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

Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, We are writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The November Disposition Report and other shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

1. Disparity in Treatment Between Cats and Dogs
Key Statistics from the November Disposition Report:
 Live Release Rate:
o Dogs: 87% 323 total in the report(excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 41, Died at shelter: 1).
o Cats: 31.6% 158 total in the report (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 96, Died at shelter: 12).

The disparity in outcomes for cats compared to dogs is staggering. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve, as demonstrated in treating and adopting dogs.

2.Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats:
 In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized, and 12 died at the shelter. None of these 108 cats were posted online or included in the daily urgent list, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death.
 On average, less than 30% of cats are posted on the AVAS website, severely limiting their chances of adoption.
 Majority of dogs, including those in "holding" or "receiving" areas, are posted on the AVAS website, providing them with greater adoption opportunities.

Vaccination Delays:
 Dogs are vaccinated within 3 days of intake, providing timely health protection.  Cats, however, are vaccinated 3 weeks after intake, leaving them vulnerable to illness and further diminishing their chances of survival.

This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal eƯort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Standards:
 Since the cat intake policy update in September, the majority of cat intakes have been kittens—generally easy to socialize
 In nearby shelters within the same county, over 75% of cats are labeled as friendly, yet at AVAS, 68 cats were euthanized as "not adoptable" in November alone.  Additionally, 24 cats were euthanized for health reasons, despite the absence of a full-time veterinarian on-site.
 Cats are largely confined to the back-end areas of the shelter, where minimal resources and eƯorts are allocated to them.
 Volunteers and rescues are denied access to these areas, leaving the majority of cats unseen and ultimately euthanized without a fair chance.

It appears AVAS is euthanizing cats with little to no eƯort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them. This lack of transparency and eƯort is unacceptable for a public shelter. AVAS has been killing cats at will, out of convenience, and in secret—behavior that must not be tolerated.

We demand accountability for the decisions leading to the mass euthanasia of cats at AVAS:
 Who is making these decisions?
 What qualifications do they have?
 Why are so many cats being labeled as "not adoptable" or killed for minor health conditions?
We call for the immediate replacement of personnel responsible for these decisions and replacing personnel who have contributed to this mass euthanasia.

5. Lack of Essential Programs and Resources for Cats
Apple valley town fails to implement key programs essential for reducing the euthanasia rate and improving outcomes for cats:
 No Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: This is critical for managing community cat populations and preventing overcrowding.
 No Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program: Expanding access to aƯordable spay/neuter services would significantly reduce shelter intake.

Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

4. Urgent Requests for Reform
To address these issues, we respectfully request:

1. Transparency:
o Require AVAS to list all cats and dogs on its website, including those in holding and receiving areas within 3 days of intake.
o Publish intake, outcome, and euthanasia data monthly.

2. Accountability:
o Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable.
o Replace staƯ engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

3. Resources for Cats:
o Allocate suƯicient resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats.
o Establish TNR and low-cost spay/neuter programs to prevent overpopulation and reduce intake.

4. Policy Changes:
o Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel.
o Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

The practices at AVAS are a betrayal of the public trust and a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of a taxpayer-funded shelter.

The shelter's treatment of cats—hiding them from public view, delaying vaccinations, mislabeling their adoptability, and euthanizing them with little eƯort to save them—is unacceptable.

We demand accountability, reform, and transparency to ensure AVAS becomes a place where all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Best,
Shanshan Zhao
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, We are writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The November Disposition Report and other shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

1. Disparity in Treatment Between Cats and Dogs:

Key Statistics from the November Disposition Report:
 Live Release Rate:
o Dogs: 87% 323 total in the report(excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 41, Died at shelter: 1).
o Cats: 31.6% 158 total in the report (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 96, Died at shelter: 12).

The disparity in outcomes for cats compared to dogs is staggering. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve, as demonstrated in treating and adopting dogs.

2.Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats:
 In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized, and 12 died at the shelter. None of these 108 cats euthanized in Nov were posted online or included in the daily urgent list, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death.
 On average, less than 30% of cats are posted on the AVAS website, severely limiting their chances of adoption.
 Majority of dogs, including those in "holding" or "receiving" areas, are posted on the AVAS website, providing them with greater adoption opportunities.

