TC Public Comments April 22, 2025 — Apple Valley City Council, April 22, 2025

Town of Apple Valley
April 22, 2025
Town Council Public Comment
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, Hello,
I am writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

1.Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats contribute to high euth rate:

Many cats are kept in the back at AVAS, facing euthanasia without ever being posted online.

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.
 Live Release Rate for Cats per AVAS monthly report:
o Nov : 31.6%: In Nov, 96 cats euthanized, and 12 more died in the shelter o None of these 108 cats were posted online or included in the daily urgent list, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death
o Dec: 31.8%: In Dec, only 26 intaken cats posted
o 114 cats euthanized without being posted
 Cats ever listed on the AVAS Website as of Feb.21.2025:
o Feb Intake: 17
o Jan Intake: 25
 While AVAS posts the number of daily intakes, they aren't actually listing the cats. o Only 2 of the cats taken to AVAS after 2/13 have been posted on their website.
o If AVAS claims their website reflects real-time data, why are these cats missing from the listings? How is it that they have the daily intake numbers but choose not to post them on the AVAS website?
o There are still 15 cats with intake date DEC.2024 stuck in the backend not posted
This lack of visibility, delayed vaccinations, and minimal eƯort reflects systemic neglect and an apparent disregard for cats’ welfare.

2. Disparity in Treatment Between Cats and Dogs
There is significant room for improvement in how AVAS treats the animals . However, the disparity between how cats and dogs are handled at AVAS is particularly concerning. It is evident that the shelter has the capacity to improve.

Take November Disposition Report as an example:
 Live Release Rate:
o Dogs: 87% , live intake 323 total (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 41, Died at shelter: 1).
o Cats: 31.6%, live intake 158 total (excluding dead on arrival, Euthanized: 96, Died at shelter: 12).
 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:
o Dogs are vaccinated within 3 days of intake, providing timely health protection.
o Cats, however, are vaccinated 3 weeks after intake, leaving them vulnerable to illness and further diminishing their chances of survival.

Transparency and equal visibility are critical for all shelter animals. Cats deserve the same chance at adoption and rescue.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Standards:

The evaluation process is nominal at best, and many cats are euthanized unnecessarily
AVAS has been labeling the majority cats as "unadaptable," these cats are kept out of sight in the back and often face euthanasia without ever being posted online - they were held in the backend with 0 visibility given not even posted on the AVAS website and euthanized directly.

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 mislabeling and 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?
An immediate investigation is needed to address these failures. The personnel responsible for labeling and contributing to this continuous massive unnecessary euthanasia must be held accountable.

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
While the county’s TNVR program is expanding, Apple Valley City still does not have a TNVR program, and has been prioritizing eƯiciency over life saving eƯorts in shelter practice
 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
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 adaptability, 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.

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

2. Accountability:
o We request for replacement of the current shelter management and key stakeholders involved in systemic neglect and misuse of euthanasia practices.

3. Resources for Cats:
o Allocate qualified resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats.
o Prohibit euthanasia of animals without documented evaluation by qualified personnel.
o Prioritize medical care and adoption eƯorts over euthanasia.

4. Routing cats from unincorporated areas to Devore/ Big Bear Animal Shelter until reforms are enacted in AVAS.

5. Expedite foster program in Devore Animal Shelter.

6. Implement Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) Program for community cats  TNVR/ Free spay and neuter services for community cats is desperately needed in Apple Valley Town. We strongly urge the initiation of a TNVR program specifically for community cats.
 This approach is not only cost-eƯective but also directly addresses the overpopulation issue at its root by preventing future litters and improving the health of the local cat population.
 With many community members struggling to aƯord veterinary care, TNVR would be a sustainable solution to manage the growing number of stray and feral cats, ultimately reducing shelter intake and preventing overcrowding  Through the TNR program friendly cats will be taken to the shelter for adoption and others will be released back to the community where they come from.

7. Establish a Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Service complemented by a TNVR program for long-term sustainability
 With the average income in Apple Valley below $25,000 per year, many residents find it financially diƯicult to provide basic care for their pets, including spay/neuter services. AƯordable options are crucial for ensuring responsible pet ownership and preventing unintended litters.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Best regards,
Sherry Wu
I'm writing on the behalf of the animal shelter practices .Within the past 2 months. They have failed to put pictures of all their intake cats on their website. They have been labeling every cat " Feral"..Which in most cases. The cats were exact opposite of feral cats. They were found to be maybe scared due to their surroundings at the shelter.After being saved by rescue groups the cats were friendly ,and were loving , playful cats.. We demand this shelter be more transparent..Release a list of all intake animals along with pictures and shown on the shelters website.A FULL TIME ANIMAL Behaviorist ( that has credentials in this field ) Be hired at AVAS. Also allow cats to be able to have outside adoption events And or utilize PetSmart charities adoption center at PetSmart to house give more chances for cats to be seen & adopted. Thank you for your time.

