This year everyone has witnessed firsthand the harrowing neglect by North Bay Animal Services in Clearlake. An alarmingly high number of 114 animals were left in deplorable conditions—unfed, without adequate water or cleanliness. This experience still haunts me, as it was evident that the well-being of these innocent creatures was not a priority for the organization tasked with their care.

Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. There have been multiple reports and evidence of North Bay Animal Services failing in their duties across various locations, leading to unnecessary animal suffering and breaches of trust with the communities they serve. In these trying times, transparency, accountability, and diligence from services like these are more crucial than ever.

Petaluma should not stand by while a service with such a disturbing record continues under its contract. It's imperative that the City of Petaluma take immediate action to terminate their contract with North Bay Animal Services and open discussions to partner with reputable organizations that prioritize animal welfare and public trust.

By cancelling this contract, Petaluma will send a strong message that animal neglect is intolerable, and it will open the path to proper animal care services that our community urgently needs. We need to make sure the services we choose to handle our animals are responsible and reliable, offering the care and compassion all animals rightfully deserve.

There are other local Sonoma County cities that contract North Bay Animal Services: Windsor, Cloverdale, Calistoga (Napa County), and Sebastopol.

I urge everyone who loves animals and believes in responsible animal care to stand with me in calling upon the City of Petaluma to terminate their partnership with North Bay Animal Services. Together, we can ensure better futures for the animals in our communities.

Please sign this petition to demand urgent action and ensure that Petaluma is aligned with humane and respectful animal care practices.