Local & Community
Riverside County Animal Services Faces Scrutiny Amid Push for No-Kill Shelters
Riverside County Animal Services is under intense scrutiny following two key meetings this week that highlighted ongoing concerns over shelter conditions and euthanasia practices. NBC Palm Springs’ Mary Strong attended both meetings, where county officials faced mounting pressure to commit to a no-kill policy and improve overall shelter operations.
One major outcome from the meetings was the county’s decision to begin sedating animals before euthanasia—something advocates have long demanded. Previously, animals were euthanized without sedation, a practice many called inhumane. This change, set to take effect on January 27th, is seen as a small but necessary step forward.
Supervisor Manuel Perez and the commission publicly expressed, for the first time, their desire to transition to a no-kill model. However, achieving that goal remains uncertain. A key issue raised was the county’s $2.1 million contract with consultant Kristen Haasen, who has limited authority to enforce changes. Documents presented at the meetings revealed that Haasen’s recommendations were largely identical to solutions proposed by local experts a decade ago—solutions the county previously ignored.
Advocates questioned why the county is investing millions in outside consultants instead of relying on experienced local organizations, such as Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Animal Samaritans, which already operate successful no-kill programs.
Adding to the uncertainty is the hiring of a new shelter director, Mary Martin. While some hope she will bring much-needed reform, others worry that bureaucratic roadblocks may limit her ability to implement real change. Critics argue that hiring a director before an outside consultant would have been a more logical and cost-effective approach.
As public frustration grows, many are calling for more direct action, including leadership accountability and a clear timeline for Riverside County to transition into a no-kill system. Whether county officials will listen to experts and take decisive action remains to be seen. Fred Roggin sits down with Mary Strong to talk about the latest updates.
By: NBC Palm Springs
February 8, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
After AB 1145 (also known as Tristin’s Bill) was signed into law, NBC Palm Springs @maria_nvtv is giving more information about the law and what this means for the future of transportation in California #Highway74 #RoadSafety #CoachellaValley #Anza #RiversideCounty
Pregame update from Tim O’Brien ahead of tonight’s preseason matchup between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Ontario Reign. Tim has the latest from Acrisure Arena as the Firebirds get set for tonight’s game. UPDATE: Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #OntarioReign #AHL #Hockey PalmSprings CoachellaValley
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Xzavier Hernandez with the dot towards the back of the endzone, 2) Jesse Rodriguez with the 50 plus yard TD throw, 3) Trace Vargas with the diving TD, 4) Ryan Rumsey with the screen pass TD, making guys miss, or 5) Moyses Aguilar with the pick #fyp #fnl2026 #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball #fridaynightlights
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
⚡️ TOP STORY: A man is recovering after he was struck by lightning. Firefighters battled a brush fire along Snow Creek Road, while another lightning strike in Chino Canyon sent a man to the hospital. If you hear thunder, stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. #PalmSprings #Lightning #FireSafety
🚨 Chasing that year-round “summer glow”? A social media tanning trend involving the unapproved peptide melanotan-2 is raising serious safety concerns. Dermatologists say safer sunless tanning options are available. ☀️ #YourHealthToday #SkinHealth #Melanotan2 #TanningSafety
Palm Springs firefighters responded Thursday to a report of a person struck by lightning in the Chino Canyon area. The person was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters also responded to a palm tree fire in Chino Canyon that officials say was caused by an apparent lightning strike. NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese is in the neighborhood tonight knocking on doors and trying to learn more about what happened. Did you see the lightning strike? Did you hear or see anything unusual? Do you know who was struck or have information that could help us understand what happened? We’d like to hear from you. Send us a DM here or contact NBC Palm Springs if you witnessed the incident or have information to share. #PalmSprings #ChinoCanyon #Lightning #PalmSpringsNews #NBCPalmSprings CoachellaValley BreakingNews
Fred Roggin’s response? Show us the receipts! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
A $557k budget shortfall … so why do they need $11.3 million in new taxes? Are you voting Yes or No on Measure P? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
School board trustee wears “FAFO” shirt to court deposition. Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇🏽 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings