Public Comment on the Proposed Sale of Apple Valley Animal Shelter and the Need for Local Animal Welfare Programs ׆ׇ
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to express my thoughts regarding the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property, which is on the upcoming agenda. While we understand that the county may take over ownership and management of the facility and appreciate the positive changes in animal care policies, I would like to emphasize an issue that requires the city’s continued involvement.
Currently, there is no low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program in Apple Valley, despite numerous requests from the community. This gap is significant, especially considering that the median income in Apple Valley is under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable S&N services essential for residents. According to the 2023 AVAS shelter disposition report, approximately 3,400 cats were taken in, with an estimated half coming from Apple Valley itself. Additionally, recent shelter management policy changes mean that healthy cats over nine months old are no longer accepted unless they come from risky environments, such as mobile home parks or areas with active coyote populations.
With the passage of Measure P, the town is set to receive an additional $9 million annually starting in July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate $100,000 annually for a low-cost S&N program and $100,000 for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for community cats. This investment would enable around 1,000 cats to be spayed and neutered each year, and 1000 low cost pet s&n spots available for pet owners thus improving the well-being of local animals and supporting public health.
While county oversight could bring positive changes to shelter operations, Apple Valley must remain committed to addressing these specific local needs. We strongly encourage the Council to prioritize funding for these programs to reflect the community’s values and promote responsible animal management.
We look forward to your support in ensuring the continued care and well-being of animals in our community.
On behalf of all animals,
Heather Caulfield
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to share my thoughts on the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property.
As the county considers taking over management, which could lead to positive changes, I want to stress an essential issue that needs the city's continued commitment.
No low-cost S&N program:
Despite many community requests, Apple Valley currently lacks a low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program. This is especially vital given the town's median income of under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable services a necessity for residents.
Cat intake figures:
The 2023 AVAS report shows 3,400 cats taken in, with approximately half from Apple Valley. With new shelter policies, healthy cats over 9 months old are only accepted from risky areas, further impacting community animal management.
Opportunity for funding:
With measure P passed, Apple Valley is set to receive an additional $9 million annually from July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate:
$100,000/year for a low-cost S&N program;
$100,000/year for a TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) program.
This funding could support spaying/neutering about 1,000 community cats and 1,000 pets annually and enhancing animal welfare and public health.
Conclusion:
While county oversight may improve operations, Apple Valley must stay committed to addressing these local needs. We strongly encourage prioritizing funds for these programs to uphold community values and promote responsible animal care.
Yours sincerely,
Miranda Feck
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to share my thoughts on the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property.
As the county considers taking over management, which could lead to positive changes, I want to stress an essential issue that needs the city’s continued commitment. ᓝᓞᓟ No Low-Cost S&N Program: Despite many community requests, Apple Valley currently lacks a low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program. This is especially vital given the town’s median income of under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable services a necessity for residents. ݘݗݖݕݔݓ Cat Intake Figures: The 2023 AVAS report shows 3,400 cats taken in, with approximately half from Apple Valley. With new shelter policies, healthy cats over 9 months old are only accepted from risky areas, further impacting community animal management. ࢘ Opportunity for Funding: With Measure P passed, Apple Valley is set to receive an additional $9 million annually from July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate:
$100,000/year for a low-cost S&N program
$100,000/year for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program This funding could support spaying/neutering about 1,000 community cats, and 1000 pets annually and enhancing animal welfare and public health.
౻౼౽౾౿ಀ Conclusion: While county oversight may improve operations, Apple Valley must stay committed to addressing these local needs. We strongly encourage prioritizing funds for these programs to uphold community values and promote responsible animal care. ┭┮┯┰ Thank you for supporting the continued well-being of our community’s animals.
Concerned Citizen,
Guadalupe Guardado
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to express my thoughts regarding the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property, which is on the upcoming agenda.
While we understand that the county may take over ownership and management of the facility and appreciate the positive changes in animal care policies, I would like to emphasize an issue that requires the city’s continued involvement.
Currently, there is no low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program in Apple Valley, despite numerous requests from the community. This gap is significant, especially considering that the median income in Apple Valley is under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable S&N services essential for residents. According to the 2023 AVAS shelter disposition report, approximately 3,400 cats were taken in, with an estimated half coming from Apple Valley itself. Additionally, recent shelter management policy changes mean that healthy cats over nine months old are no longer accepted unless they come from risky environments, such as mobile home parks or areas with active coyote populations.
With the passage of Measure P, the town is set to receive an additional $9 million annually starting in July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate $100,000 annually for a low-cost S&N program and $100,000 for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for community cats. This investment would enable around 1,000 cats to be spayed and neutered each year, and 1000 low cost pet s&n spots available for pet owners thus improving the well-being of local animals and supporting public health.
