My reccomendation to RCDASZ Is to cancel the contract with KH this was fiscally irresponsible. Especially as they have had people more than experienced and qualified for years offering services but they go with In my opinion this train wreck.
Proposal for Enhancing County-Funded Municipal Sheltering: A Path to Reducing Euthanasia Rates and Strengthening Community Support
In recent years, our county’s municipal shelter system has faced increasing pressure, with rising euthanasia rates and growing challenges related to overcrowding, resource limitations, and a lack of community support. The current system does not fully address the needs of our community, leading to preventable euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets and placing further strain on vulnerable pet owners, especially those who are housing-insecure or unhoused. Additionally, irresponsible ownership, lack of enforcement of existing rules, and selective enforcement have contributed to overpopulation and animal welfare crises. **Cultural competency**, enforcement of laws equitably, and the **need for decolonial education**, particularly with **indigenous populations**, are essential components of the reform plan.
We propose a comprehensive sheltering reform, supported by a **$2.5 million investment**, that will not only save lives but also create a healthier, more sustainable community for pets and their guardians.
This plan focuses on nine core pillars that can reshape how our county shelters operate, ultimately reducing euthanasia rates, increasing adoptions, and providing essential resources to pet owners in need. The proposal outlines the urgent need to address the municipal shelter crisis through responsible investments that prioritize **cultural competency**, **decolonization principles**, **community engagement**, and **strong enforcement of existing laws**.
---
### Enforcement of Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws
One of the key gaps in our current shelter and community animal welfare system is the **lack of consistent enforcement of animal abuse and neglect laws** that are already in place. **Selective enforcement** not only allows irresponsible pet ownership and neglect to go unchecked but also disproportionately affects marginalized communities, contributing to overpopulation, hoarding, neglect, and abuse cases.
#### Addressing Selective Enforcement and Abuse of Authority
Currently, many instances of enforcement involve **inconsistent application of the law**, with some individuals facing harsh penalties while others, often with connections to breeders or influential entities, experience leniency or no consequences at all. This abuse of authority **erodes public trust** in animal control and law enforcement agencies. To address this issue, it is critical that the county:
1. **Implement accountability measures** to ensure fair, transparent, and equitable enforcement of all animal abuse and neglect laws.
2. **Establish an oversight committee** made up of community representatives, animal welfare advocates, and legal experts to review enforcement actions, investigate claims of abuse of authority, and provide regular reports on enforcement practices.
3. **Mandate transparency in decision-making** related to the investigation and prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases, ensuring that all cases are handled equitably and according to the law.
---
### Key Pillars for Shelter Reform
1. **Open Intake: Reversing the Harm of Managed Intake**
Open intake policies will ensure no animal is turned away, allowing better rehabilitation, adoption, and owner reunification. This will involve hiring additional staff, expanding shelter capacity, and improving intake processes.
2. **Improved Access to Training and Behavior Resources**
Behavioral issues often lead to pet relinquishment. By providing accessible behavior support services, we can reduce surrenders and promote successful adoptions.
3. **Fear-Free Sheltering Practices**
Implementing stress-reducing practices like positive reinforcement and enrichment will improve the well-being of shelter animals, reducing illness and improving adoption outcomes.
4. **Staff Development on ASVAB Standards and through Programs like the Shelter Playgroup Alliance**
Proper training in animal behavior and veterinary care will improve animal health, reduce euthanasia rates, and increase adoption opportunities.
5. **Preventative Care for Shelter Animals**
Regular health screenings, vaccinations, and preventative care will reduce shelter overcrowding due to illness and increase the number of animals ready for adoption.
6. **Subsidized Spay and Neuter Programs**
Partnering with veterinary schools and organizations will help prevent overpopulation, reducing the number of animals entering shelters and preventing diseases.
7. **Community Support for Pet and Human Needs**
Establishing a pet food pantry and support network will provide essential resources to pet owners in crisis, keeping families and pets together.
8. **Short-Term Boarding for Medical Crises**
A boarding program for housing-insecure pet owners facing medical emergencies will prevent unnecessary pet surrenders during short-term crises.
9. **Housing Access for Unhoused Pet Parents**
Partnering with housing organizations to create pet-friendly shelters and policies will support housing-insecure and unhoused pet owners, improving housing access and keeping pets with their guardians.