This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal eƯort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

6. Urgent Requests for Reform
To address these issues, we respectfully request:

2. Accountability:
o Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable.
o Replace staƯ engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

3. Resources for Cats:
o Allocate qulified resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats.
o Establish TNR and low-cost spay/neuter programs to control the population and reduce intake.

4. Policy Changes:
o Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel.
o Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

The practices at AVAS are a betrayal of the public trust and a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of a taxpayer-funded shelter.

The shelter's treatment of cats—hiding them from public view, delaying vaccinations, mislabeling their adoptability, and euthanizing them without eƯort to save them—is unacceptable.

We demand accountability, reform, and transparency to ensure AVAS becomes a place where all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sherry Wu
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. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

2. 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. 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.

8. 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.

1. 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

2. 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

9. 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.

10. No regular evolution /health check was given
 On June 12th, 8 foster kittens were euthanized allegedly due to health reasons, yet their shelter notes had not been updated for several weeks, indicating a lack of proper assessment and care.
 Concerningly, shelter notes for these kittens were never updated Most of these kittens were 11 to 13 weeks old but under 2 lbs. Kittens grow rapidly and they could actually be adopted instead of being kept in the shelter. Their outdated shelter note stating they are foster/rescue only ultimately leading to their euthanasia on 6/12 due to health reasons.

11. The 95% labeled as feral were euthanized swiftly when they can legally be Despite ample space available.

12. Urgent Need for Medical Care/Basic care : There is a glaring deficiency in medical and basic care at AVAS:
 There has been monthly major outbreak and cats and kittens were often euthanized in batch for health reason
 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 to panleuk without even testing them  Some cats and kittens scheduled to be euthanized turned out to be “overall healthy” when checked by a vet
 Many cats and kittens “under treatment” however there are no medical treatment records, aside from vaccination records. And then these cats and majority of these cats and kittens were euthanized

13. Euthanasia Despite Adoption/Foster Applications: 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."

14. Less than 40% cats were posted on AVAS in last three month vs all dogs were posted which means AVAS has the capability to list all the animals  Only 36% of cats taken in by AVAS in May were listed on the shelter's website, depriving potential adopters of crucial information and contributing to low adoption rates.  In the week of June 17th, no cats with an intake date within the week were added on the AVAS website out of numerous cats in need of adoption, indicating inadequate outreach and communication with the community.
 With no urgent list sent, rescue and adopters does not know which cats are there/ which ones are urgent
 The prohibition of volunteers from non-adoption areas means rescues and adopters have zero visibility of the 95% of cats labeled as feral or non-adoptable.

Based on recent observations and data, it is evident that immediate reforms are necessary to ensure the welfare of animals under AVAS's care and to restore community trust.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

II. Launch an investigation into AVAS.

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

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

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

Immediate actions need to be taken to address these failures, ensure proper evaluations, and allow for transparency. 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.

Sadie
I hope and pray you all stop this place from killing any animal. They are labeling these animals wrong just so they can kill them. VERY WRONG. HOW ABOUT SOMEONE KILL YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE LABELED WRONG. THESE PEOPLE NEED TO CLOSE DOWN THIS FACILITY AND GO TO JAIL.

THIS IS A LIFE THEY ARE TAKING. STOP THESE PEOPLE FROM DOING THIS.

To Whom It May Concern,
We demand accountability for the mislabeling and questionable euthanasia practices at AVAS. It’s clear that the personnel responsible for these massive, unnecessary euthanasia decisions need to be replaced.

I am a networker of dogs out of Apple Valley shelter. I started in the beginning of 2024 when I puppy I wanted to foster was killed, we were too late. The shelter gave us NO TIME. Since then I have jumped in and been networking daily, saving as many dogs as we can.

AVAS is HORRIBLE and doesn’t communicate with us at all. This week they actually KILLED 2

DOGS WHILE THEY MADE THE TRANSPORTER WHO WAS THERE TO PICK THEM UP WAIT FOR OVER AN HOUR IN THE LOBBY.

MAJOR reform needs to happen there, and the staƯ needs to be replaced. But as bad as it is for the dogs, it’s a million times worse for the cats.