Linda Brangwyn
Subject: Urgent Call for Reform and Accountability at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) and Implementation of TNVR
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members and San Bernardino County Supervisors, I am writing to express deep concern about the systemic issues at Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) regarding the treatment of cats. The shelter practices reveal troubling trends that demand immediate action.

1.Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats contribute to high euth rate:

Many cats are kept in the back at AVAS, facing euthanasia without ever being posted online.

Transparency and equal visibility are critical for all shelter animals. Cats deserve the same chance at adoption and rescue.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Standards:

We call for the immediate replacement of personnel responsible for these decisions and replacing personnel who have contributed to this mass euthanasia.

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

6. Urgent Requests for Reform
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 adaptability, 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.

To address these issues, we respectfully request:

2. Accountability:
o We request for replacement of the current shelter management and key stakeholders involved in systemic neglect and misuse of euthanasia practices.

4. Routing cats from unincorporated areas to Devore/ Big Bear Animal Shelter until reforms are enacted in AVAS.

5. Expedite foster program in Devore Animal Shelter.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
1 Richard Hirsch
From: Steven Piepkorn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 7:24 AM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Richard Hirsch Subject: GSEJA Public Comment Inland Empire North Logistics Center Project EIR Apple Valley City Council Public Hearing 4-22-25
Attachments: Inland Empire North Logistics Center Project.pdf To Whom It May Concern,

Attached and below are public comments on behalf of Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance.

These comments are submitted to the City Council to be included in the record for inland Empire North Logistics Center Project EIR Public Hearing on 4-22-25

For clarification purposes, only the BOLD portion of the body of this email is the public comment to be added into the record along with TWO attachments.

Please confirm receipt of this email.

Public Comment

Good evening, my name is Steven Piepkorn and I’m with the Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance. We submitted a comment letter to the Draft EIR. Our letter identified several deficiencies with the EIR.

During these turbulent times, we as citizens expect and deserve our local government’s elected and appointed officials to protect us from environmental and social injustice, to aid in the preservation and rehabilitation of the environment in which we all share, and to ensure accountability and responsibility regarding the environmental decisions they may make.

We stand by our comment letter and believe the EIR is flawed, and must be redrafted and recirculated for public review. In closing we call on this Council to be a leader on the 2 aforementioned issues and be the first line of defense for our citizenry and environment. Only by working together can we continue to be excellent stewards of our environment, outstanding stewards to our citizens and each other. Thank You.

Please confirm receipt of this email.

Thank You,

Steven Piepkorn
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April 22, 2025
City of Apple Valley City Council
14955 Dale Evans Pkwy
Apple Valley, CA 92307
SUBJECT: Inland Empire North Logistics Center Project
The Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance presented multiple argumentsin our comment letter dated November 11, 2024, addressing the flaws of the EIR. In addition, the FEIR concludes that the DEIR’s exposure assumptions were sufficiently addressed, however, review of both documents reveals that the HRA’s specific exposure assumptions, such as ASF and FAH values, and the dose and risk equation used to calculate construction-related cancer risk, remain undisclosed (p. 3-31). We therefore maintain that the DEIR should have provided these values. The exclusion of this information undermines the decision makers and public's ability to review and assess methodology used to determine the Project’s potential environmental impacts, a fundamental component of the California Environmental Quality Act. Without access to the exposure assumptions or dose and risk equation used in the DEIR’s HRA, the accuracy of the Project’s potential cancer risks is not able to be verified.

Additionally, according to CalEnviroScreen’s Map, the proposed project’s census tract (6071012101) indicates that cumulative impacts of development and environmental impacts in the area are disproportionately impacting this census tract. The California Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for identifying those communities based on “geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria.” The Project’s census tract exhibits a high risk of asthma, cardiovascular disease and low birth weight. With this information the proposed Project may contribute to the disproportionate health impacts warehouses impose on nearby residents.

