Report: County Gradually Netting Success in Reducing Animal Euthanasia

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Efforts to slash the number of impounded dogs and
cats who are euthanized in Riverside County animal shelters are gradually
paying off, according to a report released by the Department of Animal
Services.
  

``With targeted investments, passionate staff and impressive partner
and community support, we have much to be proud of, with even more work ahead
of us in 2026,'' agency Director Mary Martin said Thursday. ``I'm focused on
enhancing and adding to our lifesaving programs, strengthening our national and
local partnerships and providing real resources for pet owners when they need
our help.''
  

Martin pointed to programs and campaigns implemented in 2025 that have
put the county on track to achieve a 90% pet life preservation rate in the
county's four shelters. The Department of Animal Services published what
specific strategies have been embraced in the agency's 2025 Annual Report,
which can be found at rcdas.org/rivcorise.
  

Some of the programs have included elimination of most adoption fees --
with the exception of dog licenses, which generally run $25 or less --
``life flights'' of large numbers of canines that nonprofit organizations pay
to transport to shelters across the United States for adoption, pet fostering,
expanded hours at most shelters and expedited ``trap-neuter-return-to-field''
programs for cats.
  

The county is among the nation's largest pet intake centers. Last
year, more than 29,000 dogs and cats were impounded, in addition to 5,000 other
animals, including livestock and wildlife, according to the report.
  

Officials said 17,349 spay/neuter surgeries were carried out in 2025.
Adoptions went up 13%, and roughly 3,200 pets were successfully reclaimed by
their owners after being impounded.
  

The gains resulted in an 82% ``live release rate'' for canines, and a
73% rate for cats last year, according to the agency.
  

``We're making real progress toward a 90% release rate and a `No-Kill
County,''' Supervisor Manuel Perez said. ``With ongoing community support --
through adoption, fostering, volunteering and responsible pet ownership -- we
can save even more lives together.''
  

Last May, the Board of Supervisors approved the ``no kill'' policy,
resolving that the county will make it an objective to preserve the lives of a
minimum of 90% of all cats and dogs impounded at its shelters.
  

The no-kill effort dovetails with a reformation initiated by the board
after one organization alleged that the county had the highest pet kill
rate in the nation.
  

In 2024, the board hired Austin, Texas-based Outcomes for Pets LLC
Principal Adviser Kristen Hassen to rectify problems within the agency, and in
February 2025, the supervisors approved the Executive Office's selection of
Martin to head the department following a nationwide executive recruitment
drive.
  

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