreme numbers "euthanasia," since humane motives to end suƯering do not account for so much death. In August alone some 50-60 cats were euthanized, many of them kittens. Some euthanized had rescues or adopters ready to take them.

There are pertinent laws to cite here. It has been stated cats are exempt from leash laws, but according to Apple Valley's Code of Ordinances 15.01.070 - Control of Animals, it appears that the same regulations apply to cats as dogs:
(a) No person in Apple Valley, owning or having control of any animal, shall permit such animal to stray or run at large upon any public street, sidewalk, school ground, public park, playground, place of public assembly or any other public place, or any un-enclosed private lot or other un-enclosed private place, or upon any private place or property without the consent of the owner or person in control thereof. Parkways comprising the area between the street and sidewalk shall be included as private property for purposes of this Chapter.
(b) Any person who finds any animal which has strayed or is running at large upon his or her own property or any other place contrary to the provisions of this Chapter, may take possession of and hold same; provided, however, that he or she shall notify the Animal Control OƯice that he or she has such animal in his or her possession within 24 hours after securing possession thereof, and give such OƯicer full information in regard to the animal, including a complete description of such animal and license number, if any, and surrender the same to the Animal Control OƯicer or Department upon demand.

Here are some documents for your reference:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YNpntkzvIaLnIspJOHSMlqKVY0YzM7GDaXjBNBQD8- 0/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawFHPCJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbD7WDtf12xzQeLsZOWX65Q-A8Q1- qC7pvA8FwkNtlyNjTmqn9TJQGgjFw_aem_QMk5LbQlrZa_M73VxIAfFQ Around 40% (or less) of cats are listed on the AVAS website each month compared to 100% of the dogs, which means AVAS has the ability to list all their animals on the website. We know that dog adoptions have been rejected as well with the same arbitrary rules as are applied to cats.

AVAS has significantly neglected its eƯorts on the cat side, clear from the above numbers. The outcomes for AVAS cats in 2024 may mirror those of 2023.

Over 90% of the cats are kept in the back areas, completely out of public view, and less than 40% of them are listed on the AVAS website each month, so the public isn’t even aware they exist.

Volunteers are denied access to take videos or photos of these cats, meaning they remain invisible from the moment they enter the shelter.

No urgent lists are sent out to the community, despite multiple requests, and cats are often euthanized directly with no chance at adoption or rescue. --7% of cats were adopted from AVAS and 0% rescued out of 3469 intake in 2023. --The evaluation process at AVAS is merely nominal. Less than 5% of the adult cats are labeled as friendly versus 40% to 50% labeled as friendly in nearby shelters. --The 90% to 95% labeled as feral are often euthanized the same day or next day after their stray hold expires DESPITE available space.
--Monthly disease outbreaks result in mass euthanasia for health reasons. We wonder if there has been independent verification to determine if these outbreaks are even genuine, though we know the lax health practices are a big factor too.
--New intakes are placed in the same areas exposed to disease like ringworm and panleuk the same day positive cases have been euthanized.
--No vaccine has been given for cats labeled as feral and almost NO cats vaccinated within 3 days of intake. AVAS euthanizes cats who are exposed without testing them for the disease. --Many cats labeled "under treatment" show no medical records beyond their vaccination, a large number are euthanized regardless.
--No regular health checks are given, cats often going weeks or even months without re-evaluation and then euthanized.
--Despite community requests, no urgent list is provided, and cats are killed with no time given or chance to be rescued or adopted.

The reasons for such extreme numbers of deaths therefore seem to be several-fold: high rates of sickness (caused at least in part by lack of vaccinations, the housing of sick and healthy cats together, and no real vet care); supposed lack of rescue or adoption interest (when in fact rescues and potential adopters are turned away, with AVAS applying what appears to be illogical rules to stop potential adopters after applications have been provided); labeling cats as feral when in fact they might not be. A full 90% of the cats euthanized in August were labeled feral. One lucky soul got out, only through the eƯorts of a very determined adopter.