The proposed Project may exacerbate disproportionate health risks for community members within the immediate area, a concern underscored by the mandates of SB 1000. SB 1000, enacted to address environmental justice considerations, require local governments to integrate environmental justice elements into their planning processes, particularly focusing on reducing health risks for communities.

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The City Council has a duty to adequately address the environmental, social, and economic burden placed on the City of Apple Valley residents. The City Council should require a new EIR be prepared for this project, due to the deficiencies of the EIR and continued health, exposures, socioeconomic factors and environmental effects the citizenry of Apple Valley already suffers and will continue to suffer, based on our comment letter dated November 11, 2024, along with several other comments provided by others participating in the process.

If the City Council votes to recommend certification of the EIR, GSEJA believes the City Council will have not fulfilled its duty to adequately investigate nor mitigate the project. Further, under CEQA, the city must “Take all action necessary to provide the people of this state with clean air and water, enjoyment of aesthetic, natural, scenic, and historic environmental qualities, and freedom from excessive noise.”
The California Environmental Quality Act's purpose in properly applying the law and its intent is defined below by the California Legislature in passing CEQA.

The importance of a healthy environment for all of California’s residents isreflected in CEQA’s purpose. In passing CEQA, the Legislature determined:

CEQA’s Purposes
• “The maintenance of a quality environment for the people of this state now and in the future is a matter of statewide concern.” (Pub. Res. Code, § 21000, subd. (a).) • We must “identify any critical thresholds for the health and safety of the people of the state and take all coordinated actions necessary to prevent such thresholds from being reached.” (Id. atsubd. (d).)
• “[M]ajor consideration [must be] given to preventing environmental damage, while providing a decent home and satisfying living environment for every Californian.” (Id. at subd. (g).)
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• We must “[t]ake all action necessary to provide the people of thisstate with clean air and water, enjoyment of aesthetic, natural, scenic, and historic environmental qualities, and freedom from excessive noise.” (Pub. Res. Code, § 21001, subd. (b).) Cities, counties, and other local governmental entities have an important role to play in ensuring environmental justice for all of California’s residents. Understate law: “[E]nvironmental justice” means the fair treatment of people of allraces, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Gov. Code, § 65040.12, subd. (e).) Fairness in this context means that the benefits of a healthy environment should be available to everyone, and the burdens of pollution should not be focused on sensitive populations or on communitiesthat already are experiencing its adverse effects.

The Cal Enviro Screening Information below depictsthe severity of the level of pollution and health hazards the City of Apple Valley and its citizens are already experiencing. The overall percentiles of pollution exposures and its subsequent health impacts should be enough data to not recommend approval of the project and request a new EIR with enhanced mitigation measures.

City of Apple Valley - Inland Empire North Logistics Center Project Census Tract: 6071012101
Population: 5,860
Overall Percentiles %
Population Characteristics Percentile 77%
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentile 65%
Sensitive Populations
Low Birth Weight 92%
Cardiovascular Disease 89%
Asthma 88%
Exposures %
Ozone 80%
Traffic 60%
Environmental Effects %
Solid Waste 85%
Cleanup Sites 52%
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We encourage the city to adopt a net-zero goal for GHG emissions for this project, as other cities have within California with mixed – use projects larger than this one.

CONCLUSION
Due to the above-mentioned reasons as well asthe reasonslisted in the original commentletter to the EIR, GSEJA believesthe EIR is flawed and a new EIR must be prepared for the proposed project and circulated for public review. GSEJA requeststhe City Council to deny certification of the project and request a new EIR.

Sincerely,
Steven Piepkorn
Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance
765 N. Main St. Suite #151
Corona, CA 92880

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Dear Council Members of Apple Valley Town, dear supervisors of San Bernardino County, I want to bring up concerns about ongoing issues at Apple Valley Animal Services (AVAS), and to implore upon the town council to transition to a practice of transparency, accountability, and reform.

Let’s begin with the recent data.

In the first two weeks of April:
 39 cats were euthanized for being labeled “not adoptable”  22 cats were euthanized for “health reasons
 None of these cats were listed on the AVAS website or included in the oƯicial euthanasia list
From March 1 to April 16:
 Cat Live intake: 271
 Only 55 cats were posted on the AVAS website during that entire period First, can the Town Council and AVAS leadership explain why the shelter consistently lists less than 20% of the cats in their care? We’ve asked this multiple times without receiving a clear answer. Or say nothing because you agree this is outrageous.

