Public Comments — Apple Valley City Council, October 8, 2024

Hello,
Several networkers and i recently spent a great deal of time trying to find placement and safety for dove and Ulysses’s, two dogs from the kill list two weeks back. We spent hours looking for fosters and for rescues knowing we had a deadline of 4pm. When we finally secured both rescue and foster, we called the shelter only to find out they had both been killed the night prior after hours with no announcement on their website or to networkers. This was obviously devastating for the dogs who were so close to enjoying freedom and to us who spent so much time trying to secure them a better future.

There needs to be more transparency and time allotted for networkers to work to save these dogs lives. Because yes, we really are trying to save them all.

Sincerely, Alexandra McCarthy
Dear Members of the Apple Valley Town Council:

I haven't been to Apple Valley in many years! I have very fond memories of my family visiting Roy and Dale Evans. Apple Valley is beautiful and the people have always been kind and welcoming! I am writing to you today concerning Apple Valley Animal Shelter the dogs and cats in their care.

Number One: the cats are doomed. Most are never posted or networked. Little or none are networked by AVAS but by crossposters and networkers across the United States. Major humane organizations like Best Friends do not have "pull rights" to save cats or dogs at AVAS. The staƯ seems not to have the common knowledge or training or regard for the cats or kittens! Adopters and rescuers are repeatedly told the cats are "unsocialized or sick". Cats and kittens have been killed this summer when there were applications for adoption and rescue! This is a callous disregard for the cats and kittens!
Number 2: The dogs and puppies of AVAS, dogs and puppies of SBC contract are networked by rescuers and crossposters throughout the USA, Canada, around the world: India, Japan, Australia, NZ and UK, Europe. All eyes are on AVAS. Dogs under the threat of death could be networked around the USA to outstanding Humane organizations, rescues and adopters! The rescue team fails to network the dogs. In September the Networking kennel cards were taken down from public view hampering the ability of the public to see who was in danger of death! It was a vindictive act! Also many dogs are never posted but killed. Dogs like Harmony and her eight pups were killed without networking by the "rescue team". They were there at AVAS for 40 days! Later the public was told they were sick! Then why not make them available to rescues or take them to the vet? The lack of transparency is non professional and appalling! I am still looking for Dumbo the French Bull Dog??? Adequate time is not given to network dogs or the "win win" to reach out to rescues, humane organizations across the USA or have a professional framework to transport dogs to homes and rescues. Dogs and cats don't need to die at the rate they are at AVAS. There is a callous disregard and laziness detected in care of the dogs and cats. Lack of water, food, meds uneaten by sick dogs, members of the public citizens of Apple Valley harass by staƯ of AVAS. More trained staƯ needs to be hired. The staƯ notes on dogs are unprofessional. If they mark a dog "unsocialized". It's dead! The person writing those reports is not trained or licensed in that field. More kennel staƯ is needed.

AVAS needs volunteers!
The staƯ needs to be trained. They need to like dogs and cats. It needs to be a kind, humane team with goals to save as many cats and dogs as possible! It can be done! Do better! Be better! Stop killing healthy dogs and cats! Get the sick ones to a vet! Hire a vet! But you have to want change for the better! The Town Council can make that change! Please do! Do you know how many dogs are on the kill list for today at AVAS? 14 All healthy, lovely dogs that need a chance! Why don't you give it to them and the others? We can all work together to make a diƯerence! How about it? Out with old negative ways in with the new positive, professional humane ways!
Sincerely,
Donna Marie Schmink
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this email to express my concern over the irrationally high euthanasia rates at Apple Valley Animal Shelter as only around 30% of dogs make it out alive and only around 7% of cats. This is unacceptable and should not be overlooked any longer. They have capacity for over 100 kennels and regularly only have animals in half of them then claim they're euthanizing for space which is untruthful.

Kind Regards,
Jasmine
Proposal for Comprehensive Reform of Apple Valley Animal Shelter Please reach out to the elected oƯicials in Apple Valley City Council , San Bernardino County and Congressman’s oƯice
Part 1: Contact info of the elected oƯicials

1. Apple Valley City Council is accountable for AVAS, pls send email to them:
 Mayor Scott Nassif : [email protected]
 Mayor Pro Tem Art Bishop: [email protected]
 Council Member Larry Cusack: [email protected]
 Council Member Kari Leon: [email protected]
 Council Member Curt Emick: [email protected]
 Town Attorney Thomas Rice : [email protected]
 town Manager Doug Robertson:[email protected]  Asst town Manager Orlando Acevedo : [email protected]  public comment Email: [email protected])