The disparity in outcomes for cats compared to dogs is staggering. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve, as demonstrated in treating and adopting dogs.

2.Lack of Visibility and Minimal Effort for Cats:
 In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized, and 12 died at the shelter. None of these 108 cats euthanized in Nov were posted online or included in the daily urgent list, effectively condemning them to a hidden death.
 On average, less than 30% of cats are posted on the AVAS website, severely limiting their chances of adoption.
 Majority of dogs, including those in "holding" or "receiving" areas, are posted on the AVAS website, providing them with greater adoption opportunities.

This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal effort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Standards:
 Since the cat intake policy update in September, the majority of cat intakes have been kittens—generally easy to socialize
 In nearby shelters within the same county, over 75% of cats are labeled as friendly, yet at AVAS, 68 cats were euthanized as "not adoptable" in November alone.  Additionally, 24 cats were euthanized for health reasons, despite the absence of a full-time veterinarian on-site.
 Cats are largely confined to the back-end areas of the shelter, where minimal resources and efforts are allocated to them.
 Volunteers and rescues are denied access to these areas, leaving the majority of cats unseen and ultimately euthanized without a fair chance.

It appears AVAS is euthanizing cats with little to no effort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them. This lack of transparency and effort is unacceptable for a public shelter. AVAS has been killing cats at will, out of convenience, and in secret—behavior that must not be tolerated.

4. Accountability and Transparency
The labeling process appears inconsistent and unprofessional, raising questions about the qualifications and accountability of the staff involved. Decisions to euthanize cats are being made with minimal effort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them, and it seems that AVAS is euthanizing cats out of convenience rather than necessity.

We demand accountability for the decisions leading to the mass euthanasia of cats at AVAS:
 Who is making these decisions?
 What qualifications do they have?
 Why are so many cats being labeled as "not adoptable" or killed for minor health conditions? We call for the immediate replacement of personnel responsible for these decisions and replacing personnel who have contributed to this mass euthanasia.

5. Lack of Essential Programs and Resources for Cats
Apple valley town fails to implement key programs essential for reducing the euthanasia rate and improving outcomes for cats:
 No Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: This is critical for managing community cat populations and preventing overcrowding.
 No Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program: Expanding access to affordable spay/neuter services would significantly reduce shelter intake.

Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

4. Urgent Requests for Reform
To address these issues, we respectfully request:

2. Accountability:
o Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable.
o Replace staff engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

4. Policy Changes:
o Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel.
o Prioritize medical care and adoption efforts over euthanasia.

The practices at AVAS are a betrayal of the public trust and a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of a taxpayer-funded shelter.

The shelter's treatment of cats—hiding them from public view, delaying vaccinations, mislabeling their adoptability, and euthanizing them without effort to save them—is unacceptable.

We demand accountability, reform, and transparency to ensure AVAS becomes a place where all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Brooke Smith
TO WHOM IT CONCERNS;
We demand accountability for the mislabeling and questionable euthanasia practices at AVAS. It’s clear that the personnel responsible for these massive, unnecessary euthanasia decisions need to be replaced.

In November, the live release rate for cats at AVAS was just 31.6%, according to the shelter’s monthly disposition report of Nov.

AVAS has been labeling the majority cats as "unadoptable," with many of them being kittens after policy update since Sep.1, euthanizing them without proper evaluation, and hiding them from public view.

As of Dec.7, only 9 cats intake in Nov and 29 intake in Oct were posted on AVAS website . Number of dogs posted is around 10 times of cats.

Majority of dogs have been posted on AVAS website including those placed in "hold" or "receiving" area which means AVAS CAN DO BETTER
In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized, and 12 died, but none of these cats were posted online or included in the daily urgent list.

These practices are not only questionable but appear to be systemic and designed for convenience over life-saving eƯorts. The evaluation process is nominal at best, and many cats are euthanized unnecessarily—without a real chance being given - they were not even posted on the AVAS website and euthanized directly.
you the council are responsible for what happens here and you need to make the time to check this out and remedy the breaking of proper policy. This is cruel and unusual killing not euthanasia per policy. Why kill healthy, animals especially those too young to evaluate? The fighting among dogs is out of control....it's posted often a dog will be killed because kennel mates ganged up on one gentle dog and now must be killed if not rescued that day. Where are the safety precautions? They feed all together then let them fight for the food....the gentle starving dogs get nothing. Time and again. And again.