Second, AVAS does not have a full-time veterinarian or behaviorist on-site. Unlicensed staƯ make impetuous decisions to euthanize cats based on workload and stress. When will the town hire a licensed behaviorist and an on-site vet? There are over 300 animals at any given time, and registered vet techs are not qualified to make these decisions. It’s also important to recognize the diƯerence between behavioral notes from a licensed behaviorist and those made by AVAS's behaviorist, Autumn.

Third, why is the cat adoption area nearly empty most of the time? Why are 90-95% of the adult cats labeled as “feral,” which is statistically impossible? This is far higher than other local shelters, indicating that the lack of a licensed behaviorist is negatively impacting outcomes. Upon exit, a large majority of these cats are not feral but have been mislabeled at AVAS.

Fourth, we’ve learned there is an “urgent list” and a separate “pending euthanasia” list.

Animals being euthanized are not listed on the urgent list. Why is the pending euthanasia list not available to the public? What’s the point of an incomplete urgent list when the majority of cats pending euthanasia are never included? 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.

This is a publicly funded shelter, not a private one. The town council has ignored constituents’ complaints for years, spending taxpayer dollars without adhering to public input. What’s happening at AVAS is unacceptable. We call for accountability and a change in approach. The public’s will and demands will ultimately outweigh personal opinions.

Best,
Shanshan Zhao
Dear Council Members of Apple Valley Town,
I am writing to bring up concerns about ongoing issues at Apple Valley Animal Services (AVAS), and to implore upon the town council to transition to a practice of transparency, accountability, and reform.

In the first two weeks of April, 39 cats were euthanized for being labeled “not adoptable” and 22 for health reasons. None of these cats were listed on the AVAS website or included in the oƯicial euth list. From March 1 to April 16, total cat intake was 329, with 58 DOA, so the live intake was 271. Sadly, only 55 cats were posted on the AVAS website from March 1 to April 16.

First, can the Town Council and AVAS leadership explain why the shelter consistently lists less than 20% of the cats in their care? We’ve asked this multiple times without receiving a clear answer.

Fourth, we’ve learned there is an “urgent list” and a separate “pending euthanasia” list.

Sincerely,
Natalie Higdon
Dear SB County and Apple Valley OƯicials and Animal Welfare Groups, https://www.applevalley.org/services/animal-services
https://www.applevalley.org/Home/Components/News/News/426/119?arch=1&npage=41 https://www.facebook.com/SavingAppleValleyDogs
Regarding the need for reform at Apple Valley Animal Services in Apple Valley, CA, (especially in light of the recent distemper outbreak and quarantine period on the heels of multiple Parvo and pneumonia cases)
Other thoughts I have on this are as follows:

While the Apple Valley Animal Shelter building is only about 15 years old, I am wondering if there may be some issues with the building design and infrastructure that may be heightening / increasing the transmission of viruses in the facility and making it diƯicult for staƯ to sterilize kennels and kill pathogens in the environment completely before another dog comes in to inhabit that space?
Could there be issues with the ceilings, fixtures, pipes and ventilation systems that do not respond well to the high desert climate that are tightening transmission of diseases like Parvovirus or Distemper or other upper respiratory viruses? As well, with the recent incidence of aCIRD, (resistant strain(s) of 'dog flu' in Southern California that are diƯicult to diagnose with a rapid PCR test), prior to the distemper outbreak,
how many of the dogs coming out of AVAS with upper respiratory infections and pneumonia or flu like / gastrointestinal symptoms had the aCIRD --newly identified in 2023? http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/aCIRD.htm
Even if the kennel floors, walls and bars are being sprayed with steaming hot water and bleach or other disinfectants that are meant to kill pathogens after a litter of parvo puppies or a dog that was sick with an upper respiratory virus is euthanized or leaves a facility, What if the virus is still lingering in the Air vents ductwork pipes, drains or ceiling? Could viruses, especially URI's, be transmitted through the ventilation system? Is this the real reason why so many dogs are euthanized at this facility instead of rescued? Because they come into the facility and contract viruses or get bacterial and parasitic infections?
Or is it also a lack of appropriate vaccination in the community at large so unvaccinated dogs come in to the facility, get exposed, and get sick? Or higher incidence of aCIRD/ dog flu, distemper, Parvo, and other viruses in the community that some dogs come in with? (Again, in part, because not enough people are vaccinating their pets?)
As well, could there be bacterial and fungal infections coming into play (prior to the distemper outbreak?)
It is diƯicult to gauge how much of this is caused by the County, City, and the facility and mismanagement, overcrowding, or poor sanitation and infection control processes (P&Ps) or issues with the overall structure, pipes, drains, and ventilation systems in the building, and how much of it is due to the incidence of commonly known diseases due to lower vaccination rates, and occurrence of new strains of viruses (aCIRD) or resistant bacterial and fungal infections in dogs and cats in the region (general vicinity).