Statistically AVAS lists a much higher percentage of cats as feral than other shelters, yet in certain cases when these cats are subsequently adopted, they turn out to be friendly. In addition, as mothers are often protective of their newborn kittens, they are at greater risk for euthanasia than even the general population as they are frequently listed as feral. Just recently, at the end of August, the one surviving cat of the whole group labeled as feral is alive and well with an adopter who loves him.

None of the higher level staƯ appear to be actively involved in trying to reduce euthanasia via adoptions or rescue. Dogs do get some support (they are visible on the website and shown at adoption events), but it seems clear that cats are not getting enough supportive services for live outcomes. In addition, people and organizations have a hard time adopting or rescuing dogs.

The example of DeVore CA and the rescue work now being done there by a committed group of networkers and rescues shows what can be achieved through commitment, hard work, and caring.

The funds spent on salary for higher level management, in the six figures, could be used in other ways to save more lives. Vaccinations and basic medical care could improve live outcomes and give potential adopters more confidence that they are getting a healthy animal. Spay/neuter services could be funded via vouchers to potential adopters, or covered by the shelter itself. This could also greatly improve live outcomes via adoption. Educational activities related to cats and cat health might also improve their chances.

We are hoping that the just announced leadership changes will produce better results for the cats.

We strongly suggest that there should be measurable and verifiable benchmarks for outcomes, with salary based on achieving those goals, or at least trying to do so in a measurable way.

The bright spot here is that the Board of Supervisors for San Bernadino County, which has a contract with the shelter, has recently helped to create a program for community cats, including TNVR, that will address the feral population outside of the city. We hope that soon the program will have coverage within city limits too.

We are starting outreach to a wide variety of individuals, organizations, and entities. We hope to engage the media, social media, the local community, national humane organizations, government oƯicials, rescues and potential adopters, the business community and legal profession, and any interested parties.

We will strive to work with shelter staƯ and the local government to implement the major reforms needed to fix what is clearly not working. However, we would welcome an investigative spotlight on this situation, as there is far too much death now, including the heart-wrenching experiences of people hoping to provide cats with loving homes, only to be denied this ability by the shelter and the cats then euthanized.

One person who wanted to adopt a so-called feral cat was told she had to drive the 7 hours from Reno, NV to the shelter to get the cat in person. The shelter denied her the ability to have local transport pick the cat up, indicating they considered her location SEVEN HOURS from the shelter as " local." Thankfully this is the one cat who made it out of the shelter alive in August, given his designation as feral. However, he could easily have died if not for a caring and persistent adopter. It appears that this shelter deliberately makes adoptions as hard as possible, and we want to know why. We appreciate "due diligence" in these matters, but the decisions often seem weighted towards euthanizing rather than saving.

We also want to know if there could be a profit motive involved in so many tragic outcomes, as dead bodies of animals in California and other parts of the country have been sold for rendering. We want to know in more detail about the frequent panleukopenia epidemics, and if all of these supposed incidents can be independently verified. Therefore, we would advocate for an outside firm to do a forensics audit of AVAS.

We want the questionable health practices at the shelter investigated. In addition, we want to know why so many potential adopters are turned away, and why cats are not brought to adoption events and posted in greater numbers on the website. We want to know why one cat with rescue on the way, and still wearing a collar, was recently "euthanized." That seems the very definition of "inhumane," the exact opposite of what "euthanasia" is supposed to be as a motive. It will be harder for rescues to work with this shelter until they feel more confident about live outcomes, and in their ability to establish a good working relationship with AVAS.

Again, DeVore CA indicates that change can happen and it does, with the caring and dedication of people who see a positive future and work constantly towards that goal.

Please contact the Apple Valley Shelter Cat Network
at [email protected] and visit our page at Facebook. There you can see the cats and read our numerous calls to action.

We are writing this as members of the Network. The words are our own but the facts, figures, and views are shared widely.

With all best wishes and greatest thanks,
Janet Feldman
#401-245-5520 phone and text
[email protected]

Michael Eagan
#413-374-5402
[email protected]
Dear Apple Valley City Council,
We appreciate the county's commitment to transitioning community and shelter cat management towards a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) centered approach.