2. Email can be sent to San Bernardino county supervisors considering the county currently has a contract with AVAS. They have recently approved vital initiatives like TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return), mobile clinic services, and a foster program to support community cats on the county level.
 public comment Email:
o [email protected] (three days before the meeting) o [email protected] (no time limitation)
 Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.)- 1st District
o Telephone: (760) 995-8100/(909) 387-4830
o Email: [email protected]
 Supervisor Jesse Armendarez - 2nd District
o Phone:(909) 276-5319/ 909.387.4833
o Email: [email protected]
 Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Vice Chair - 3rd District
o Telephone: (909) 387-4855
o Email: [email protected]
o [email protected]
 Supervisor Curt Hagman, Chairman, Board of Supervisors - 4th District o Telephone: (909) 387-4866, (909) 465-5265 (Chino Hills) o Email: [email protected]
o [email protected]
 Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.- 5th District
o Telephone: (909) 387-4565
o Email: [email protected]

3. Congressman Jay’s oƯice (23rd district include Apple Valley) https://obernolte.house.gov/contact
Part 2 Contextual info: intensive killing:

List of cats no longer listed/ On hold as of 8.22
The Heartbreaking Story of Bailey (#AV244188) 💔
R.I.P. 🖤 In memory of the 12 cats we lost on 8.17/8.20 (AVAS closed on 8.18 and 8.19) R.I.P. 🖤 In memory of the 20 kitties we lost on 8/15 and 8/16.

R.I.P. 🖤 In memory of the 11 kitties we lost on 8.13
Part 3. Draft for your information
We have two public comments around AVAS provided here for your reference:

1. Public comment 1: Ongoing Crisis at AVAS - Why are major outbreaks happening at AVAS every month?

2. Public comment 2: Proposal for Comprehensive Reform of Apple Valley Animal Shelter Public Comment 1: Ongoing Crisis at AVAS - Why are major outbreaks happening at AVAS every month?
Title: Urgent: Ongoing Crisis at AVAS
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.

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

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."

Public comment 2: Proposal for Comprehensive Reform of Apple Valley Animal Shelter Short Version:

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.

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 access was granted to volunteers to take photo and videos for the 90% to 95% cats not in the adoption area
 Poor visibility contributes to the high euthanization rate. Only 5% to 10% of the cats are labeled as friendly and put in the adoption area and visible to the public ( V.S. 40% to 50% labeled as friendly in Devore Animal Shelter.)  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

2. 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

3. The 90% to 95% labeled as feral were euthanized swiftly when they can legally be, despite ample space available.

4. 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

5. 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."

6. 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.

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.

It feels as though AVAS is putting in the bare minimum eƯort to meet legal requirements while neglecting the actual care of these animals. Killing seems to be the most convenient option for them, as they continue to prioritize expediency over life-saving eƯorts. This approach is not just neglect; it’s a system designed to fail these animals, resulting in their needless deaths.

AVAS needs to take immediate action to address these shortcomings, ensure proper evaluations, and allow for transparency by granting volunteers access to non-adoption areas. The community and these animals deserve better.

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

Longer Version with more data
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), especially in light of recent reports and observations. The situation has reached a critical point, with dozens of cats losing their lives without proper evaluation or consideration for alternatives like adoption or rescue. ### Recent Intensive Killing:
- On August 13th, 11 cats were euthanized.
7 Cats including three kittens were scheduled for euthanasia on 8.17 in AVAS while the adoption event going on, August 17th, is the first day they can legally be euthanized. Cats were not included in the adoption event as usual.
- By August 15th, 19 more cats / families were scheduled for euthanasia, with all of them killed by August 16th except one family rescued.
### Alarming Statistics from AVAS’s June and July Reports:
- **July Report**: Out of 213 cats taken in alive:
- 102 were euthanized.
- 107 have unknown outcomes (either under holding or still listed on the website). - Only 21 cats (10%) were labeled as friendly or placed in the adoption area. - 86 cats (40%) were posted on the AVAS website, leaving the other 60% as "invisible cats"— neither listed online nor placed in the adoption area, contributing significantly to the high euthanasia rate.
- Cats listed as "holding" are rarely posted online, and their outcomes remain unknown in subsequent shelter reports.
- **June Report**: Of the 180 cats taken in alive, only 42% were posted on the AVAS website.

However, only data from June 1st to June 18th has been disclosed.

