Part One: NBC Palm Springs Exclusive: Mary Strong Interviews Riverside County Animal Services Director Mary Martin Amid Department Controversy

It has been a long road, but NBC Palm Springs’ Mary Strong finally sat down with Riverside County Animal Services Director Mary Martin for an unrestricted interview that animal advocates and the community have been demanding for months.

The conversation follows a year-long investigation by Mary Strong into Riverside County Animal Services, prompted by allegations of poor animal care, record mishandling, and the alarming euthanasia of thousands of healthy, adoptable animals. The department, under former director Erin Gettis, denied the claims. However, a lawsuit filed by animal advocates forced major changes, including a leadership search that ultimately led to Martin’s hiring.

Martin comes highly recommended by San Diego Humane Society President Gary Weitzman and brings a track record of success from her work in Maricopa County, Arizona and Dallas, Texas. In Maricopa, she helped achieve a 96% live-save rate for dogs and cats, with 90% being considered the benchmark for no-kill shelters.

Speaking with Mary Strong, Martin said she has spent the past six to eight weeks meeting with staff, community stakeholders, and animal advocates to assess the department’s needs. “We know we need more people to grow our programming like foster, adoption, rescue. Our pet support team must also grow so we can help keep animals in their homes,” Martin said.

The department has created dozens of new positions aimed at improving rescue and adoption services, but controversy remains over the county’s $2.5 million contract with shelter consultant Kristen Haasen. Martin acknowledged that while the recommendations provided by Haasen are not new, she values the on-site assistance. “They are boots on the ground helping us achieve it. Whether it’s worth $2.5 million or not, I can’t speak to that,” Martin told Strong.

The lawsuit against Riverside County also centers on the Hayden Act, which requires proper treatment and record-keeping for shelter animals. A judge ruled in favor of animal advocates in March. Martin cautiously addressed the ruling, saying, “I certainly think we should keep good records. I think we should treat animals. I can’t speak to the lawsuit itself, but those pieces of it, of course.”

Addressing claims of complacency and nepotism within the department, Martin said she believes staff are open to change. “Either get on board, get both oars in the boat, or you’re going to have to get off, because that is where we’re going,” Martin stated firmly.

Part two of Mary Strong’s interview with Martin will cover how long it may take to reach no-kill status in the Coachella Valley and how Martin plans to rebuild community trust. The full, unedited conversation between Mary Strong and Fred Roggin will also be available on NBCPalmSprings.com.

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