However, We are witnessing an alarming and urgent crisis at AVAS that demands immediate attention. The shelter's recurring outbreaks and the swift, tragic euthanasia of animals are becoming a grim pattern. This situation is not only devastating for the animals but also reflects a critical failure in shelter management that must be addressed without delay.

Why are major outbreaks happening at AVAS every month? How do these outbreaks escalate so quickly?
Let’s take the 14 cats unlisted on Aug.22 as an example:
- 11 out of 14 arrived at the shelter less than three days ago (intake dates: August 19 and 20) and were then labeled as "possibly exposed."
- As of August 22, 6 out of 14 were not vaccinated, with one arrived at the shelter on 6.25 and vaccinated on 8. 21.
- All 14 were placed in the same area where kittens euthanized on August 15 and 16 were caged. - Aru (#244568) was placed in the same cage where three kittens—Whisker (#244043), Mittins (#244042), and Hunter (#244044)—who were euthanized on August 16 had been housed.

Concerning Patterns:

This is a troubling trend at AVAS: whether it’s kitty cold, ringworm, or panleuk, new intakes are often placed in the same areas—even the same cages—where cats and kittens were previously euthanized for health reasons. This happens even on the same day. ၳၴၵ Questions that need answers:
 How do these outbreaks escalate so quickly?
 Why aren’t all new intakes vaccinated immediately?
 Why are new intakes constantly put in the exposed area?  What actions are being taken to address the outbreak?  What treatments are being administered to those under observation?  Why were these cats delisted and euthanized so swiftly, limiting rescue opportunities?  Why does this cycle keep repeating?
Considering AVAS's demonstrated incompetence and negligence, we strongly urge:

1. suspending the intake of cats to AVAS until substantive reforms are enacted

2. Investigation to be initiated on AVAS
The animals and our community deserve so much better. We need urgent answers and action to break this cycle of tragedy.

Dawn Kushner
Time spent with cats is never wasted
Adopt Don't Shop!!
Spay and Neuter your Pets!!
Hi Apple Valley Council,
Im sure you've all heard that AVAS kills way too many cats. Thousands a year. They kill them before they even get a chance at adoption. They kill them on the very day that they are available to kill them. The same day. They are having PanLeukopenia outbreaks and will kill the entire back room to stop the spread of the disease instead of waiting 14 days and testing and clearing them. They kill cats that have adoption applications! This happens every week. Its heartbreaking week after week.

They do not take pictures of all the cats in the non adoptable area. Why do they kill 93% of the cats that they take in? These are simply unacceptable statistics. They need to stop killing so fast and you control what they do! Please make changes for the better of the cats stuck inside on death row.

They have no chance. There are so many things that we have repeatedly requested to change AVAS Cats outcomes but here we are again. Nothing changes, killings continue everyday. When will it end? Do any of you have a heart to investigate what is actually going on inside AVAS? Please do an investigation of this shelter and hold Gina accountable for the endless killing.

Thank you,
Matt
--
Matt Torian
(714) 841-3107
Matt's A Plus Car Care
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express grave concerns regarding the alarming rise in euthanasia rates and the ongoing systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS). The situation has reached a critical point, with dozens of cats losing their lives everyday without proper evaluation or consideration for alternatives like adoption or rescue.

AVAS has significantly neglected its eƯorts on the cat side, and the outcomes for AVAS cats in 2024 may mirror those of 2023 (only 7% cats made it out alive out of 3469 intake in 2023) :

Key Observations:

1. No improvement shown even with intake significantly decreased, only 1 cat was added to the list beginning Sep.1

3. No urgent lists are provided, despite multiple requests, and cats are often euthanized directly with no chance at adoption or rescue

4. Volunteers are still denied access to take videos or photos of the cats in the back end, meaning they remain invisible from the moment they enter the shelter.