Key Observations:

1. No access was granted to volunteers to take photo and videos for the 90% to 95% cats not in the adoption area
a. Poor visibility contributes to the high euthanization rate. Only 5% to 10% of the cats are labeled as friendly and put in the adoption area and visible to the public ( V.S. 40% to 50% labeled as friendly in Devore Animal Shelter.)
b. 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

2. The evaluation process at AVAS is merely nominal. only 5% to 10% of the cats are labeled as friendly V.S. 40% to 50% labeled as friendly in Devore Animal Shelter. Recent statistics reveal alarming trends:
 In the week of May 17th, none of the 23 new cat intakes were labeled as friendly or placed for adoption.
 From June 4th to June 8th, only 1 out of 42 adult cats listed on the AVAS website was identified as friendly.

3. No regular evolution /health check was given
Submitting public comments for October 8 town council meeting.

The town of Apple valley is in breach of the contract with San Bernardino County. Regarding the Apple valley animal shelter.

A. NOT all cats that come thru the shelter show up on the AVAS website.

Despite the contract stating the shelter is required to.

Over the last 15 years the adopted budgets (from 2009-2023) show a clear upward trajectory for the shelter…
Budget has increased
Number of employees has increased
Number of animals euthanized is excessively high between 57%-80+% Please publicly list or email out which cats are changed to “pending euthanasia” status so the general public and rescues are aware of which cats are most urgent. Please allow a minimum of 24- 48 hours before euthanasia.

Sincerely,

Margaret Cashion
Dear Apple Valley Town Council:

It has come to my attention that on the evening of September 19, 2024, public kennel card access on the Town of Apple Valley Animal Services "Adoptable Animals" website was deactivated. I respectfully request that public kennel card access be immediately restored, for the following reasons.

1. Kennel cards were the only way to obtain animal status in real time As you are aware, AVAS staunchly refuses to provide a euthanasia list to their rescue partners or to shelter dog and cat networkers. Consequently, the only way for rescue partners, networkers, and the general public to know which animals are scheduled for euthanasia, is to access kennel cards which, up until the evening of September 19, 2024, were available for anyone to view on the TOAV website. With the kennel cards removed, the identity of animals pending euthanasia at AVAS is now completely secret. Rescue partners, networkers, and the public must now guess at who is pending euthanasia.

The kennel cards were updated as the status of shelter animals changed, and were the only way to obtain animals' status in real time. The "AVAS Rescue Team" and "Networking Apple Valley Animal Shelter Dogs - The Real Volunteer Page" - are AVAS-run pages that actively conceal the identities of animals that are scheduled for euthanasia. AVAS employees refuse to provide status for more than one animal at a time over the phone. Rescue partners, networkers, and the public must email the AVAS Rescue Coordinators, Brandie Lee Garcia and Autumn Cotton, to obtain status, and responses are often delayed, sometimes coming a day or even days later. When a facility kills as quickly as AVAS does, a delayed update can quite literally and in fact, does cost animals their lives.

2. Public kennel card access was revoked so AVAS can conceal euthanasia The foregoing facts being well known to AVAS employees and the TOAV, the only conclusion I can reach about why public kennel card access was removed, is that it was done to hide the staggering number of animals being killed at AVAS. Recently, the administrator of the "Save Every Single Dog" page, which networks AVAS dogs, developed a software program that was designed to disseminate information gleaned from the kennel cards to the public via email. The program compiled kennel card data from the TOAV's public website into an easily readable, user-friendly format - it essentially created a euthanasia list by categorizing animals into those pending euthanasia, pending adoption, pending rescue, or no longer at the facility. The program or "tracker" was recently soft-launched, and was supposed to be ready for email subscribers on September 19, 2024. There is no doubt in my mind that AVAS and the TOAV deactivated public kennel cards to thwart the operation of the tracker. The Chief Security OƯicer of the company that hosts the TOAV's website confirmed that the "Save Every Single Dog" administrator was doing absolutely nothing wrong and no cybersecurity issues were implicated. I can conceive of no other reason why AVAS would want the tracker to fail.

In short, removing public kennel card access will get animals killed. Unless that is AVAS' objective - to kill more shelter pets - public kennel card access should be restored immediately.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely,
Donna Marie Schmink
Dear All Dog Breed, Companion Animal Rescue, and Cattle dog, Husky, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever Rescue Team Members, (and Apple Valley concerned citizens) This is a 'Hail Mary' SOS call for young, healthy, sweet, adoptable GAVIN 245511, GWEN 245510 (Kelpie/Cattle dogs), PATTY 245545 (White Husky or Shepherd?)and PRATT 245546 (Lab mix, possibly part Shepherd) who were on the 10/04/2024 euthanasia list at AVAS in Apple Valley, CA (San Bernardino County).

