What You Can Do
Change starts with us California has long been recognized for its compassionate and progressive approach to social issues. However, the
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This Platform is for Californians who hold a deep love for animals and are troubled by the heartbreaking reality of our state having the highest homeless animal population and euthanasia rates in the nation. It’s time for us to rise together and speak up. This Platform is for you to TAKE ACTION: direct our concerns to our elected state leaders, legislators, and decision-makers, and demand long-term solutions to combat this unprecedented crisis.
We are stronger when we unite our voices. Only by standing together can we make a 2024 – A Year of Change for Animals in California.
leading some to stop accepting animals or resorting to increased euthanasia of healthy and adoptable pets. The persistent inflow of animals demands our collective effort to advocate for solutions addressing the root causes of this crisis:
Lawmakers need to enact enforceable Breeders and Sellers laws to curb the rampant problem of uncontrolled backyard breeding and sales, and provide the necessary resources for enforcement.
Direct State + Federal Funding to establish affordable Spay-Neuter procedures across the state communities struggling with Animal overpopulation.
Social media platforms must establish firm barriers to prevent and eliminate massive illegal animal sales disguised as "adoption and rehoming." California needs straightforward state regulations for online animal sales.
Help Municipal Shelters reduce Euthanazia rates, set transparent procedures, ensure humane treatment of animals. Let's ensure the welfare of animals is prioritized and enforced effectively.
Enact Statewide Spay-Neuter laws and effective oversight controls. Implement penalties for non-compliance, but also provide resources and support to help pet owners meet their responsibilities.
Mandatory Animal Identification and Registration are essential for: responsible ownership, traceability, combating illegal sales, avoiding public health risks, managing stray animals population.
Their profiles are deleted from shelters websites, as if they never existed. Rest in Peace, we remember and love you.
Age: 2 y.o German Shepherd
KILLED: February 2024
Very friendly. She had NO name, she had Rescue, and had noted in her file for rescue. Still was euthanized
Age: 8 months old
KILLED: February 2024
At Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter
Did this baby deserve to die?
“animals are legally available for euthanasia on this same date when available for adoption”
Age: 11 months
KILLED: February 2024
At Contra Costa County Animal Services Department
Brownie was surrendered to the shelter along with two other Aussies because their owner had too many animals.
Age: 10 weeks old
KILLED: February 2024
At Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter
Tori was a quiet and kind puppy. Killed within a week.
“animals are legally available for euthanasia on this same date when available for adoption”
Age: Unknown
KILLED: April 2023
At San Jose Animal Care Center
Ludwig was excited to see his volunteer friends and enjoyed receiving back scratches giving hugs and kisses.
Age: 6 y.o.
KILLED: March 2024
Tutu was found on the streets. Sweet, unaltered female, she had a cold: coughing & Sneezing
Age: 1y.o.
KILLED: December 2023
Buffy was happy, playful, and sweet, young healthy dog
Age: 1 y.o.
KILLED: November 2023
At Contra Costa County Animal Services Department
CJ was literally almost perfect – people-friendly, dog-friendly and absolutely adorable! In fact, he was so good with other dogs, shelter volunteers even used him to help timid dogs gain confidence.
Age: 6-7 y.o.
KILLED: March 2024
He was a fantastic boy. LOVED LOVED LOVED people. Shaked with both paws, fetched a tennis ball and learned very quickly how to catch treats mid-air most of the time.
Age: 2 y.o.
KILLED: March 2024
At Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter
Hera and Himera were killed the same day they became available for rescue. They were fun and friendly and were not given even the whole day!