5.  Poor visibility contributes to the high euthanization rate. Only 5% to 10% of the cats are put in the adoption area and visible to the public.  A recent request sent to AVAS by a rescue partner asking for a volunteer to take videos on behalf of them was rejected by AVAS.

6. Around 40% (or less) of the cats are listed on the AVAS website each month compared to 100% of the dogs which means AVAS has the ability to list all of the animals on the website

7. Cats in the back end were euthanized swiftly when they could legally be, despite ample space available.

8. Medical Care is Nominal:

9.  Monthly disease outbreaks result in mass euthanasia for health reasons.  New intakes has been placed in the same room/ area exposed to ringworm/panleuk the SAME day positive cases left/were euthanized
 No vaccine was given for cats labeled as feral and almost NO cat was vaccinated during intake
 AVAS euthanizes cats being exposed without even testing them  Lots of cats labeled "under treatment" show no medical records beyond their vaccination, yet many are euthanized regardless.
 Some cats and kittens scheduled to be euthanized turned out to be “overall healthy” when checked by a vet
 No regular evolution /health check was given. It’s normal that kittens were not reweighted in weeks or even months. A kitten adopted out last week was put under observation for more than 2 months.

10. Adoption (even rescue) requests are often denied by AVAS. The reasons can vary, from claims that "the cat has been exposed to [illness]" to requiring the remote adopter to be physically present. In some cases, by the next day, they simply respond with, "The cat you requested has already been euthanized."

11. AVAS does not include cats in their adoption event. In contract, almost every cat rescue hosts adoption events in public places
Based on recent observations and data, it is evident that immediate reforms are necessary to ensure the welfare of animals under AVAS's care and to restore community trust.

Given AVAS's ongoing negligence and mishandling of these animals, we strongly urge the following immediate actions:

I. suspending the intake of cats to AVAS until substantive reforms are enacted, including:

1. Grant access to authorized volunteers to take videos and photos of those 90% of cats in non-adoption areas to increase visibility and promote adoptions.

2. List all cats on the shelter's website within 24 hours of intake  Disclose the outcome of each cat in monthly reports to ensure accountability and transparency.

4. Prioritize providing medical care over resorting to euthanasia as a first option:
 Administer vaccines to every cat upon 72 hours from entry to the shelter, including feral ones.
 Stop put new intake to exposure area.
 A comprehensive medical treatment plan must be provided for the cats currently sick.  Measures must be implemented to prevent further intensive and frequent outbreaks.  Refrain from immediate euthanasia for health reasons; maintain a variety of antibiotics and medications to treat illnesses promptly.
 Kittens should be paired up and kept in separate cages instead of free roaming in the same room when there’s no suƯicient medical care.
 Establish a dedicated medical room and consider oƯering on-site veterinary services, potentially through partnerships with veterinary clinics.  Improve airflow and hygiene protocols within the shelter to prevent the spread of disease.

5. Support Adoption and Rescue EƯorts:
 Provide a daily urgent list of cats to rescues and the community.  Adoption and rescue request need to be responded in a timely manner.  Discontinue rejecting adoption or foster requests due to random reasons and cease euthanizing cats under evaluation.
 Ensure cats are included in all adoption events and community fairs to maximize adoption opportunities.

6. Those responsible for the mishandling of disease outbreaks must be held accountable.

II. Launch an investigation into AVAS.

It’s becoming clear that AVAS is doing the bare minimum to meet legal standards, while neglecting the actual care of these animals.

Euthanasia seems to be the easiest route for them and it’s heartbreaking to see life-saving eƯorts pushed aside in favor of convenience.

This isn’t just neglect; it’s a system that’s failing these animals leading to unnecessary deaths.

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters. I look forward to seeing positive changes that benefit both the animals and our community.

Yours sincerely,
Miranda Feck

Dear Apple Valley City Council/San Bernardino County Supervisors, We appreciate the county's commitment to transitioning community and shelter cat management towards a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) centered approach.