Are there molds or mildews that could be growing in the walls, vents, duct work pipes drains or ceilings, or even the light fixtures that can also cause upper respiratory symptoms in dogs and cats?
While one wouldn't think that would be the case In a building that is only 15 years old, one never knows.

Also, without the glass enclosures of some of the brand new facilities (that have just been constructed in the last five years) that are used to prevent the transmission of upper respiratory viruses Between dogs or cats housed there,
how do we stop viruses from spreading?
Especially if a dog or cat comes into the facility who has a virus, and it isn't detected right away?
Is there a way to test dogs and cats immediately as soon as they're brought in using rapid PC R tests or digital tests before blood or stool samples are sent out to a lab for more definitive results?
I know urgent care and walk-in clinics for humans often have in-house tests they can run, even while samples from the patient are sent out to a laboratory for final answers.

As well, when this facility was first opened in 2010, it was meant to be an Animal Shelter, that would act as a safe harbor for a finite number of healthy adoptable, relatively healthy, adoptable companion animals in the community and be "your friendly community animal shelter."
When this facility was first built, they did not anticipate COVID-19, and a mass boom in the human and companion animal population subsequent to it, which also increased after immigration restrictions were lifted during the Biden Administration, In addition to people, moving out to the outer suburbs from inner city l Los Angeles to escape crime and other factors, such as looking for more aƯordable places to live,
or safer areas for their children to grow up in.
( As many in the companion animal advocacy world are aware, spay-neuter appointments dropped during COVID,
in large part because people were afraid go into clinics or hospitals of any kind to seek medical care for themselves OR their companion animals, and people were often allowed to have dogs and cats for companionship in rental units during COVID,
where now most of those allowances have expired for rental properties, and need to be reinstated by Federal, State and local governments to prevent people from getting rid of their companion animal(s) that they acquired during COVID --because their landlord will no longer allow them to have pets in the rental unit.)
As well,
When the AVAS facility was first opened in 2010, they did not anticipate that so many people in the surrounding community were going to allow animals to go unvaccinated, unspayed and un-neutered,
along with a large segment of the population having limited english proficiency, creating cultural and language barriers, especially for newcomers to the United States states who come from other countries where dogs and cats often do not receive regular shots and preventive veterinary care, are not routinely spayed and neutered, and are frequently allowed to roam free and overpopulate.

Educating the public regarding the importance of spay-neuter, vaccination, internal and external parasite control and prevention, licensing, registration, and microchipping can be daunting task in and of itself,
but even more so when language and cultural barriers come into play. " We're supposed to have animals vaccinated, treated for parasites, spayed or neutered, licensed and microchipped here in modern suburban U.S.A., And the owner is responsible for keeping track of their pet and keeping them corralled or contained.

Letting them become impregnated without a breeder license, letting them run loose or run away, not getting them spayed or neutered, dumping dogs or cats, NOT getting your animals vaccinated, and NOT treating them for internal and external parasites is NOT okay.

This issue is compounded when undocumented individuals who have animals in their possession are afraid of being detected & deported for seeking out public welfare / medical services for their companion animals or family members.

This is why it is important for Someone who is a legal US resident or US citizen to be able to Bring animals in for low cost or free care on behalf of another individual and register as that animals legal owner on paper.

And, as some of the finest people i've met or known have been immigrants and refugees from other countries who are very decent, hardworking people who do behave responsibly, We cannot forget there are many people who were born and raised in the united states or who are here legally, who still behave VERY irresponsibly With regard to our companion animals, I need to be held accountable for these behaviors.

Backyard breeders need to be caught and stopped.

Illegal breeders of (Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other types of guard dogs that are often used in dogfighting, for protection, or as status symbols) who are often associated with other forms of criminal and gang activity, needed to be weeded out, arrested and prosecuted, and made an example of, just like Michael Vick, the NFL star, whose football career was ruined by his association with dog fighting rings.