An unspayed/ unneutered dog can potentially produce over 500 offspring in his/her lifetime. During Covid Municipal Shelters had terminated these essential procedures. Prices at Private practices became unaffordable to many Californians…
The lack of regulation against backyard breeding directly contributes to overcrowding in California. Despite repeated attempts to pass bills addressing this issue, such as AB702 in 2021, AB2425 in 2024 pressure from lobbyists has caused these efforts to fail…
California currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest homeless animal population and euthanasia rates in the United States. Euthanasia rates growth over the past three years in California averages 4-25 %…
California currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the Highest homeless animal population and euthanasia rates in the United States. This is not a ranking to be proud of. Most animals entering municipal shelters are strays that were dumped/abandoned. The majority( over 90 %) are Not Neutered and Not Microchipped and it is not possible to locate their origin. Due to the increase in backyard breeding, many “designer” dogs are ending up at shelters as well: such as doodles, yorkies, French bulldogs and other dogs that typically would not end up at a shelter such as Golden Labs, and Rottweilers. And of course the most common breeds to flood the shelters are American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and Huskies…
Social Media platforms have become an open playground for backyard breeders. With social media integrated into our daily lives, the large majority of animals from illegal breeders, including litters of puppies and kittens, are being sold through online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist…
California’s pet overpopulation crisis is at a breaking point. With the highest municipal shelter euthanasia rate with an average of 17% over three years—twice the national rate and highest homeless animal population in the U.S. Overwhelmed shelters are forced to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals for space…
Pet euthanasia rates are at a 3-year high and keep rising. Healthy, adoptable animals are routinely euthanized for Space in Municipal Shelters. Transparency is Vital. When communities have timely information on planned Euthanazia- this helps to find solutions within the community…
The lack of regulation against backyard breeding is a direct correlation to the overcrowding. Bills Proposing such regulations repeatedly Die in CA Congress due to lobbyists’ pressure. AB702 failed in 2021 – needs Public support to be Rebranded and Reintroduced. This bill was crucial to support animal welfare and regulate/enforce backyard breeding which is one of the major contributors to the overpopulation and mass euthanasia crisis in our state…
Change starts with us California has long been recognized for its compassionate and progressive approach to social issues. However, the
The suspense file hearing in the California Legislature, happening twice a year, determines the fate of numerous bills without public debate, leaving many bill authors and interested parties frustrated…
California has now become the #1 State for most animals euthanized in shelters in America and the #1 State in the homeless animals population…
The laws and regulations governing animal breeding and selling in the United States and Europe differ significantly due to varying legal frameworks, cultural values, and approaches to animal welfare.
This year, approximately 8.5% of animals entering shelters have been euthanized, marking a nearly 2% increase from 2021…
During the holiday season, it’s tough for shelters. Adoptions drop, and places like the Bakersfield Animal Care Center and the county pound are feeling the strain…
The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency’s shelter in Modesto is currently grappling with a significant overcrowding issue, as highlighted by its director, Vaughn Maurice…
7 to 20 percent of pets entering a home are no longer in that home six months after acquisition
The benefits of spaying and neutering extend to both individual animals and the community as a whole. According to SpayUSA.org, spaying females offers advantages such as eliminating heat cycles, reducing the desire to roam, and decreasing the risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian, and uterine cancer…
Age: Unknown, young
Rescued: February 2024
From Euthanasia List at San Jose Animal Care and Services
A lady has found Annie in front of her house. Someone dumped her there. She’s super friendly and sweet. Annie was trapped and brought to the shelter.
Age 2 y.o
Rescued: January 2024
From Euthanasia List at Stanislaus Animal Shelter
Grizzly is healthy, good with all: dogs and people, playful, puppy-like bear.
Age: 1 y.o
Rescued: March 2024
From Euthanasia List at Riverside County Department of Animal Services
She’s tiny and most likely very scared in a stressful shelter environment.
Age: 2 y.o
Rescued: January 2024
From Euthanasia List at Contra Costa Animal Services
Lucky is a healthy, delightful pup, great with dogs and people, playful and sweet.
Age: 7 months old
Rescued: March 2024
From Euthanasia List at Front street Animal Shelter Sacramento
Hi, I’m Broken Sox! Might seem like a silly name, but I came in with a broken leg. I have a cast now. Volunteers have said I am a sweet, friendly young pup.
Age: young male
Rescued: February 2024
From Euthanasia List at San Jose Animal Care and Services
Scared at the shelter but trusting people who handle him.
Age 3 y.o
Rescued: February 2024
From Euthanasia List at Downey Animal CareCenter
Cisco was seized from Compton Animal Rescue after surviving a cruelty case – Neglect and Abuse.He was underweight but friendly.
Age: 6 months old
Rescued: January 2024
From Euthanasia List at Contra Costa County Animal Services Department
Axel is a happy go lucky little pup; he loves to play; he’s a sweetheart!
Age: 5 y.o
Rescued: January 2024
From Euthanasia List at Contra Costa County Animal Services Department
Fiona is a sweet and beautiful girl. Shy with humans at times, she can be skittish but eventually comes around and seeks human touch.
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