This petition will be presented to the Board of Supervisors requesting Marcia Mayeda, Director, Department of Animal Care and Control to extend an offer to Lance Hunter for the position of Shelter Manager, Baldwin Park Animal Shelter.  By signing this petition, you support Mr. Hunter returning to his former position as Shelter Manager of the Baldwin Park Shelter, a position he held from 2005 until April 2014.

Dear Mr. Antonovich, Mr. Ridley-Thomas, Ms. Kuehl, Ms. Solis and Mr. Knabe,

This letter, along with the included signatures, serves as a request that the Board of Supervisors urge Ms. Marcia Mayeda, Director of Department of Animal Care and Control to reinstate Mr. Lance Hunter to his former position as Shelter Manager at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter; a position he successfully held for 9 years, 2005-2014.

As you are aware, there have been many troubles and issues at Baldwin Park Shelter as of late.  As a solution, by reinstating Mr. Hunter, he will once again, bring about a positive transformation that is desperately needed. As we enter into an election year, it is important to acknowledge that animal welfare is a growing sensitive issue amongst Southern California voters. When we, the public, hear a story about animal abuse and neglect, there is a public outcry and our City and County leaders are looked to for a solution.

Here is a recap of just a few of the many positive changes Mr. Lance Hunter brought about as Shelter Manager at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter:

Lance Hunter took the position of Shelter Manger in 2005 with a vision to transform the most overcrowded LA County Shelter, Baldwin Park, to the flagship of all the LA County Shelters.  He proposed a plan of reducing the euthanasia rate, partnering with rescues, helping the community and increasing the number of volunteers. This plan became a reality because of 3 elements……His love for animals, his dedication to the community and his passion for his beliefs.  Please consider the facts below and keep in mind the housing crisis the county suffered which directly contributed to a spike in figures.

2005 the total intakes for Baldwin Park were approximately 16,800.  2008’s economic crisis resulted in many animals being displaced and all LA County shelters saw a spike in in-takes.  2008, Baldwin Park Shelter recorded over 21,000 intakes for the year.  By 2013, that figure was back down, dropping by over 3000.
2005, County’s Adoption Partner Program was not a strong presence at the Baldwin Park Shelter,  only about 600 animals were rescued that year.  By 2011, over 1900 animals were rescued in 1 year from the Baldwin Park Shelter by rescue groups that participate in the County’s Adoption Partner Program.
In 2005, over 3800 dogs and 7800 cats were killed at Baldwin Park Shelter.  By 2013, the numbers dropped by over 40% even though the number of intakes increased from 2005 to 2013 due to the housing crisis of 2008
Volunteers and people in the community want to help their local shelter and make a difference in animal’s lives.  The number of volunteers went from about 10 to over 100 volunteers, with monthly volunteer orientations so full, they were standing room only.
The following are programs, ideas, events, etc  started by and/or became highly successful under Mr. Lance Hunter:

Transport program which saved thousands of lives
Glamour Shots and networking for impounded animals
Collaboration with other county departments to host adoption events at county parks.
Yearly themed adoption events at the shelter
Working with high school students to create animal clubs in high schools such as P.A.W. (Promoting Animal Welfare)
Baldwin was the leader in offsite adoption events such as NKLA.
Free dog training for residents through The Heigl Foundation (JDHF) and the Animal Care Foundation (ACF). Free Spay/Neuter for residents of Baldwin Park and El Monte through JDHF and ACF.
Working closely and positively with rescue partners to increase saving lives
Rescue and community involvement with the shelter increased and the amount of donations needed, both monetary and supplies, were brought into the shelter i.e, towels, blankets, food, etc. on an on-going basis. 
Staff was treated like family.  On frequent visits you would observe volunteers laughing, united and enjoying their work as a team.  They formed strong bonds that aided in the huge spike in animals being adopted out.
In a career that at times calls for tough decisions, Mr. Hunter always gave hope to the voiceless, a piece of mind to the tireless supporters and a sense of accomplishment and worth to his devoted staff and volunteers. With Mr. Hunter back as Shelter Manager, LA County Shelters will once again be a focus of praise and not of complaints.  There will be happy smiles once again in the local community knowing that although we cannot save every animal abandoned at the shelter, we are certain something is being done to give that animal every chance to find a loving home or a responsible rescue.

Your attention to this matter and consideration is greatly appreciated.  The voters, local community of animal lovers and rescuers look forward to seeing Mr. Hunter back as LA County Shelter Manager, Baldwin Park.  Thank you. 

Sincerely,

Jasmine Rassekh