Urgent calls for help went out on Monday 10/07/24 on their Facebook group post, as volunteers and followers/supporters were very worried that they could be euthanized this morning, Tuesday 10/08/2024.
https://www.facebook.com/SavingAppleValleyDogs/posts/548812504329455 "Pratt has an out-of-state adopter and no rescue." (PRATT may need a Rescue transport group to tag him.)
"Patty has a local foster and no rescue." (PATTY eeds a local Rescue group to tag her and work with the interested foster.)
" Gavin and Gwen have nothing."
(THERE ARE VIDEOS OF MOST THESE DOGS IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL POSTS) GAVIN #245511 - 1 yr old, 54.3 lbs (Kelpie/Cattle dog)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yXD9GRVPP6pJmtJG/
" Gavin and Gwen have nothing."
GWEN #245510 - 1 yr old, 53.6 lbs (Kelpie/Cattle dog)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xymwgFKAqLMKGsfk/
" Gavin and Gwen have nothing."
PRATT #245546 - adult, 55 lbs (Lab mix, possibly part Shepherd) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/cLYdbiWzoZ2JLyzj/
"Pratt has an out-of-state adopter and no rescue." (PRATT may need a Rescue transport group to tag him.)
PATTY #245545 - 2 yrs old, 50 lbs (White Husky or Shepherd) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Yg7t1ZP4BFvCmPAx/
"Patty has a local foster and no rescue." (PATTY eeds a local Rescue group to tag her and work with the interested foster.)
If they are still alive at this point and you are able to intervene and help save the life of one of these sweet, young, healthy, deserving dogs, please contact Apple Valley Animal Services in Apple Valley, CA immediately to stop them from being euthanized and put a rescue tag or adoption/foster hold on one or more of them.

Please call and/or email AVAS regarding
If you are able to help, please contact the shelter immediately at:
(760) 240-7555
[email protected] or [email protected] call the rescue coordinator at 760-240-7000 Ext 7519
Apple Valley Animal Services
22131 Powhatan Road
Apple Valley, CA 92308
or call (760) 961-6001 after hours.

Animal Services | Town of Apple Valley
If there is anything you or your aƯiliates can do to save these babies at this juncture, that would be an answer to prayer.

Thank you for your compassion and caring, and for not giving up on our beloved companion animals, who are like little children and deserve the same protections, Beth
GAVIN #245511 - 1 yr old, 54.3 lbs
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yXD9GRVPP6pJmtJG/
GWEN #245510 - 1 yr old, 53.6 lbs
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xymwgFKAqLMKGsfk/
PRATT #245546 - adult, 55 lbs
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/cLYdbiWzoZ2JLyzj/
PATTY #245545 - 2 yrs old, 50 lbs
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Yg7t1ZP4BFvCmPAx/
While AVAS is not the only high-kill shelter in Southern California (the Los Angeles area), the fact that they are intentionally euthanizing large numbers of young, healthy, adoptable dogs and puppies in such a systematic, assembly line-style manner is alarming and disturbing, along with their minimal eƯorts to network on behalf of dogs to find rescue placements or adopters/fosters for them, or their reluctance to scan microchips to reunite lost pets with their owners.

As they make money by euthanizing large numbers of healthy dogs and cats on an ongoing basis per their contract with San Bernardino County to 'cull' the companion animal population, and make money simultaneously on they other end for killing young, healthy animals (especially puppies and kittens) to sell to science / biomedical research facilities and a rendering plant, they are no better than a factory farm/slaughterhouse, or concentration camp, except for the fact that they have slightly better conditions during the animal's short stay there, and kill them by lethal injection rather than other more barbaric, cruel methods.

Therefore, pulling dogs from this shelter sends a strong message to the city of Apple Valley and San Bernardino County that this kind of mass extermination and profiting from the death of younger, healthy, adoptable, innocent companion animals is unacceptable, corrupt, morally wrong, and will not be tolerated.

The only reason there is not a greater public outcry about this is because many citizens are unaware of what is really happening behind the walls of this building, just as many German Citizens claimed to be unaware of the horrors and mass exterminations that were occurring in concentraton camps in WWII Germany. Many of the local citizenry, in their ignorance, still think AVAS is a legitimate animal 'shelter' that exists to save companion animals and give them a safe haven where they can be rehomed as opposed to the killing facility it truly is.

The cries on social media for change and to halt the mass euthanasias that take place weekly at AVAS are evidence that the public is horrified when they learn what is really taking place.

This is a way to stand up to this kind of cruelty and callousness toward dogs and cats in Southern California.

While this may also be occurring in less progressive states like Texas, California is supposed to be a progressive, compassionate state that can do better than killing or exploiting our beloved companion animals for profit, or for 'lack of a better solution' because government oƯicials do not want to allocate resources to save our companion animals.