---
### Cultural Competency and Decolonial Practices
The shelter reform plan acknowledges that **rescues and animal control practices** have historically harmed underrepresented and marginalized communities. **Communities of color** and **indigenous populations** have often been excluded from decision-making processes related to animal welfare. **Decolonial education** and **culturally competent** approaches are critical for creating an inclusive sheltering framework that recognizes and respects the cultural values and needs of all residents.
---
### Transparency and Accountability
A critical component of shelter reform involves **public data transparency**. Recently, RCDAS has stopped providing public access to shelter impound and outcome records, which contradicts principles of transparency. This proposal urges the **Riverside County Animal Campus Commission** to restore public access to these records. The community deserves oversight and accountability to ensure that resources are effectively used, and animals are given the best chance at life.
---
### Why $2.5 Million is Critical for Change
This investment is not just an expenditure—it’s an opportunity to save lives, reduce suffering, and create a more humane and sustainable community. Allocating the funds will strengthen shelter operations, enforce existing rules, and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents, while addressing overpopulation, hoarding, and neglect issues.
Together, with responsible leadership, transparency, **fair enforcement**, and community-driven solutions, we can transform the shelter system into one that reflects the values of the people.
Tabitha, thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's clear that there are strong feelings about the recent contracts with Kristen Hassen and the need for more responsible fiscal decisions. Your suggestion to cancel the contract in favor of more experienced local professionals is certainly worth considering.
The proposal you outlined for enhancing county-funded municipal sheltering presents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by our shelter system. By focusing on reducing euthanasia rates, improving community support, and ensuring equitable enforcement of animal welfare laws, this plan could lead to significant improvements.
I appreciate your dedication to improving animal welfare and ensuring that resources are used effectively. Your insights and recommendations are invaluable as we work towards a more humane and sustainable shelter system. Thank you for your commitment to this important cause.
Perhaps Ms Hassen should take a trip to Egypt and see the results of too many unneutered animals roaming the intensely busy streets of Cairo. Hit by cars, treated cruelly by some people, producing litter after litter that will suffer the same fate.
I have many friends throughout Egypt who do amazing work to help many animals who are literally starving but the numbers are overwhelming.
Seems to me that taking in every animal that comes through the doors of these shelters would do better being evaluated rather than thrust back out into a hostile environment!! Would that result in more euthanasia? Yes, but what is more compassionate!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your thoughtful note describing the situation in Cairo. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked animal populations and the complexities that come with managing their welfare. I agree that proper evaluation of animals is crucial, especially when their release could lead to further suffering. While reducing euthanasia is always a priority, true compassion means ensuring the safety and well-being of each animal, even if it requires making difficult decisions. Thank you for sharing your perspective and the incredible work being done in Egypt to help animals in need.
I will someday tell the story of my friend Mohammed and his valiant efforts to feed a pack of street dogs that he tends to every night and has for years. It’s so uplifting and makes your soul feel amazing.
Please understand her hass sheltering plan has left el paso in crisis mode in 2019 we had a 8.8 million dollar budget 2024 was 12.5 we had to purchase another facility 4 large buildings and we are in process to turn into another shelter there sheltering plan left after 4 years with more strays than we could ever fit in the original shelter our dog attacks have increased hard for people to walk there small dogs we have had to many attacked and killed then they turn on the owner stray pack mentality
Disease has increased to the point vets are now recommending 5 parvo distemper shots instead of 3 with puppies ( because leaving unvaccinated strays loose parvo distemper has mutated) Please protect you community el paso animal services under Hass has taken in 46405 less strays 2020 through 2023 unaltered unvaccinated loose to create more strays more disease if you would like to talk about this issue feel free to contact me for your the safety of strays and community
As a rescuer who has supported Riverside County Shelters for more than two decades, I'm appalled that County leadership could be so gullible as to fall for this "contract". All of us who work locally in animal welfare have been trying to get effective changes made for many years, but we have been told time and time again that "there is no money" to 1) add kennel staff 2) implement a breeder licensing canvas/outreach 3) augment the veterinary staff 4) provide more low cost s/n clinics and resources. Honestly, if Riverside County is so backward that they let this contract stand, I, like many rescuers, will redirect our support efforts to shelters that value our input and put animals---not pocketbooks--first.
Maria, thank you for sharing your perspective and long-standing commitment to supporting Riverside County Shelters. It's understandable to feel frustrated when local expertise and needs seem overlooked in favor of external contracts. Your concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on effective shelter management are valid.