You have a horrible situation there and I've written before and you ignored me.

NOW, address this now, please.

J A Mindrum
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am disgusted that so many healthy cats and kittens are being killed daily at Apple Valley Shelter. Much more needs to be done to ensure rescue, foster or adoption of healthy cats and kittens.

The current situation is totally unacceptable. Please stop the killing.

Yours faithfully,
Margaret Morton
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, We are writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The November Disposition Report and other shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

1. Disparity in Treatment Between Cats and Dogs Key Statistics from the November Disposition Report: Live Release Rate: Dogs: 87% 323 total in the report(excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized:
41, Died at shelter: 1). Cats: 31.6% 158 total in the report (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized:
96, Died at shelter: 12). The disparity in outcomes for cats compared to dogs is staggering. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve, as demonstrated in treating and adopting dogs.

2.Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats: In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized, and 12 died at the shelter. None of these 108 cats euthanized in Nov were posted online or included in the daily urgent list, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death. On average, less than 30% of cats are posted on the AVAS website, severely limiting their chances of adoption. Majority of dogs, including those in "holding" or "receiving" areas, are posted on the AVAS website, providing them with greater adoption opportunities. Vaccination Delays: Dogs are vaccinated within 3 days of intake, providing timely health protection. Cats, however, are vaccinated 3 weeks after intake, leaving them vulnerable to illness and further diminishing their chances of survival. This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal eƯort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Standards: Since the cat intake policy update in September, the majority of cat intakes have been kittens—generally easy to socialize In nearby shelters within the same county, over 75% of cats are labeled as friendly, yet at AVAS, 68 cats were euthanized as "not adoptable" in November alone. Additionally, 24 cats were euthanized for health reasons, despite the absence of a full-time veterinarian on-site. Cats are largely confined to the back-end areas of the shelter, where minimal resources and eƯorts are allocated to them.

Volunteers and rescues are denied access to these areas, leaving the majority of cats unseen and ultimately euthanized without a fair chance. It appears AVAS is euthanizing cats with little to no eƯort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them. This lack of transparency and eƯort is unacceptable for a public shelter. AVAS has been killing cats at will, out of convenience, and in secret—behavior that must not be tolerated.

4. Accountability and Transparency The labeling process appears inconsistent and unprofessional, raising questions about the qualifications and accountability of the staƯ involved. Decisions to euthanize cats are being made with minimal eƯort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them, and it seems that AVAS is euthanizing cats out of convenience rather than necessity. We demand accountability for the decisions leading to the mass euthanasia of cats at AVAS: Who is making these decisions? What qualifications do they have? Why are so many cats being labeled as "not adoptable" or killed for minor health conditions? We call for the immediate replacement of personnel responsible for these decisions and replacing personnel who have contributed to this mass euthanasia.

5. Lack of Essential Programs and Resources for Cats Apple valley town fails to implement key programs essential for reducing the euthanasia rate and improving outcomes for cats: No TrapNeuter-Return (TNR) Program: This is critical for managing community cat populations and preventing overcrowding. No Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program: Expanding access to aƯordable spay/neuter services would significantly reduce shelter intake. Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

6. Urgent Requests for Reform To address these issues, we respectfully request:

Transparency: Require AVAS to list all cats and dogs on its website, including those in holding and receiving areas within 3 days of intake. Publish intake, outcome, and euthanasia data monthly.

Accountability: Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable. Replace staƯ engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

Resources for Cats: Allocate qulified resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats. Establish TNR and low-cost spay/neuter programs to control the population and reduce intake.

Policy Changes: Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel. Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

The practices at AVAS are a betrayal of the public trust and a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of a taxpayer-funded shelter. The shelter's treatment of cats—hiding them from public view, delaying vaccinations, mislabeling their adoptability, and euthanizing them without eƯort to save them—is unacceptable. We demand accountability, reform, and transparency to ensure AVAS becomes a place where all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

1. Disparity in treatment between cats and dogs
Key Statistics from the November Disposition Report. Live release rate:
 Dogs: 87%, 323 total in the report (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 41, Died at shelter: 1);
 Cats: 31.6%, 158 total in the report (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 96, Died at shelter: 12).