Thank you for reading my additional comments.

Dear Apple Valley Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the ongoing issues with the felines at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. While I greatly appreciate your continued eƯorts to find solutions and the collaborative accomplishments achieved so far, the situation for all the animals remains dire and requires further attention.

I urge you to prioritize solutions that promote the safe passage of all the animals through increased adoption events, expanded partnerships with rescue organizations, and proper vetting for those leaving the shelter. Volunteers and networkers working tirelessly to find homes for these animals need continued support to connect them with potential adopters and rescue groups. These eƯorts are critical to raising save rates and improving shelter outcomes as we work toward saving as many animals as possible.

I also encourage you to continue educating the public and strengthening measures to address overpopulation, particularly by holding community members accountable for the failure to spay and neuter. If the data shows that the majority of animals found at large are unaltered and outside the breeds already covered by the current ordinance, I recommend expanding the law to require spay/neuter for all dogs over four months and domestic cats found at large.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges you face, including addressing the homeless crisis, and appreciate that animal welfare has remained on your agenda. These issues are interconnected, and we must exhaust all eƯorts to address them. It is both our moral responsibility to care for all living beings and your duty to ensure the eƯective use of taxpayer dollars. Allowing the companion animal population to grow uncontrolled will only increase the burden on responsible citizens.

Thank you for your ongoing eƯorts and for considering this matter with the urgency it deserves.

Sincerely,
Georgia "Gina" L
Founder, Inland Empire Animal Coalition
Hello,
I am deeply concerned with how the apple valley shelter handles the pets under their care. They regularly euthanize for space when their kennels have many open, they do not network their dogs or cats, they do not notify networkers of which dogs and cats are on euthanasia lists so they can even have a chance to be saved, many of their pets aren’t even listed on their website and then are killed, and this list of problems is not exhaustive. The shelter euthanizes for the money they take in per kill.

This isn’t acceptable, this cannot continue, and the public does not support this. Change these policies and procedures now.

Best,
Stephanie Mezzanatto
if a kill list would b provided more animals could get out alive to rescues & adopters ,,presently your staƯ has no goals to save lives,, you make over $100 plus per dog ,, this is money u can put towards your bonuses like the $25k a month from san berdoos $85k a month income thats bonused to one of your managers,,, thats outrageious n criminal..
think of the precious money you could be pocketing by getting more lives rescues or adopted,,that could be $1000 a day
timely answering of life status of the creatures is needed.. i realyze there is no motivation to save lives by your people ..
paying kill techs $140k a year ... paying a celebrity photographer $300k plus a year? that is insane ,, those are physician wages , a kill tech is a $15/hr job ,, a kill manager maybe $30k a year n that person is never present...
life has no value to you people but it does to everyone else.. just think of the precious money your missing out on from killing so many ,,, the cats ,,, what a disaster ,, this auschwitz level killing is legendary.. you could be bonusing yourselves $1000s by providing kill list of cats n dogs... to the few ppl that care about th creature a huge thank you... you have a huge following of ppl that want to help get the dogs n cats out alive ..use them. this could b a NO KILL shelter easily ..pls consider providing a kill list , answering emails on status ,, n really charging ppl a $100 a dog ? theres no one in the usa that does that
looking fwd to genuine change n improvement ,, you hav 1000s of ppl willing to help phil B
Good Day,
I do not live in Ape Valley but are willing to help. Animals are very special and should be treated well! Just to euthanize is wrong!
These animals need to find there way to no kill shelters, put in social media for adoption. Adoption that is looked into, not just to anyone . Somebody who will care for this animal so it does not end up back at this shelter.

Also need to get these pets spayed and neutered and treat for parasites and fleas! So in closing, get these pets to a no kill, social media for adoption, but adopters who are checked out, care for these animals to prevent further issues! This will actually help and reduce cost in the long run! Have a conscience, start here!
Thank You,
Susan Allen
Paws New England volunteer
Sent from my iPhone
Dear Apple Valley City Council,
Regarding the alarming numbers of young, healthy, adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens being euthanized weekly and monthly at Apple Valley Animal Services in Apple Valley, CA:

Our companion animals are members of the family, and a two thirds majority of voters in the State of California love and care about dogs and cats, and regard them the way they do little kids.

The majority of residents/citizens of CA (and the U.S.) will not stand for this kind of horrific treatment and mass extermination once they find out what is really going on.

We need to continue to contact our legislators, file complaints that go before the grand jury in our localities, and make it known that we will not stand for this kind of heartless, cruel, and needless 'culling' of our companion animal population.

