Dear: 
Governor Gavin Newsom
Senator Scott Weiner
Assembly member Laura Friedman
Representative Jeff Denham            
Dr.Gary Michaelson       
Mr. Wayne Pacelle     

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of healthy, adoptable dogs are being euthanized in high-kill shelters every year. The mass extermination of innocent animals due to “lack of space” is a disgraceful and outdated practice that does not belong in a civilized society.

California, Texas, and numerous other states are home to some of the most notorious high-kill shelters, where puppies, seniors, and perfectly adoptable dogs are put down daily simply because of overcrowding and inefficient policies.

California Must Lead the Way in a National Movement

Southern California, including Devore Animal Shelter and San Bernardino Animal Shelter, is a prime example of high-kill facilities that prioritize convenience over compassion. Texas is equally notorious, with Harris County Animal Shelter and Dallas Animal Services euthanizing thousands of dogs per year. Other states with staggering euthanasia rates include North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana.

This is not just a state issue—it is a national crisis that demands immediate action. California, a state known for progressive policies, should set the gold standard for humane shelter reform and responsible pet ownership laws, paving the way for nationwide change.

The Broken Shelter System: Both High-Kill and No-Kill Shelters Need Reform

While high-kill shelters are slaughtering innocent dogs due to space constraints, some no-kill shelters are failing in a different way—by keeping dogs indefinitely, refusing to make adoptions more accessible, and ultimately contributing to the problem.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Long Island, New York, is a prime example of a no-kill shelter that holds dogs for years without actively working to get them adopted. This facility, like many others, is known for:

   •   Overcrowding dogs in stressful conditions instead of actively working to find homes.

•   Making adoptions unnecessarily difficult, rejecting potential adopters over trivial concerns.

   •   Failing to host enough adoption events to clear space and save lives.

While we understand the desire to ensure dogs go to good homes, a rigid and restrictive adoption system ultimately dooms more dogs to either long-term sheltering or euthanasia when space runs out. No-kill shelters should be accountable for actively rehoming animals and required to participate in adoption drives, partnerships, and foster programs.

We Demand the Following Nationwide Shelter & Breeding Reforms:

 1. A Ban on High-Kill Shelter Practices: No healthy, adoptable dog should be euthanized solely due to space constraints.

 2. Mandatory Transparency in Shelter Operations: All shelters must publicly report euthanasia rates, intake numbers, and adoption efforts.

3. A Nationwide Crackdown on Backyard Breeders & Unregulated Puppy Sales:

      •   Ban the sale of animals on social media and online platforms.

      •   Severely fine and shut down backyard breeders.

      •   Only licensed breeders operating under the strictest ethical standards should be allowed.

4. State-Funded Spay/Neuter Programs: To combat overpopulation at its root, all states must offer free or low-cost spay/neuter services.

 5. Shelter Adoption Reform: Shelters must be required to:

      •   Host regular adoption events to clear space.

      •   Simplify adoption requirements without unnecessary red tape.

      •   Utilize foster networks and rescue partnerships more efficiently.

Who Will Take Responsibility?

This crisis will not fix itself. We need decisive legislative action to put an end to mass euthanasia, enforce strict breeding regulations, and implement shelter adoption reform. California has the power to lead this change and set a precedent for the entire nation.

We, the undersigned, demand immediate action. The time for excuses is over. Who will stand up and fight for the innocent lives that cannot fight for themselves?

Sincerely,

R. Leimomi Mabanta
Advocate  
ms.momigurl@gmail.com  
916.750.2445