Local & Community
Residents Demand Answers as Euthanasia Continues in Riverside County Shelters
Concern is growing in the Coachella Valley over the number of animals still being euthanized in Riverside County shelters despite a public commitment to becoming no-kill.
On Thursday, passionate residents packed into the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, demanding answers from county officials. Many said they were shocked to learn that 550 animals were euthanized in July alone.
“These are adoptable, healthy animals,” one resident told NBC Palm Springs’ Mary Strong. Others accused the county of masking the reality with “good PR” while avoiding full transparency. Some have even called for a forensic audit of shelter statistics, saying it was offered for free but refused by the county.
Riverside County Animal Services Director Mary Martin said most euthanized animals were either severely ill or put down at the request of owners. But she acknowledged that overcrowding has led to euthanasia for space.
“When they have to lay in their own urine or feces because there’s no way to keep five large dogs clean, that is not humane care of animals,” Martin said. “We have to continue to make space calls to ensure we are providing humane care.”
Martin noted some progress, crediting community members and rescue networkers for saving animals most at risk. To expand outreach, the county has launched the MVP — Most Valuable Pets — Facebook group, spotlighting animals with limited time and encouraging adoption and fostering.
More resources may be on the way. The county has received over 500 applications to fill 38 new positions in animal services, a move officials say is key to achieving no-kill goals.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 8, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
BREAKING NEWS: Country artist Dolly Parton has died at 80 following prolonged issues. Our Maria Noble Valdez has more here. Be sure to stay tuned nbcpalmsprings.com for more information. #dollyparton #breakingnews #nbcpalmsprings
📘Make your child the main character in a book, or give someone a special keepsake.📕 Thalia discovered this app and wanted to share it with all of you: Bookestry.com
Meet Kaydee, the newest visitor to the Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest! Kaydee has been making herself right at home — and on Sunday, she gave viewers some seriously adorable head tilts while checking out her reflection in the camera dome. Experts believe Kaydee is female based on her size compared with Shadow, who she’s recently been spotted hanging out with following the death of Shadow’s longtime partner, Jackie. Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, fledged a few weeks ago and are now out on their own. For now, we’re happy to follow along with Kaydee’s sweet adventures! ❤️🦅 #BigBear #BigBearValley #BaldEagle #KaydeeTheEagle #ShadowTheEagle EagleNest CaliforniaWildlife Wildlife NBCPalmSprings
Calling MOOOM! The Iowa State Fair’s annual Mom Calling Contest is back, and these kids brought their best—and funniest—mom calls to the mic! From Fortnite updates to snack emergencies, apparently everything is a five-alarm situation when you’re a kid. 8-year-old Vivien Sullivan of Ankeny took home first place, a blue ribbon and $5! Would your kid win this contest? 👀 #IowaStateFair #MomCallingContest #Iowa #StateFair #KidsBeingKids #FunnyKids #Mom #FamilyFun #ViralVideo #NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
It’s that time of year again! It’s the start of the 2026 Friday Night Lights season, and you can see all the action here on NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com #fnl #fridaynightlights🏈 #football #nbcpalmsprings
UPDATE: The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department have confirmed that one person has died and another two were injured after a home explosion on Ocotillo Rd in Twentynine Palms. Security camera video from a nearby neighbor captured the dramatic blast around 8:28 p.m., followed by a fire that brought a massive emergency response from fire and law enforcement agencies across the Morongo Basin. The burning structure has been confirmed as a residence at 6427 Ocotillo Ave. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Detail team is conducting the investigation. Tune in to our evening newscasts for the latest information.
A little galaxy far, far away… meets the debate over surveillance cameras. 👀 A man dressed as Darth Vader spoke at a San Diego City Council meeting this week, telling members the emperor is a “fan of Flock,” the company behind license plate-reading cameras facing scrutiny across the country. The moment came as communities debate the balance between public safety, technology and privacy. #SanDiego #FlockCameras #LicensePlateReaders #Surveillance #Privacy #StarWars #DarthVader #California #LocalNews #NBCPalmSprings
From Jackie and Shadow to the next generation. Millions watched the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family. Now, following Jackie’s death, conservationists are working to protect and track the young eagles who could represent the future of the species. See the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #BaldEagles #BigBear #WildlifeConservation #NBCPalmSprings #southerncalifornia
The Palm Springs Police Department opened its doors to its surveillance center to give the public a firsthand look at how they use flock cameras across the city. After a look behind the scenes, we asked residents about their impression of the technology. Make sure to tune in to our 5 and 6 p.m newscast for all the details.