This shelter overcrowding crisis is man-made, and as a matter of stewardship over God's beloved innocent creatures he entrusted us with, we need to do better for them.

A) Declare a state of emergency for companion animals in the state of California B) Enact a 2 year ban on breeding and buying for all CA residents, which also bans buying pets or service animals from out of state or from outside the continental U.S.

C) Place heavy restrictions on licensed breeders once the two year ban is lifted so that no female dog or cat is allowed to have more than two litters in her lifetime before being spayed, and no male dog or cat is allowed to sire more than 4 litters in his lifetime before being neutered.

There also need to be caps on how much breeders can charge for animals they sell.

D) Enact spay-neuter ordinances in every locality/municipality with vouchers for low income pet owners to cover the cost of the procedure, with strict penalties for noncompliance by a deadline.

E) Require Landlords to allow well-behaved pets with caps on how much they can charge in extra deposits and rent.

F) OƯer incentives to licensed breeders to convert their facilities to 501c3 Rescue Centers eligible for government subsidies, donations, and nonprofit status/tax exemptions during the 2 year moratorium on breeding.

G) Convert empty buildings or warehouses that have heating/AC and plumbing and are surrounded by dirt and grass that could be fenced into emergency shelters to house more animals.

H) Facilitate transport of adoptable companion animals (or animals who can be rehabilitated or treated for minor medical issues) to other areas of the U.S. and Canada where the dog and cat overpopulation problem is less severe, or where adopters, fosters, and rescue groups are willing and able to take them in order to save lives.

I) Institute a luxury tax (or increase it if one already exists) in order to provide additional funding for companion animal welfare and ongoing care.

J) Educate citizens and the younger generation about animal welfare, and create a culture that is more conscious and aware regarding stewardship over and respect for our companion animals.

K) Run campaigns to raise public awareness and promote a culture of "Adopt, don't shop", and "Don't breed and buy while shelter animals die".

L) Encourage trainers of service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy/emotional support animals to comb the shelters and network with rescue groups to find dogs who are suitable candidates to enter into training programs for these roles.

M) Continue to enforce animal cruelty laws, and ensure that the sale of live animals to medical and scientific research laboratories for cruel experimentation in CA continues to be outlawed N) Impose stiƯ fines, penalties, or even arrest individuals who violate these laws/ordinances through illegal breeding or other acts of animal cruelty. This may lead to the detention of persons involved in other forms of criminal activity, such as dog fighting, drug traƯicking, dealing in stolen goods, or human traƯicking.

O) Ban puppy mills and the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, unless a rescue organization has an adoption center set up inside the store with reasonable rates charged for rescue animals being rehomed. Also ban the purchase of dogs and cats from out of state puppy mills for resale.

These are all ideas for how to create a more humane California while stopping or curtailing overbreeding and overpopulation simultaneously. The key is to halt breeding while focusing on the bests interests and potential of the companion animals who already exist among us.

The only time it is acceptable to euthanize an animal is if that animal genuinely poses a danger to humans and/or other animals (i.e. due to being overly aggressive or having mental health issues), has a severe medical condition that would cost more than $500 to treat (i.e. Hit by a car and suƯering), or is elderly (over 10 years of age) and suƯering from various ailments, or is severely disabled to the point of being unable to have a good quality of life, even with assistive devices.

Killing healthy, adoptable animals, especially younger dogs and cats or healthy puppies and kittens or animals with minor, easily treatable medical conditions is a sin against God and is unacceptable.

Our companion animals are part of our vulnerable populations along with nursing mothers, infants and children, single mothers, new immigrants to this country who are honest, decent, and hardworking but have limited English proficiency, homeless persons, individuals with disabilities or who are battling deadly diseases, the elderly, and those struggling with chemical dependency or living with mental health issues, or individuals/families living at or below the Federal poverty level.

We need to provide for and account for the welfare of ALL of our vulnerable populations, as that is the mark of a civilized society.

There is no room for greed, selfishness, and apathy in this equation, and killing our innocent companion animals will never be an acceptable way to deal with the current crisis, in California or any state.

This is especially true when there are other, more humane ways to go about solving this crisis.

This is a matter of stewardship over God's beloved companion animals (dogs and cats) that he entrusted us with. Our commission was to love and care for them and protect them from harm, like innocent young children, as there are intelligent, sentient, loyal, loving beings capable of feeling fear, pain, and sadness. They deserve long, happy lives just like human children.

We have failed miserably in this responsibility God gave us, and have instead, time and again, exploited, overbred, neglected, disposed of, and killed countless innocent animals because of our own mismanagement, disorganization, negligence, greed, and apathy. God sees all, and he is angered and saddened by our treatment of these wonderful, amazing, blameless beings.