As well, their arrest can often lead to making inroads into their other criminal activities or aƯiliations/ tracking down their aƯiliates, that may lead to arrests in drug or human traƯicking rings, or of those who deal in illegal weapons, car thefts, or other stolen property.

In some cases, you may find people who are not associated with any other type of criminal activity. But they still think it is their 'right' to breed certain types of dogs or cats when we are in the middle of a massive overpopulation crisis.

There needs to be a ban placed on breeding. And buying for at least two years, if not longer.

During that time, these people who make money breeding animals will have to find other occupations working for shelters rescues pet supply store chains or veterinary oƯices.

Some people are ignorant, appear to have their heads buried in the sand, and seemed to be 'unaware' that we were in the middle of a massive national state, local/ regional companion animal overpopulation crisis, and that at this time breeding animals and compounding this problem is an act of animal cruelty
Worse, yet, some people are too callous and selfish to care, which is why they deserve to have their breeder license revoked.

If an emergency ban on breeding and buying is enacted, along with emergency spay neuter, and vaccination/parasite control ordinances, This would take care of the problem.

No matter how much some well to do person or suburban yuppie wants an "AussieDoodle", breeding them is still an act of animal cruelty during the current dog and cat overpopulation, crisis.

Especially when there are plenty of adoptable, healthy Beautiful dogs who would make a great family pet being advertised on rescue sites and on the sites of your local animal shelter.

Look no further than one of your local Rescues or shelters to find a wonderful pet for yourself and your family, as you have a wide variety of dogs and cats to choose from who are in need of a good home.

And in a home where there are no small furry animals, a pitbull can be a wonderful pet, as most of them are very sweet and loving, and it all depends on how they are treated by humans.

If you search on a national level, you can even find yourself an Aussiedoodle or Labradoodle with a Rescue who needs to be rehomed, along with King Charles spaniels and other cutesy purebreds via Rescues.

There is no logical reason right now to breed and create more other than greed and selfishness.

As far as Law enforcement, military and search and rescue, dogs go, along with service and therapy dogs,
there are a wealth of young dogs in California animal Shelters, including Labrador retrievers, Labrador mixes and German Shepherds/Malinois or shepherd mixes, Dobermans, Great Danes, Cane Corsos, Pointers, Hounds, etc. who would be excellent candidates for these programs.

Many of them are healthy, young and adoptable.

If some of the animals that come out of the Apple Valley shelter are coming out of there sick due to a high rate of viral transmission, lack of proper infection control and sanitation/sterilization,
high rates of viruses in the local community due to dogs and cats being unvaccinated by 'owners',
and possibly other factors in the building, such as drafty kennels or possible mold or mildew infestations, possibly in the ceiling pipes or vents ( Despite the fact that the building was built in 2010)
then those issues need to be thoroughly researched, investigated, and the facility may need to be shut down temporarily while the building itself is inspected and their processes and procedures are scrutinized, & evaluated, Necessary upgrades to the facility and structure are made, and an overhaul and change takes place in how they operate.

Thank you for reading my latest thoughts on this,
Beth
Dear Apple Valley Town Council Members,
I am writing to respectfully request the expedited sale of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter (AVAS) to San Bernardino County. The current state of the shelter and its practices have raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of cats, and I believe that transitioning control of AVAS to the county will significantly improve conditions and provide a better chance at life for all animals, especially cats.

Below, I’ve summarized the key reasons why we urgently request the sale:

1. Lack of Visibility and Minimal EƯort for Cats, Leading to High Euthanasia Rates:

At AVAS, many cats are hidden from public view, facing euthanasia without ever being posted online. This lack of visibility, coupled with delayed vaccinations and minimal eƯort to evaluate and rehome cats, has contributed to an alarmingly high euthanasia rate.
 For instance, in November 2024, the live release rate for cats was only 31.6%, with 96 cats euthanized and 12 dying in the shelter. These cats were never posted on the shelter’s website or included in any adoption eƯorts, eƯectively condemning them to a hidden death. The shelter’s failure to make these animals visible to the public is a form of systemic neglect.

2. Disparity in Treatment Between Cats and Dogs:

While AVAS posts the majority of the dogs on its website, only around 30% of cats are listed, drastically reducing their chances of being adopted or rescued.

Additionally, dogs receive vaccinations within 3 days of intake, while cats often wait for weeks.

