Why This Petition Matters
The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is entrusted with protecting animals and serving the residents of Stanislaus County and its member cities. Unfortunately, too many community members, volunteers, rescue organizations, and taxpayers have lost confidence that the shelter is operating in a way that maximizes lifesaving outcomes.

Every week, dozens of dogs are placed on euthanasia lists, often with only a few days for rescue groups and adopters to intervene. Volunteers work tirelessly to secure fosters, adopters, transportation, medical care, and rescue placements, yet many animals still lose their lives.

At the same time, concerns continue to grow regarding:

Animals are being euthanized despite ongoing efforts by rescue organizations and open kennels at the shelter.
Lack of transparency regarding shelter population, kennel availability, and decision-making processes.
Animals with serious medical conditions not being identified or addressed in a timely manner.
Limited collaboration with rescue organizations that are helping save a substantial percentage of shelter animals.
Insufficient investment in prevention programs that reduce shelter intake.
Leadership decisions that have failed to adapt to changing conditions and available lifesaving opportunities
The current system places tremendous pressure on rescue groups while failing to fully utilize the resources, partnerships, and community support available to save lives.

This petition is not about criticizing frontline shelter staff. Many employees work hard under difficult circumstances. Rather, it is about addressing systemic and leadership-level issues that continue to produce preventable negative outcomes.

We believe Stanislaus County can do better.

We are calling for meaningful reforms that include:

Greater transparency and public accountability.
Independent operational oversight.
Stronger partnerships with rescue organizations.
Expanded spay and neuter services for both the public and rescue groups.
A robust Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to reduce community cat overpopulation.
Improved medical oversight and timely treatment for shelter animals.
Policies that prioritize lifesaving whenever reasonable alternatives exist.

The community deserves a shelter system that is transparent, accountable, prevention-focused, and committed to continuously improving outcomes for animals and the people who care about them.

By signing this petition, you are asking local leaders to take action and ensure that Stanislaus Animal Services Agency operates in a manner that reflects the values and expectations of the community it serves.

The solutions exist. The community is engaged. The time for meaningful reform is now.