Resolution
A CALL FOR THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO STOP THE EUTHANASIA OF HEALTHY, ADOPTABLE ANIMALS
WHEREAS the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) has officially expressed that its core values include improving Riverside County through education, humane sheltering, responsible pet placement, progressive law enforcement, and reduction of pet overpopulation and using adoption, education, and veterinary medical
programs as an alternative to euthanasia; and
WHEREAS while Civil Code § 1834.4 provides that in California, no adoptable or treatable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home, Riverside County has failed repeatedly to address overcapacity issues, resource
constraints, and various community challenges resulting in its having, in 2024, the second highest number of cases of animal shelter euthanasia in the United States with 37,021 killed and, in 2023, only 49% of cats and 73% of dogs entering the shelter leaving alive; and
WHEREAS over two-thirds of the national shelters and an overwhelming majority of California shelters are no-kill shelters;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Riverside County Democratic Party urges the County of Riverside to cease red tagging, euthanizing, or terminating the life of any adoptable animal effective immediately and work with staff and community volunteers to ensure that all adoptable pets will thrive in a setting that best fits the animal’s needs.
Author(s): Tari Beer, AD-36; Peggy Mathieson, AD-36