Concerning Patterns:

Questions that need answers:
 How do these outbreaks escalate so quickly?
 Why aren’t all new intakes vaccinated immediately?
 Why are new intakes constantly put in the exposed area?  What actions are being taken to address the outbreak?  What treatments are being administered to those under observation?  Why were these cats delisted and euthanized so swiftly, limiting rescue opportunities?  Why does this cycle keep repeating?
Considering AVAS's demonstrated incompetence and negligence, we strongly urge:

1. suspending the intake of cats to AVAS until substantive reforms are enacted

2. Investigation to be initiated on AVAS
The animals and our community deserve so much better. We need urgent answers and action to break this cycle of tragedy.

It’s becoming clear that AVAS is doing the bare minimum to meet legal standards, while neglecting the actual care of these animals.

Euthanasia seems to be the easiest route for them and it’s heartbreaking to see life-saving eƯorts pushed aside in favor of convenience.

This isn’t just neglect; it’s a system that’s failing these animals leading to unnecessary deaths.

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters. I look forward to seeing positive changes that benefit both the animals and our community.

Yours sincerely,
Dana Serrao
Subject: Urgent Request to Suspend Cat Intakes at AVAS Until Reforms Are Enacted & Launch Immediate Investigation
Title: Urgent: Ongoing Crisis at AVAS
Dear Manager Doug Robertson
Dear Apple Valley City Council
Dear San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors
We appreciate the county's commitment to transitioning community and shelter cat management towards a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) centered approach.

Concerning Patterns:

1. suspending the intake of cats to AVAS until substantive reforms are enacted

2. Investigation to be initiated on AVAS
The animals and our community deserve so much better. We need urgent answers and action to break this cycle of tragedy.

Timeline of Recent Events:
 May 19: Adoption area closed due to potential ringworm; 57 cats euthanized.  June 12: 8 kittens euthanized due to health concerns; 33 cats euthanized from June 1 to June 18. ⯸⯹⯺⯻⯼⯽
 July 5: 9 kittens unlisted due to health concerns. On July 13, the adoption area closed due to a suspected ringworm outbreak; 68 cats euthanized in July.  August 13: 11 cats euthanized, including 6 kittens.
 August 15-16: 20 cats euthanized, including 17 kittens and a momma cat with babies.  August 17: 7 more cats scheduled for euthanasia.
 August 18-19: AVAS was closed;
 August 20: 12 cats euthanized.
 August 21: Adoption area closed.
 August 22: All 14 cats listed on August 21 removed from the AVAS website and placed on hold due to "possible exposure."
 Sep.3 and Sep.4: All 8 urgent cats were “exposed” and can only be rescued according to AVAS
As a volunteer working with AVAS Cat Rescue Network, I follow, with the group, the outcomes for the cats in a daily basis. And, one day a week I assess the list of cats provided online, looking for changes-additions & deletions, and then interact with the a shelter staƯ person looking for updates on cats removed from the list, so our group can continue to network for cats that might still be available for adoption or rescue. The rest of the week, I interact in various ways with members of our group, & on our social networking pages, in support of all the outreach eƯorts being made, & in support of all the details & workings to save those cats & kittens we are able to help see exit the shelter alive, on their way to hopeful futures.

And so, today I write you again, & concur with the above, & witness to the details as we’ve been privy to, as time has continued on.

I reach out in hopes you are bringing changes that are going to turn this situation around for the good of the animals & the community. I truly believe a great deal better is possible, but I believe it will need to come from the outside, outside the shelter itself, & led by new, better informed & actioned leadership, and an animal friendly one!. I don’t believe the old culture there can be allowed to continue.

It is my hope & prayer that you are going to see the necessary changes through, so that all the county animal services will come together in true service of all concerned.

Bless and thank you for listening.

Sincerely yours,
Rhiannon Smith
rhiSannon from my iPhone
Dear Madam/Sir,
I am writing to express grave concerns regarding the alarming rise in euthanasia rates and the ongoing systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS). The situation has reached a critical point, with dozens of cats losing their lives everyday without proper evaluation or consideration for alternatives like adoption or rescue.