Our companion animals, as part of our vulnerable populations, deserve better from us, and God expects us to right our wrongs, atone for our sins, and do right by them going forward.

It is time for positive, real change. Please listen to your voting constituency and the majority of your citizenry and show compassion for the dogs and cats at AVAS.

Thank you for reading my comments and suggestions.

No improvement shown even with significantly decreased intake. The live release rate in August/September is estimated to be around 16% ~ 17%.

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. In August, 237 cats were euthanized, with 198 (about 83%) not listed on the AVAS website.

2. 65 cats from September remain under hold as of September 21.

3. As of October 2, only 12 out of 141 cats taken in September were listed on the site.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7.  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

8. 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

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

10. Medical Care is Nominal:

11.  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

12. 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."

13. 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. enact reforms 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.

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.

Yours sincerely,
Miranda Feck
My comment is for the Town of Apple Valley's Animal Services Department.

I worked at Animal Services for a few years and I recently went back to volunteer my time to help wherever I was needed. I noticed that the morale of the staƯ seemed to perk up on seeing me in there goofing oƯ as 'Jess Appleton' to garner attention on social media sites in a positive light for the animals.

I think it needs to be mentioned that the employees deserve a round of applause for continuing day after day to show up to work amidst the harassment they have to endure from certain individuals, on-line, in person and via emails.

As a resident of Apple Valley I find it appallingw that out of state 'networkers' who have not dealt with OUR shelter directly can talk so negatively about it's employees. I hope that the Town can put something in place to stop this cyber bullying at it's souce therefore boosting the overall morale of the employees of Animal Services.

In closing I would like to thank the employees for their dedicated service in continuing to show up for these animals, regardless of what people on the outside may say. Many of us in the community, in which you serve, appreciate and continue to support you.

Your commitment to the animals shines through.

The Apple Valley Animal Shelter needs extensive reform. The amount of eƯort in getting the animals out alive is almost non existent. The death toll exceeds the survival rate by a considerable amount. The community would like to see the town oƯicials take initiative to end the lack of compassion and call for management replacement. The current management clearly falls short of the skills to properly handle or direct the shelter. Apple Valley Animal Shelter needs to assist in the eƯort to limit the overpopulation of these animals through a low kill methodology.

Sent from my iPhone
Please help save the animals of Apple Valley. Every single one of these animals is a beautiful soul who deserves a good home with a good life. From what I have heard from numerous people, many of these animals are not even given a chance to be placed in a home. From what I have heard, many of these animals' information is not even posted on the AVAS website, eliminating the opportunity for these animals to be rescued. There are so many of us who want to help. There are so many people who want to foster or adopt these animals. I have talked with several rescues who, because they spoke out about the horrible conditions these animals are in are now banned from pulling from the shelter. This is not fair. I would venture to say that many on your Committee are pet owners. If this was your pet that ended up in the shelter, what would you do? Please ask yourself how would you want your pet to be treated and then provide these animals with that kind of good treatment. I would also venture to say that many on this Committee have small children. I ask you to consider how would your child feel if you told them what was happening to these animals. I ask you to treat these animals in a way that you would feel proud to tell your children about. For those of you who are pet owners, please take a moment to think about how good it feels to go home, walk in the door and have an animal there who's been waiting all day for you to get home. All these animals want to do is provide you with unconditional love. What human do you know that loves you unconditionally and forgives you without ever holding a grudge? These animals are a blessing. Please improve the conditions at your shelter. Please work with more rescues to get these animals to the loving homes where they are meant to be. Please make your shelter no-kill. I can guarantee the support you will receive will be immeasurable. Thank you Thank you Thank you Get Outlook for iOS
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.

No improvement shown even with significantly decreased intake. The live release rate in August/September is estimated to be around 16% ~ 17%.

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. In August, 237 cats were euthanized, with 198 (about 83%) not listed on the AVAS website.

2. 65 cats from September remain under hold as of September 21.

3. As of October 2, only 12 out of 141 cats taken in September were listed on the site.

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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."

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. enact reforms 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.

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.

Regards,
Sherry Wu
Litters of pups and dogs in general will continue to be a issue as long as:

1.There is no liability for this behavior. (Hugh fines and jail time)

2. Puppy mills and backyard breeders continue to push multitude of dogs on the market. These groups needs to be outlawed to make a positive change in the flow of animals.

