Let’s talk about Riverside County Animal Services.
There’s a lot of public support for the new director, Mary Martin. Many believe she’s the change the department desperately needs. And to be fair, Martin brings a calm, compassionate tone to the job—and people have noticed. But if we look past the press releases and the polished interviews, how much has really changed?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: not much.
Yes, the county has clearly gone through media training. Yes, Mary Martin appears to genuinely care. But the cold reality is this—animals are still being euthanized at the same rate. And they will continue to be. Not because of indifference, but because of the system itself. The issue isn’t just who’s in charge. The issue is the structure, the resources, the policies—and those haven’t changed.
Former public information officer Erin Geddes seemed less interested in transparency. In fact, when tough questions were asked, she found a way to sidestep accountability. But activists and insiders? They’ve been sounding the alarm for years. They know the cycle. They’ve watched it repeat. And they know that just because the spokesperson is more likable doesn’t mean the outcomes are any different.
So while the face of Riverside County Animal Services may be new, the reality behind the scenes is all too familiar. A better media strategy might protect reputations. But for the animals in the shelter, the story hasn’t changed—and it won’t anytime soon.
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By: Fred Roggin
June 16, 2025