Your dedication to animal welfare is clear, and your decision to potentially redirect support to shelters that prioritize community input and animal well-being speaks volumes. Hopefully, this feedback will encourage a reevaluation of priorities, ensuring that the voices of those who have been dedicated to this cause for years are heard and valued.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and for highlighting these important issues. Your efforts make a significant difference in the lives of animals and the communities that care for them.
Ms. Hassen ought to come to Vegas, where we have communities that illegally allow their animals to freely roam; we've seen the tragic outcomes of that. As usual, following the money (and live release numbers) leads to a lot of questionable practices.
Indeed it does, Annoula! I'm receiving input from all across the country from what many are referring to the "insane" and self-defeating new practices of the once respected no-kill movement.
And there have been numerous negative outcomes, Ed. Unfortunately the "alive at any cost" mentality has resulted in a life worse than death for some animals.
Hassen was consultant at San Antonio late 2022/early 2023 - promoting let them roam, get them out of the shelter at any cost. Thus three pitbulls, about whom over 100 complaints had been received, were thrice released to their owners - and then they killed a man who was simply going to pick up his tailoring. Civil case resulted in owners being jailed for 18 years and 15 years (husband and wife). Now follows a lawsuit against City of San Antonio. IMO, she - along with Petco Love who sponsored her "consultancy" (perhaps in some way via donated funds through BF) - should be enjoined as co-defendants. Google: Ramon Najera - pitbull attack. HORRIFIC, truly horrific.
Juliana, thank you for sharing this concerning information about Kristen Hassen's consultancy. It's heartbreaking to hear about the loss of Ramon Najera and the subsequent legal actions. Your perspective on holding all parties accountable, including those who sponsored the consultancy, is important in ensuring justice and preventing future tragedies. I appreciate you bringing this to light, and it highlights the need for thorough oversight and responsible management in animal welfare initiatives. Let's hope for accountability and positive change moving forward.
My reccomendation to RCDASZ Is to cancel the contract with KH this was fiscally irresponsible. Especially as they have had people more than experienced and qualified for years offering services but they go with In my opinion this train wreck.
Proposal for Enhancing County-Funded Municipal Sheltering: A Path to Reducing Euthanasia Rates and Strengthening Community Support
In recent years, our county’s municipal shelter system has faced increasing pressure, with rising euthanasia rates and growing challenges related to overcrowding, resource limitations, and a lack of community support. The current system does not fully address the needs of our community, leading to preventable euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets and placing further strain on vulnerable pet owners, especially those who are housing-insecure or unhoused. Additionally, irresponsible ownership, lack of enforcement of existing rules, and selective enforcement have contributed to overpopulation and animal welfare crises. **Cultural competency**, enforcement of laws equitably, and the **need for decolonial education**, particularly with **indigenous populations**, are essential components of the reform plan.
We propose a comprehensive sheltering reform, supported by a **$2.5 million investment**, that will not only save lives but also create a healthier, more sustainable community for pets and their guardians.
This plan focuses on nine core pillars that can reshape how our county shelters operate, ultimately reducing euthanasia rates, increasing adoptions, and providing essential resources to pet owners in need. The proposal outlines the urgent need to address the municipal shelter crisis through responsible investments that prioritize **cultural competency**, **decolonization principles**, **community engagement**, and **strong enforcement of existing laws**.
---
### Enforcement of Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws
One of the key gaps in our current shelter and community animal welfare system is the **lack of consistent enforcement of animal abuse and neglect laws** that are already in place. **Selective enforcement** not only allows irresponsible pet ownership and neglect to go unchecked but also disproportionately affects marginalized communities, contributing to overpopulation, hoarding, neglect, and abuse cases.
#### Addressing Selective Enforcement and Abuse of Authority
Currently, many instances of enforcement involve **inconsistent application of the law**, with some individuals facing harsh penalties while others, often with connections to breeders or influential entities, experience leniency or no consequences at all. This abuse of authority **erodes public trust** in animal control and law enforcement agencies. To address this issue, it is critical that the county:
1. **Implement accountability measures** to ensure fair, transparent, and equitable enforcement of all animal abuse and neglect laws.
2. **Establish an oversight committee** made up of community representatives, animal welfare advocates, and legal experts to review enforcement actions, investigate claims of abuse of authority, and provide regular reports on enforcement practices.