3. Questionable Labeling and Euthanasia Practices:

AVAS has been labeling many cats as "unadaptable" without proper evaluation, and these cats are kept in the back areas of the shelter, out of sight.

Since a policy change in September 2024, the intake of kittens, which are generally easy to socialize, has increased. However, AVAS has been euthanizing large numbers of these kittens without giving them a fair chance for adoption. In November alone, 68 cats were euthanized for being "unadoptable," and 24 others were euthanized for "health" issues, despite the lack of an on-site veterinarian. This suggests a serious failure in the shelter’s evaluation and care processes, and a culture of euthanasia out of convenience rather than necessity.

4. Accountability and Transparency:

The lack of transparency in how cats are labeled and euthanized is concerning and undermines public trust in the shelter’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities.

5. Urgent Need for Reform:

The current practices at AVAS betray the public’s trust and fail to meet the expectations of a taxpayer-funded shelter. We demand immediate reform to ensure that all animals, including cats, are given a fair chance at life. This includes:
 Transparency: Require AVAS to list all cats and dogs on the website, including those in holding and receiving areas, within 3 days of intake.  Accountability: Replace the current management and staƯ responsible for the mismanagement of shelter practices.
 Resources for Cats: Allocate suƯicient resources to ensure timely vaccinations, proper evaluations, and medical care for all cats.
 Establish TNVR and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services: Implement a TNVR program and a low-cost spay/neuter program to address the root causes of overpopulation and overcrowding.

Given the lack of adequate resources, mismanagement, and failure to protect the welfare of animals, we respectfully urge the Apple Valley Town Council to expedite the sale of AVAS to San Bernardino County. The county has the resources, infrastructure, and commitment to animal welfare needed to address these issues and provide a better future for the animals of Apple Valley.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am hopeful that, together, we can ensure a b
Dear Council Members of Apple Valley Town and Supervisors of San Bernardino County, Thank you for launching TNR in Apple Valley to address the overpopulation of the community cats. However, 39 cats were euthanized during the first 10 working days in April according to the disposition report. 4 more cats are pending euthanasia today, April 22nd.

Please reconsider euthanizing the community cats and streamline TNR to uproot the overpopulation. This is a publicly funded shelter, not a private one. The town council has ignored constituents’ complaints for years, spending taxpayer dollars without adhering to public input. What’s happening at AVAS is unacceptable. We call for accountability and a change in approach. The public’s will and demands will ultimately outweigh personal opinions.

With Regards,
Shirin Shamloo
Submitting public comments for the April 22nd Apple Valley Town Council meeting.

To the Apple Valley Town Council Members, Mayor, Town Manager… What is the reason the Apple Valley Animal Shelter displays less than 20% of the cats in their possession on the website? It has been a question I have asked for the last year, month-after-month when submitting public comments and I have not gotten an answer.

Apple Valley Animal Shelter is the only shelter in Southern California that has this practice of not displaying the animals in their possession.

In the first two weeks of April, 39 cats were euthanized for being labeled “not adoptable” and 22 for health reasons.

None of these cats were listed on the AVAS website or included in the oƯicial euth list.

From March 1 to April 16, total cat intake was 329, with 58 DOA, so the live intake was 271.

Sadly, only 55 cats were posted on AVAS website from 3.1 to 4.16. 55 out of 271 cats displayed on the website = 20% >> this is data provided by the shelter.

In AVAS does not have a full-time veterinarian or behaviorist on-site. Unlicensed staƯ make impetuous decisions to euthanize cats based on workload and stress. When will the town hire a licensed behaviorist and an on-site vet? There are over 300 animals at any given time, and registered vet techs are not qualified to make these decisions. It’s also important to recognize the diƯerence between behavioral notes from a licensed behaviorist and those made by AVAS's behaviorist, Autumn.

Why is the cat adoption area nearly empty most of the time? Why are 90-95% of the cats labeled as “feral,” which is statistically impossible? This is far higher than other local shelters, indicating that the lack of a licensed behaviorist is negatively impacting outcomes. Upon exit, a large majority of these cats are not feral but have been mislabeled at AVAS.

We’ve learned there is an “urgent list” and a separate “pending euthanasia” list. Animals being euthanized are not listed on the urgent list. Why is the pending euthanasia list not available to the public? What’s the point of an incomplete urgent list when the majority of cats pending euthanasia are never included?
This is a publicly funded shelter, not a private one. The town council has ignored constituents’ complaints for years, spending taxpayer dollars without adhering to public input. What’s happening at AVAS is unacceptable. We call for accountability and a change in approach. The public’s will must outweigh personal opinions.

