At Apple Valley Animal Shelter in California, cats are dying at an alarming rate. The shelter's practices have created a devastating situation where thousands of cats are euthanized annually instead of being given a chance at life through proven, humane alternatives.

The Shocking Reality
The most recent available data paints a grim picture:

• In 2023, 3,469 cats entered Apple Valley Animal Shelter
• A staggering 2,313 of these cats were euthanized—a 67% kill rate
• Only 6% of cats were adopted, and a mere 0.003% (just 12 cats) were rescued throughout the entire year
• From August through December 2023 alone, over 900 cats lost their lives
• No cats have been rescued from the shelter since May 2023

The problem continues into 2024, with minimal transparency. Between December 10, 2023, and January 31, 2024, fewer than 25 cats appeared on the shelter's website despite the facility processing between 100-300 cats monthly. Many cats never receive photographs or public listings, effectively eliminating their chances for adoption or rescue.

A Broken System
Apple Valley's current approach of trapping and killing community cats has proven both ineffective and wasteful. Year after year, cats are trapped, impounded, and euthanized from the same areas—a clear indication that this method fails to address the root causes of cat overpopulation.

Meanwhile, volunteer efforts disproportionately focus on dogs, despite cats facing double the euthanasia rate. This imbalance has created a crisis for feline welfare in the community.

The Humane Solution
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs offer a proven, cost-effective alternative that has succeeded in communities nationwide. By humanely trapping community cats, providing spay/neuter services, and returning them to their territories, TNR stabilizes and gradually reduces feral cat populations without resorting to killing.

Combined with low-cost spay/neuter services for pet owners, comprehensive public education, and transparent shelter practices, TNR forms the foundation of a humane approach to community cat management.

What We're Demanding
We call on the Apple Valley City Council to:

1. Immediately fund and implement a community-wide TNR program
2. Establish accessible low-cost spay/neuter services
3. Require full transparency for all animals entering the shelter, including photographs and public listings
4. Create formal partnerships with rescue organizations to increase lifesaving outcomes
5. Balance resources to address the disproportionate suffering of cats

Make A Difference Today
Your signature on this petition sends a powerful message that the current situation is unacceptable. But your impact can extend beyond signing.

Organizations like Cat Aquariums are stepping up to save cats that would otherwise face euthanasia at shelters like Apple Valley. Their innovative approach is two-fold: they sell specialized cat aquariums that create enriching environments for cats, with 50% of profits directly supporting rescue efforts. Their work provides second chances for cats who have nowhere else to turn.

Visit cataquariums.com to discover their unique products that both enhance your cat's life and save others. You can make an impact through:

• Purchasing a cat aquarium (50% of profits fund rescue efforts)
• Making a direct donation (100% goes to the cause)
• Volunteering your time and skills

For direct donations that will be fully dedicated to saving cats, contact them at contact@cataquariums.com.

Every cat deserves compassion and a chance at life. Together, we can transform Apple Valley Animal Shelter from a place of needless death to a model of enlightened animal welfare.

Sign today and help end this tragedy.