HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2025_Open Session_General comment_Cook, Liz_links sanitizedFrom:Liz Cook
To:PublicComments
Subject:San Bernardino City Animal Shelter
Date:Tuesday, March 25, 2025 12:18:25 PM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
I am distressed about conditions for the cats that end up at the city animal shelter and must share my
concerns.
For the past year, I have been following and donating to rescuers as they desperately work to save cats from
the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, cats that are never made visible to the public, yet prove to be
friendly and adoptable once out of there, and cats that need medical care that is denied to them. I have also
been a part of that community that has had their heart broken over cases that are objectively those of neglect
to the point of cruelty. Case in point, a young kitten was surrendered recently after her owner was found
deceased. This baby had apparently gone without food or water for days, was severely dehydrated and
malnourished, yet was never provided fluid therapy or the special nutritional care that is standard protocol
for such cases. She suffered for days until she was killed, while rescuers, and those who support them,
anxiously prayed she could somehow hang on until her release date. Why was she even held back from
rescue? She was clearly not a stray and her owner was known dead.
This level of neglect is animal cruelty in my opinion, and I'm sure I'm not alone. It is also, sadly, not an
isolated case at this shelter. That same week, another cat was killed after a release request had already been
submitted and rescue was standing by.
There appear to be far too many cases like these to believe that there is not a systemic problem at that
shelter. The cats, in particular, do not appear to be given adequate and proper consideration, exposure to the
public or care despite trained personnel on staff. I am writing in hopes that this matter will be addressed.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Liz Cook