3. **Mandate transparency in decision-making** related to the investigation and prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases, ensuring that all cases are handled equitably and according to the law.
---
### Key Pillars for Shelter Reform
1. **Open Intake: Reversing the Harm of Managed Intake**
Open intake policies will ensure no animal is turned away, allowing better rehabilitation, adoption, and owner reunification. This will involve hiring additional staff, expanding shelter capacity, and improving intake processes.
2. **Improved Access to Training and Behavior Resources**
Behavioral issues often lead to pet relinquishment. By providing accessible behavior support services, we can reduce surrenders and promote successful adoptions.
3. **Fear-Free Sheltering Practices**
Implementing stress-reducing practices like positive reinforcement and enrichment will improve the well-being of shelter animals, reducing illness and improving adoption outcomes.
4. **Staff Development on ASVAB Standards and through Programs like the Shelter Playgroup Alliance**
Proper training in animal behavior and veterinary care will improve animal health, reduce euthanasia rates, and increase adoption opportunities.
5. **Preventative Care for Shelter Animals**
Regular health screenings, vaccinations, and preventative care will reduce shelter overcrowding due to illness and increase the number of animals ready for adoption.
6. **Subsidized Spay and Neuter Programs**
Partnering with veterinary schools and organizations will help prevent overpopulation, reducing the number of animals entering shelters and preventing diseases.
7. **Community Support for Pet and Human Needs**
Establishing a pet food pantry and support network will provide essential resources to pet owners in crisis, keeping families and pets together.
8. **Short-Term Boarding for Medical Crises**
A boarding program for housing-insecure pet owners facing medical emergencies will prevent unnecessary pet surrenders during short-term crises.
9. **Housing Access for Unhoused Pet Parents**
Partnering with housing organizations to create pet-friendly shelters and policies will support housing-insecure and unhoused pet owners, improving housing access and keeping pets with their guardians.
---
### Cultural Competency and Decolonial Practices
The shelter reform plan acknowledges that **rescues and animal control practices** have historically harmed underrepresented and marginalized communities. **Communities of color** and **indigenous populations** have often been excluded from decision-making processes related to animal welfare. **Decolonial education** and **culturally competent** approaches are critical for creating an inclusive sheltering framework that recognizes and respects the cultural values and needs of all residents.
---
### Transparency and Accountability
A critical component of shelter reform involves **public data transparency**. Recently, RCDAS has stopped providing public access to shelter impound and outcome records, which contradicts principles of transparency. This proposal urges the **Riverside County Animal Campus Commission** to restore public access to these records. The community deserves oversight and accountability to ensure that resources are effectively used, and animals are given the best chance at life.
---
### Why $2.5 Million is Critical for Change
This investment is not just an expenditure—it’s an opportunity to save lives, reduce suffering, and create a more humane and sustainable community. Allocating the funds will strengthen shelter operations, enforce existing rules, and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents, while addressing overpopulation, hoarding, and neglect issues.
Together, with responsible leadership, transparency, **fair enforcement**, and community-driven solutions, we can transform the shelter system into one that reflects the values of the people.
https://www.change.org/p/demand-termination-of-the-riverside-county-department-of-animal-services-contract
Tabitha, thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's clear that there are strong feelings about the recent contracts with Kristen Hassen and the need for more responsible fiscal decisions. Your suggestion to cancel the contract in favor of more experienced local professionals is certainly worth considering.
The proposal you outlined for enhancing county-funded municipal sheltering presents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by our shelter system. By focusing on reducing euthanasia rates, improving community support, and ensuring equitable enforcement of animal welfare laws, this plan could lead to significant improvements.
I appreciate your dedication to improving animal welfare and ensuring that resources are used effectively. Your insights and recommendations are invaluable as we work towards a more humane and sustainable shelter system. Thank you for your commitment to this important cause.
Perhaps Ms Hassen should take a trip to Egypt and see the results of too many unneutered animals roaming the intensely busy streets of Cairo. Hit by cars, treated cruelly by some people, producing litter after litter that will suffer the same fate.
I have many friends throughout Egypt who do amazing work to help many animals who are literally starving but the numbers are overwhelming.