3. A free neuter and spay program is not available

4. More animal cruelty laws are made and enforced.

5. Breeders has to be licensed and pay taxes on litters and use those funds to support free neuter and spay program.

6. If breeding in not stoped or slowed drastically, 1000's of animals will continue to die needlessly.

7. If we don't control the front end, the back end will never see any relief.

Shelters are full and their are things that can be done to help shelter employees jobs be easier and think of the money that will be saved once the crisis is under control.

Thank you.

Mike Richeson
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.

No improvement shown even with significantly decreased intake. The live release rate in August/September is estimated to be around 16% ~ 17%.

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. In August, 237 cats were euthanized, with 198 (about 83%) not listed on the AVAS website.

2. 65 cats from September remain under hold as of September 21.

3. As of October 2, only 12 out of 141 cats taken in September were listed on the site.

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

7. 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

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

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

I. enact reforms 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.

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.

Shanshan Zhao
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to express my concerns about the dire situation at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. The animals are killed even when there is open space. They are red listed only after a few days.

Volunteers have noted that an animal is held without food and water once they make the euthanasia list because it’s easier. The animals there need help. Please please look into this. And please look at all the animals that are networked by volunteers on instagram. One of the accounts is @rio.fiddler.ruebabies.

This is a link to two pups that are going to be killed:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAtrerpvdPz/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Kindly,
Nil’s
Dear Council Members, Supervisors, Mayor, Town Managers:

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.

The shelter report for September 2024 indicates 141 taken in alive, 2 died in their kennels, 50 euthanized, and 65 listed as "holding." These cats are not listed on the AVAS website. The chances of them leaving alive are therefore minimal without visibility, especially as AVAS has restricted public access to kennel cards and has refused to give out pending euthanization lists. Kennel cards are the only way to give a short window of time to save an animal. When the cards were deactivated even for "adoptable animals," one wonders what the motive is. Is it to conceal the extremely high rate of euthanasia at the shelter?
In August, a reported 246 cats were euthanized in that month alone. A whopping 198 did not even make it to the website. It is reported that an animal removal company is paid $6000 a month to take away the bodies. These are most likely sold to rendering plants. This revelation appears to confirm profit for the company. Is there a link to Apple Valley entities in general? One hesitates to call such extreme numbers "euthanasia," since humane motives to end suƯering do not account for so much death. A number of the cats euthanized had adoption interest, and some had rescue. If more eƯort were put into adoption events and listing on the website, and less outright blockage of people wanting to adopt, more lives could have been saved.

In addition, the rescue outreach by the shelter seems to have been so minimal as to be almost nonexistent.

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. And now with the public kennel card restrictions this will get worse.

Volunteers are denied access to take videos or photos of these cats, meaning they remain invisible from the moment they enter the shelter. And since requests for current urgent lists are being ignored or denied, it makes visibility that much harder. 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, if they are vaccinated at all, and 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.

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.

We as networkers are now doing the work that rescue coordinators should do. AVAS apparently has two.

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. And so little visibility for most from the start, almost guaranteeing their deaths.

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 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 best wishes and greatest thanks,
Janet Feldman
Michael Eagan
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.

Recent statistics highlight a troubling situation:

Even though cat intake dropped from 325 in August to 141 in September (from September 1 to September 21), there's been no improvement. The live release rate for September is only around 17%.
 In August alone, 237 cats were euthanized, with 198 (about 83%) not listed on the AVAS website.
 65 cats from September remain under hold as of September 21st.  As of October 2nd, only 12 out of 141 cats from September, were listed.

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 the community.

Yours sincerely,
Miranda Feck
Hello! In my opinion, your animal shelter has a reputation as a slaughter house disguised as an animal shelter. The management does not appear to be going after and obtaining the necessary resources for expanding capacity to keep animals from being slaughtered, even though intake numbers of animals have been increasing year after year. It also appears that management could care less about animal welfare or they would not be slaughtering perfectly healthy animals, especially for the lame excuse of space issues in the high number that your slaughter house is producing. There also does not appear to be any eƯort to convert your animal shelter to no kill status. I am concluding that the management would rather kill the animals than save them because it involves more work to keep them alive. This slaughter house should be reported to the US Attorney's OƯice by citizens and they should recommend enforcement of the Federal Animal Cruelty Act so management can be held accountable and charged with animal cruelty for slaughtering perfectly healthy animals. Certainly the helpless animals picked up by and taken to your animal shelter deserve better. Bringing animals to the AVAS appears to be an automatic death sentence. Please stop the chronic animal cruelty in the form of killing perfectly healthy animals that is taking place at the AVAS. Thank you!
Respectfully,
Alex Croci

Apple Valley City CouncilOctober 8, 2024

Apple Valley City Council
October 8, 2024