Animals are sentient beings, capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions and pain in much the same way as humans. It deeply pains me to witness the unnecessary slaughter of healthy and adoptable animals in shelters, a form of speciesism that is both heartbreaking and avoidable.

Total Euthanasia: California shelters euthanized approximately 100,239 to 180,000 animals annually in recent years.

Rising Rates: Municipal shelter euthanasia rates in the state hit a three-year high of 17.9% in 2023, the highest in the U.S..

Reporting Gaps: Transparency is a major issue; only about 40% of California shelters voluntarily submit data to national databases like Shelter Animals Count.  

The Hayden Act is a vital piece of legislation in California designed to protect and enhance the welfare of animals in shelters. Unfortunately, despite its significance, there are alarming reports of shelters failing to comply with the mandates of this act. These non-compliant practices often result in the premature and unjust euthanasia of animals that could otherwise find loving homes.

Compliance with the Hayden Act is not optional—it is a moral imperative and a legal requirement. It mandates longer holding periods, veterinary care, and efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners, all aimed at reducing the unnecessary killing of animals.

To ensure transparency and accountability, it is essential that California shelters be audited for compliance with the Hayden Act. Public audits would exert pressure on shelters to adhere to these legal standards. Furthermore, by publicly publishing the results of these audits, we can provide verifiable proof of compliance or non-compliance, thereby demanding swift corrections where needed.

Our call for action is straightforward: Conduct regular and thorough audits of all California shelters for compliance with the Hayden Act and make the results accessible to the public. This step will not only uphold the spirit of the Hayden Act but also ensure the humane treatment of animals who depend on us for their lives and well-being.

Recent reports of sick dogs, including some adopted at reduced fees, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive audit of shelters, including DeVore and others in California. Increased transparency is crucial to understand how funds are being allocated and whether resources are adequately supporting sanitation and medical care for the animals. A thorough review of budgets can help ensure that public money is effectively used to improve animal welfare and prevent the spread of illness in shelters

By signing this petition, you support the enforcement of the Hayden Act, safeguarding the lives of countless animals and holding our shelters accountable. Please stand with us to ensure that every animal has a fair chance at a better life. Sign the petition to urge immediate action and transparency in our shelters.