Our “No Kill” Declaration for San Bernardino County
Every year, over three million dogs and cats are killed in animal shelters across the United States. In 2018 alone, California euthanized 111,000 animals.

We can—and must—do better.

This petition calls on San Bernardino County to uphold the following humane principles and formally adopt a No Kill Resolution that protects the lives of all shelter animals.

 
I. San Bernardino County “No Kill” Preamble
Over 150 years ago, the humane movement began in the United States to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. These organizations sought not only to end suffering, but to ensure compassion guided our care for homeless animals.

Yet today, many animal shelters—originally founded to protect life—are instead taking it. Despite decades of proven lifesaving alternatives, millions of animals continue to be killed in shelters every year.

We believe that a No Kill nation is within reach. It begins with local action and a renewed commitment to compassion, transparency, and accountability. San Bernardino County can lead the way.

 
II. San Bernardino County “No Kill” Resolution
Recognizing that every animal has the fundamental right to live, we call for an end to outdated, convenience-based killing in our shelters.

This resolution honors the founding mission of humane societies: to protect animals from harm, not perpetuate it. It urges all shelters and animal care agencies in San Bernardino County to immediately adopt No Kill policies and programs, replacing mass euthanasia with proven lifesaving solutions.

 
III. San Bernardino County Statement of Rights
We recognize the following:

Sheltered animals have the right to life.
Free-living animals have the right to their habitats and lives.
The public, rescuers, and taxpayers have the right to transparency from all animal shelters.
Animal welfare organizations have the right to rescue and save animals at risk of euthanasia.
Communities have the right to expect shelters to serve as sanctuaries, not killing facilities.
 
IV. San Bernardino County Guiding Principles
A true No Kill system is built on compassion, collaboration, and commitment.

No Kill is achieved by:

Saving all healthy and treatable animals.
Providing sanctuary for unadoptable animals with severe behavioral issues.
Allowing free-living animals to remain in their natural environments.
To reach these goals, shelters must:

End the killing of savable animals.
Provide individualized care for every animal.
Use honest language, rejecting euphemisms for euthanasia.
Offer public access during convenient hours to encourage adoptions.
Partner with rescues and community groups to increase lifesaving outcomes.
Ensure humane treatment, enrichment, and medical care for every animal.
Maintain public accountability and publish shelter statistics regularly.
 
V. San Bernardino County “No Kill” Standards
Every shelter and animal welfare agency must commit to these lifesaving actions:

Leadership pledge to end mass euthanasia.
Establish and expand foster care, adoption, and rehabilitation programs.
Guarantee rescue group access to animals in shelters.
Develop volunteer programs to support daily care and adoption efforts.
Document all lifesaving efforts before euthanasia is ever considered.
End the trapping and killing of free-living animals.
Prohibit owner-requested euthanasia without medical or behavioral evaluation.
Repeal ineffective ordinances that do not contribute to animal welfare.
 
Join Us
Together, we can make San Bernardino County a model of compassion and accountability—a true No Kill community.

Sign this petition to demand that San Bernardino County shelters uphold the right to life for every animal in their care.