Riverside County Faces New Lawsuit Over Animal Services Mismanagement

Riverside County is once again under legal scrutiny for alleged mismanagement and wasteful spending within its Department of Animal Services. Eleven plaintiffs, represented by Dan Bolton of the Walter Clark Law Group, have filed a new lawsuit against the county. The legal action stems from claims of improper hiring practices, questionable contracts, and significant financial waste, all of which have allegedly compromised the care of shelter animals. The controversy began in March 2022, when Erin Gettis was appointed as Director of Animal Services despite lacking relevant experience in animal care, shelter management, or safety. According to the lawsuit, her hiring was heavily influenced by her husband’s lobbying efforts. Gettis’ tenure was marked by issues that culminated in her removal in August 2024. However, her departure was publicly described as a promotion, with her reassigned to Riverside University Health System, a role for which she also lacked qualifications. The plaintiffs argue that Riverside County CEO Jeff Van Wagenen is at the core of the problem. Instead of rectifying the situation with a qualified replacement, Van Wagenen reportedly approved a $2.5 million consulting deal with French animal consultant Kristen Hassan. Critics describe the arrangement as a “boondoggle” that exacerbated financial waste and failed to address operational issues. Bolton highlights that these actions have not only misused taxpayer funds but also negatively impacted the care of shelter animals. “These decisions are not just inappropriate—they’re illegal and collusive,” he said. With Riverside County managing a $9 billion budget, questions about oversight extend beyond Animal Services. “If this is happening here, it makes you wonder what else is going on,” Bolton remarked. As the legal battle unfolds, Van Wagenen has not commented, citing the pending litigation.