While county oversight could bring positive changes to shelter operations, Apple Valley must remain committed to addressing these specific local needs. We strongly encourage the Council to prioritize funding for these programs to reflect the community’s values and promote responsible animal management.
We look forward to your support in ensuring the continued care and well-being of animals in our community.
Best regards,
Elena
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 though intake dropped significantly from 325 in August to 182 in September. Live release rate for cats in Sep is as low as 13%. This lack of visibility contributes significantly to the high euthanasia rate.
As of October 15, about 20% of the cat intaken in Sep has been posted on the AVAS website v.s. 100% of the dog intake posted
In August 2024 237 cats were euthanized, out of this, 198 (83%) of the cats never showed up on the website for the public to see.
Out of 182 cats taken in during September 2024, only 34 were listed on the website, while 75 were marked as “hold” and 65 were euthanized.
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. Even though intake dropped significantly from 325 in August to 182 in September. Live release rate for cats in Sep is as low as 13%.
2. No TNVR or low cost Spay and neuter program provided in Apple Valley City
3. Urgent List Discrepancies: The urgent list provided by AVAS currently is a duplicate of cats listed on their website, with almost all of which in the adoption area. Cats under "hold" are not included, despite being the ones most at risk of euthanasia.
4. Disparity Between Cats and Dogs: There’s a significant disparity in how cats and dogs are handled at AVAS. While nearly 100% of dogs are posted online for adoption, very few cats are.
As of Oct.23, only 3 cats with October intake dates have been listed.Around 20% (or less) of cats are listed on the AVAS website each month leaving most cats without any visibility Many cats remain stuck in the backend during intake or on "hold," with many euthanized without being given a chance/ ever posted online.
5. In August, 237 cats were euthanized, with 198 (about 83%) not listed on the AVAS website.
6. 75 cats from September intake remain under hold as of Oct 3.
7. As of October 2, only 12 out of 141 cats taken in September were listed on the site.
8. Ongoing outbreak since July 2024, 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.
9. 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
10. 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 re-weighted in weeks or even months. A kitten adopted out last week was put under observation for more than 2 month
11. 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."
12. 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.
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. Initiate TNVR program for the community cats in Apple Valley City
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Those responsible for the mishandling of disease outbreaks must be held accountable.
We request for replacement of the current shelter management including shelter director and key stakeholders.
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.
Thank you,
Mirabai Nagle - Former City Council Member for Boulder, CO Hello,
My name is Carlos Sosa, I am a local Animal Advocate.
I fully support Apple Valley Shelter Cat Network's work on behalf of Cats at the AVAS Shelter and proudly echo their voices and request this evening. I follow them online and daily see a number of Cats in need at this facility, some make it out and others don't. We can do more, we can do better.
I wholeheartedly and respectfully ask the Council to listen to the community's requests for additional funding and resources to support the Cats in the facility. We are all doing what we can and it is people on the ground doing the heavy lifting to support these animals in need...but we also need local government and community leaders to do their part as well. Please vote in favor of all the community's request for support.
Thank you,
Carlos Sosa
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to share my thoughts on the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property.
As the county considers taking over management, which could lead to positive changes, I want to stress an essential issue that needs the city’s continued commitment. ᓝᓞᓟ No Low-Cost S&N Program: Despite many community requests, Apple Valley currently lacks a low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program. This is especially vital given the town’s median income of under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable services a necessity for residents. ݘݗݖݕݔݓ Cat Intake Figures: The 2023 AVAS report shows 3,400 cats taken in, with approximately half from Apple Valley. With new shelter policies, healthy cats over 9 months old are only accepted from risky areas, further impacting community animal management. ࢘ Opportunity for Funding: With Measure P passed, Apple Valley is set to receive an additional $9 million annually from July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate:
$100,000/year for a low-cost S&N program
$100,000/year for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program This funding could support spaying/neutering about 1,000 community cats, and 1000 pets annually and enhancing animal welfare and public health.
౻౼౽౾౿ಀ Conclusion: While county oversight may improve operations, Apple Valley must stay committed to addressing these local needs. We strongly encourage prioritizing funds for these programs to uphold community values and promote responsible animal care. ┭┮┯┰ Thank you for supporting the continued well-being of our community’s animals.
Regards,
Tina Nikolova
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to express my thoughts regarding the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property, which is on the upcoming agenda. While we understand that the county may take over ownership and management of the facility and appreciate the positive changes in animal care policies, I would like to emphasize an issue that requires the city’s continued involvement.