Seems to me that taking in every animal that comes through the doors of these shelters would do better being evaluated rather than thrust back out into a hostile environment!! Would that result in more euthanasia? Yes, but what is more compassionate!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your thoughtful note describing the situation in Cairo. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked animal populations and the complexities that come with managing their welfare. I agree that proper evaluation of animals is crucial, especially when their release could lead to further suffering. While reducing euthanasia is always a priority, true compassion means ensuring the safety and well-being of each animal, even if it requires making difficult decisions. Thank you for sharing your perspective and the incredible work being done in Egypt to help animals in need.
I will someday tell the story of my friend Mohammed and his valiant efforts to feed a pack of street dogs that he tends to every night and has for years. It’s so uplifting and makes your soul feel amazing.
To whom it may concern my name is Ron Comeau
Lucy's dream rescue
El paso tx
Please understand her hass sheltering plan has left el paso in crisis mode in 2019 we had a 8.8 million dollar budget 2024 was 12.5 we had to purchase another facility 4 large buildings and we are in process to turn into another shelter there sheltering plan left after 4 years with more strays than we could ever fit in the original shelter our dog attacks have increased hard for people to walk there small dogs we have had to many attacked and killed then they turn on the owner stray pack mentality
Disease has increased to the point vets are now recommending 5 parvo distemper shots instead of 3 with puppies ( because leaving unvaccinated strays loose parvo distemper has mutated) Please protect you community el paso animal services under Hass has taken in 46405 less strays 2020 through 2023 unaltered unvaccinated loose to create more strays more disease if you would like to talk about this issue feel free to contact me for your the safety of strays and community
915-283-8321
Thank you for your time
As a rescuer who has supported Riverside County Shelters for more than two decades, I'm appalled that County leadership could be so gullible as to fall for this "contract". All of us who work locally in animal welfare have been trying to get effective changes made for many years, but we have been told time and time again that "there is no money" to 1) add kennel staff 2) implement a breeder licensing canvas/outreach 3) augment the veterinary staff 4) provide more low cost s/n clinics and resources. Honestly, if Riverside County is so backward that they let this contract stand, I, like many rescuers, will redirect our support efforts to shelters that value our input and put animals---not pocketbooks--first.
Maria Dales, German Shepherd Rescue of OC
Maria, thank you for sharing your perspective and long-standing commitment to supporting Riverside County Shelters. It's understandable to feel frustrated when local expertise and needs seem overlooked in favor of external contracts. Your concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on effective shelter management are valid.
Your dedication to animal welfare is clear, and your decision to potentially redirect support to shelters that prioritize community input and animal well-being speaks volumes. Hopefully, this feedback will encourage a reevaluation of priorities, ensuring that the voices of those who have been dedicated to this cause for years are heard and valued.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and for highlighting these important issues. Your efforts make a significant difference in the lives of animals and the communities that care for them.
Ms. Hassen ought to come to Vegas, where we have communities that illegally allow their animals to freely roam; we've seen the tragic outcomes of that. As usual, following the money (and live release numbers) leads to a lot of questionable practices.
Indeed it does, Annoula! I'm receiving input from all across the country from what many are referring to the "insane" and self-defeating new practices of the once respected no-kill movement.
And there have been numerous negative outcomes, Ed. Unfortunately the "alive at any cost" mentality has resulted in a life worse than death for some animals.
great stuff... so many practical solutions, yet they are rarely implemented!
Hassen was consultant at San Antonio late 2022/early 2023 - promoting let them roam, get them out of the shelter at any cost. Thus three pitbulls, about whom over 100 complaints had been received, were thrice released to their owners - and then they killed a man who was simply going to pick up his tailoring. Civil case resulted in owners being jailed for 18 years and 15 years (husband and wife). Now follows a lawsuit against City of San Antonio. IMO, she - along with Petco Love who sponsored her "consultancy" (perhaps in some way via donated funds through BF) - should be enjoined as co-defendants. Google: Ramon Najera - pitbull attack. HORRIFIC, truly horrific.
Juliana, thank you for sharing this concerning information about Kristen Hassen's consultancy. It's heartbreaking to hear about the loss of Ramon Najera and the subsequent legal actions. Your perspective on holding all parties accountable, including those who sponsored the consultancy, is important in ensuring justice and preventing future tragedies. I appreciate you bringing this to light, and it highlights the need for thorough oversight and responsible management in animal welfare initiatives. Let's hope for accountability and positive change moving forward.
Great job on this, Ed. Solid, fact based write up.
That is high praise, John. Thank you!