You probably are tired of hearing people comment about the Apple Valley shelter and its practices.

You don’t feel there are any issues.

You feel the shelter is well run and nothing needs to change.

You feel the complaints are unfounded.

You feel the criticism is harsh, unnecessary and personally oƯensive.

Would it be unreasonable to say, it seems that a large majority of residents feel diƯerently than you do about the shelter?
If it’s okay to share, it doesn’t feel like the public will stop feeling as strongly as they do about the issues surrounding the shelter. The public will not stop feeling as strongly as they do over shelter practices and shelter protocols.

Public pressure and sentiment will force change.

Sincerely,
Margaret Cashion
m. +1 310 795 2200

PLEASE BE ADVISED, THE CONTENT OF THE EMAIL I SENT TO THE TOAV ATTORNEY ON 04/14/25 IS PROVIDED BELOW, IN ITALICS.

I ALSO SENT THIS TO THE MAYOR, TOWN MANAGER AND THE HEAD OF AVAS. I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. WHY IS THAT?? THIS IS TO BE PART OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT AND TONIGHT'S MEETING.

Attention: Mr. Thomas Rice, Attorney for the Town of Apple Valley, CA.

RE: CCP 526 a
Please be advised of the following, I am a resident and taxpayer of the Town of Apple Valley, California. I am extremely concerned and appalled at the current situation at the town animal shelter. First of all, that a small municipal animal shelter that was paid for by the taxpayers of Apple Valley to be used for the town's animals was contracted to take in the animals from the county's unincorporated areas, is shocking. It had to be obvious that this additional volume, without additional space, would create a one way stop at the shelter, resulting in the certain death due to lack of space to huge numbers of animals. This shelter has been categorized by Best Friends Animal Society to be one of the 5% of shelters nationwide which account for the euthanasia of 50% of all animals nationwide. It has an extremely bad reputation. I am personally devastated that this is the situation. The towns contract with Stiles animal removal for a flat monthly fee of $ 5490 is literally oƯ the charts.

It is a number that is higher than the highest fees that they quoted on their flat monthly billing schedule.

As an animal lover, this situation is exceptionally upsetting to me. As a purely practical matter, the cost to pick up, house, and kill these animals and dispose of them is much much higher than it would be to FIX THESE ANIMALS in the first place. I have not seen one mobile spay and neuter clinic brought to the town to fix the town's animals or one held at a local veterinarians oƯice. This is a CLEAR WASTE OF MY TAXES. I want the town to immediately schedule a free spay and neuter clinic to start addressing this devastating issue AT THE SOURCE. I have even done the work of seeing who is available to do this. I have communicated this to the supervisor at animal services with no response to a commitment on this. This is actionable under CCP 526 a. The council seems not to care about this situation as eƯorts have been made to get this situation fixed. This indiƯerence by the council is NOT reflective of community sentiment.

The town must immediately schedule a free spay and neuter clinic. Due to the most recent statement by the animal services department that a dog in the shelter was confirmed to have distemper, Bear Valley Animal Hospital is not currently performing spay and neuter services at the low cost contract price. It would make sense that they oƯer this low cost clinic due to the extended reduction in workload at this time. Regardless, it is extreme fiscal waste to have the citizens pay to deal with the lack of spay and neutering which if periodic free or low cost spay and neutering was oƯered would largely eliminate these expenses. This is an urgent and immediate need.I haven't yet fully investigated how it is that the county is paying the town over one million dollars a year, yet the facility is still the same size as it was when built originally. An additional structure was recently built but it is apparently not being used yet. Regardless, this is wholly inadequate to properly house and keep healthy this extremely high volume of animals, which it was never intended to house.I understand that the town is negotiating the sale of the shelter to the county, this is months away and irrelevant to my position stated herein. The town needs to show good faith that reflects the vast majority of local taxpayers that want this situation fixed and start taking steps to get a handle on this crisis.

Again, this seems what CCP 526 a is intended for. This is massive, ongoing fiscally irresponsible behavior, not to mention the staggering toll of suƯering of the animals. This is also being taken up with the governor because all municipalities should take a practical and fiscally responsible approach to this crisis. Please advise immediately on this, thank you, Deirdre McHugh O'Donovan

Apple Valley City CouncilApril 22, 2025

Apple Valley City Council
April 22, 2025