Currently, there is no low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program in Apple Valley, despite numerous requests from the community. This gap is significant, especially considering that the median income in Apple Valley is under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable S&N services essential for residents. According to the 2023 AVAS shelter disposition report, approximately 3,400 cats were taken in, with an estimated half coming from Apple Valley itself. Additionally, recent shelter management policy changes mean that healthy cats over nine months old are no longer accepted unless they come from risky environments, such as mobile home parks or areas with active coyote populations.
With the passage of Measure P, the town is set to receive an additional $9 million annually starting in July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate $100,000 annually for a low-cost S&N program and $100,000 for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for community cats. This investment would enable around 1,000 cats to be spayed and neutered each year, and 1000 low cost pet s&n spots available for pet owners thus improving the well-being of local animals and supporting public health.
While county oversight could bring positive changes to shelter operations, Apple Valley must remain committed to addressing these specific local needs. We strongly encourage the Council to prioritize funding for these programs to reflect the community’s values and promote responsible animal management.
We look forward to your support in ensuring the continued care and well-being of animals in our community.
Best,
Shanshan Zhao
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing to express my thoughts regarding the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property, which is on the upcoming agenda. While we understand that the county may take over ownership and management of the facility and appreciate the positive changes in animal care policies, I would like to emphasize an issue that requires the city’s continued involvement.
Currently, there is no low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program in Apple Valley, despite numerous requests from the community. This gap is significant, especially considering that the median income in Apple Valley is under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable S&N services essential for residents. According to the 2023 AVAS shelter disposition report, approximately 3,400 cats were taken in, with an estimated half coming from Apple Valley itself. Additionally, recent shelter management policy changes mean that healthy cats over nine months old are no longer accepted unless they come from risky environments, such as mobile home parks or areas with active coyote populations.
With the passage of Measure P, the town is set to receive an additional $9 million annually starting in July 2025. We urge the Council to allocate $150,000 annually for a low-cost S&N program and $100,000 for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for community cats. This investment would enable around 1,000+ cats to be spayed and neutered each year, and 1000+ low cost pet s&n spots available for pet owners thus improving the well-being of local animals and supporting public health.
While county oversight could bring positive changes to shelter operations, Apple Valley must remain committed to addressing these specific local needs. We strongly encourage the Council to prioritize funding for these programs to reflect the community’s values and promote responsible animal management.
We look forward to your support in ensuring the continued care and well-being of animals in the community.
Also the shelter staƯ to work with crossposters and nationwide rescues, networking nationwide to save more animals from euthanization. There are thousands of people wanting to help but their hands are tied by current protocols. Also more time needs to be given to placing dogs and cats.
Space is not the issue but incentive!
Sincerely.
Donna Schmink
Hello, Submitting Public Comments on the Proposed Sale of Apple Valley Animal Shelter and the Need for Local Animal Welfare Programs
Writing to express thoughts regarding the proposed sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter property, which is on the upcoming agenda (November 12). While we understand that the county may take over ownership and management of the facility and appreciate the positive changes in animal care policies, I would like to emphasize an issue that requires the city’s continued involvement.
Currently, there is no low-cost spay and neuter (S&N) program in Apple Valley, despite numerous requests from the community. This gap is significant, especially considering that the median income in Apple Valley is under $20,000 annually, making aƯordable S&N services essential for residents. According to the 2023 AVAS shelter disposition report, approximately 3,400 cats were taken in, with an estimated half coming from Apple Valley itself. Additionally, recent shelter management policy changes mean that healthy cats over nine months old are no longer accepted unless they come from risky environments, such as mobile home parks or areas with active coyote populations.
With the passage of Measure P, the town is set to receive an additional $9 million annually starting in July 2025 roughly. We urge the Council to allocate $100,000 annually for a low-cost S&N program and $100,000 for a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for community cats. This investment would enable around 1,000 cats to be spayed and neutered each year, and 1000 low cost pet s&n spots available for pet owners thus improving the well-being of local animals and supporting public health.
While county oversight could bring positive changes to shelter operations, Apple Valley must remain committed to addressing these specific local needs. We strongly encourage the Council to prioritize funding for these programs to reflect the community’s values and promote responsible animal management.
Attaching data from the intake disposition reports from January 2023 through December 2023.
Based on the data it seems around 7% of the cats exited the shelter alive last year. This is a very low amount compared to other shelters. You are probably more focused on the amount of money the town would get from the sale and the impact it would have on the budget. If one were to look at the approved town budgets over the last 15 years one would see a clear trajectory… costs/budget increased, amount of employees increased, salaries increased, expenditures increased. Results have not improved, what one could take away from this is, perhaps implementing spay & neuter and TNVR will be a less expensive route and provide better results. Or sell the shelter so it doesn’t cost the town money.
We look forward to your support in ensuring the continued care and well-being of animals in our community.
We look forward to a commitment to making improvements.
Sincerely,
Margaret Cashion
m. +1 310 795 2200