The disparity in outcomes for cats compared to dogs is staggering. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve, as demonstrated in treating and adopting dogs.

2. Lack of visibility and minimal eƯort for cats
 In November alone, 96 cats were euthanized and 12 died at the shelter. None of these 108 cats euthanized in November posted online or included in the daily urgent list, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death.
 On average, less than 30% of cats are posted on the AVAS website, severely limiting their chances of adoption.
 Majority of dogs, including those in "holding" or "receiving" areas, are posted on the AVAS website, providing them with greater adoption opportunities.

Vaccination delays:
 Dogs are vaccinated within 3 days of intake, providing timely health protection.  Cats, however, are vaccinated 3 weeks after intake, leaving them vulnerable to illness and further diminishing their chances of survival.

This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal eƯort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

3. Questionable labeling and euthanasia standards
 Since the cat intake policy update in September, the majority of cat intakes have been kittens—generally easy to socialize.
 In nearby shelters within the same county, over 75% of cats are labeled as friendly, yet at AVAS, 68 cats were euthanized as "not adoptable" in November alone.  Additionally, 24 cats were euthanized for health reasons, despite the absence of a full-time veterinarian on-site.
 Cats are largely confined to the back-end areas of the shelter, where minimal resources and eƯorts are allocated to them.
 Volunteers and rescues are denied access to these areas, leaving the majority of cats unseen and ultimately euthanized without a fair chance.

4. Accountability and transparency
The labeling process appears inconsistent and unprofessional, raising questions about the qualifications and accountability of the staƯ involved. Decisions to euthanize cats are being made with minimal eƯort to evaluate, treat, or rehome them, and it seems that AVAS is euthanizing cats out of convenience rather than necessity.

5. Lack of essential programs and resources for cats
Apple valley town fails to implement key programs essential for reducing the euthanasia rate and improving outcomes for cats:
 No Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: This is critical for managing community cat populations and preventing overcrowding.
 No Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program: Expanding access to aƯordable spay/neuter services would significantly reduce shelter intake.

Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

6. Urgent requests for reform
To address these issues, we respectfully request:

1. Transparency:
 Require AVAS to list all cats and dogs on its website, including those in holding and receiving areas within 3 days of intake.
 Publish intake, outcome, and euthanasia data monthly.

2. Accountability:
 Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable.
 Replace staƯ engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

3. Resources for cats:
 Allocate qulified resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats.
 Establish TNR and low-cost spay/neuter programs to control the population and reduce intake.

4. Policy changes:
 Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel.  Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

The practices at AVAS are a betrayal of the public trust and a failure to fulfill the responsibilities of a taxpayer-funded shelter.

The shelter's treatment of cats—hiding them from public view, delaying vaccinations, mislabeling their adoptability, and euthanizing them without eƯort to save them—is unacceptable.

We demand accountability, reform, and transparency to ensure AVAS becomes a place where all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,
Miranda Feck
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, We are writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The November Disposition Report and other shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

5. Lack of Essential Programs and Resources for Cats Apple valley town fails to implement key programs essential for reducing the euthanasia rate and improving outcomes for cats: No TrapNeuter-Return (TNR) Program: This is critical for managing community cat populations and preventing overcrowding. No Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program: Expanding access to aƯordable spay/neuter services would significantly reduce shelter intake. Without these programs, AVAS perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary euthanasia.

6. Urgent Requests for Reform To address these issues, we respectfully request:

Transparency: Require AVAS to list all cats and dogs on its website, including those in holding and receiving areas within 3 days of intake. Publish intake, outcome, and euthanasia data monthly.

Accountability: Investigate the personnel responsible for labeling and euthanizing cats and hold them accountable. Replace staƯ engaged in systemic neglect or misuse of euthanasia practices.

Policy Changes: Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel. Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

I write as an animal lover who has over the past few years become greatly aware of the failings of AVAS. Little is done by staƯ to even get animals shown or adopted/rescued. Most cats who enter the facility are labeled as fractious which is absolutely not true in many instances. In fact, compared to every other shelter in Southern California, the percentage of cats basically labeled "unadoptable" at AVAS is staggeringly high. I've seen videos and photos of the lucky cats who managed to be saved despite being mislabeled and it is truly eye-opening. A huge percentage of cats, dogs too, never even show up on the website, and are not housed in an area accessible to visitors. This is insane and not how a "shelter" should operate. Hundreds if not thousands of these "invisible" animals are euthanized there annually.

Something must be done, and NOW, to at the very least get this hell hole up to the Southern California average percentage of dog and cat adoption rates at city/county shelters. As it stands, AVAS is a death sentence for the majority of animals who enter.

Sincerely yours,
Linda Abbott
Town of Apple Valley Officials
14955 Dale Evans Parkway
Apple Valley, CA 92307
Dear Town of Apple Valley Officials,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the operations of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS). Reports indicate that AVAS has a disturbingly high euthanasia rate, with sources alleging that 60-80% of animals are euthanized, including approximately 400 dogs in June alone. Such statistics suggest systemic issues within the shelter’s management and practices.

The community has raised alarms about the shelter’s practices, including allegations of disorganization and irresponsible behavior. These concerns are further compounded by reports of the shelter reaching full capacity and temporarily halting the acceptance of owner-surrendered animals, indicating potential mismanagement.

While a recent investigation into alleged animal abuse at AVAS was deemed “unfounded,” the persistent concerns about the shelter’s operations cannot be ignored. The community’s trust in AVAS has been eroded, and immediate action is necessary to restore confidence and ensure the humane treatment of animals.

We urge the Town of Apple Valley to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive audit of AVAS’s operations, focusing on euthanasia rates, animal care standards, and management practices.

2. Implement transparent reporting of shelter statistics, including intake numbers, adoption rates, and euthanasia figures, accessible to the public.

3. Engage with animal welfare organizations to adopt best practices and provide training for shelter staff.

4. Establish a community advisory board to oversee shelter operations and ensure accountability.

5. Reform breeding laws and enforce stricter penalties for illegal breeding activities to address the root causes of animal overpopulation.

6. Facilitate affordable spay and neuter services for the public to prevent unwanted litters and reduce shelter intake.

7. Ensure all animals are listed on the shelter’s website, including those on urgent lists, to maximize their visibility and adoption opportunities.

8. Hire competent staff and implement a motivating structure that for each successful rescue or adoption, encouraging collaboration with networkers, rescues, and transferees to save adoptable animals.

9. Develop a comprehensive community engagement program to transform AVAS into a low-kill shelter and a valuable community resource by:
• Creating a robust foster program to provide temporary homes for animals, reducing shelter overcrowding and improving animal socialization. • Allowing volunteers to produce compelling marketing content for each animal, enhancing their visibility and adoption prospects.
• Implementing a mass sterilization initiative for feral animals to control population growth and reduce future shelter intake.
• Offering low-cost veterinary services to assist local pet owners in maintaining their pets’ health, thereby preventing surrenders due to medical costs. • Extending adoption hours to be more family-friendly, ensuring accessibility for working individuals and families with children.

The community is prepared to mobilize a campaign involving celebrities and influencers to bring attention to this issue using each of your direct names so that those voting in the next election are aware of measurable actions either taken or not taken. We hope the Town will take proactive steps to address these concerns promptly.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your response and to seeing measurable and actionable improvements at AVAS this coming year. .

Sincerely,
Lacy Phillips
Town of Apple Valley Officials
14955 Dale Evans Parkway
Apple Valley, CA 92307
Dear Town of Apple Valley Officials,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the operations of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS). Reports indicate that AVAS has a disturbingly high euthanasia rate, with sources alleging that 60-80% of animals are euthanized, including approximately 400 dogs in June alone. Such statistics suggest systemic issues within the shelter’s management and practices.

The community has raised alarms about the shelter’s practices, including allegations of disorganization and irresponsible behavior. These concerns are further compounded by reports of the shelter reaching full capacity and temporarily halting the acceptance of ownersurrendered animals, indicating potential mismanagement.