HomeMy WebLinkAboutdocuments distributedPublic speaking Wednesday
My comments on animal shelter. The protest on Saturday demonstrates
as it does today with our presence that we support the shelter
remaining in the city.
I am concerned that Andrea Miller's report 'Improvements Contintue at
City Animal Shelter' are not observed by those who visit. They see
methods that discourage safe, healthy care of animals. This was the
reason that I was at the protest with over 300 persons. That is why we
are here Why is so?
I am glad so many are here. There are observes I have talked with who
will not state their names because they are afraid they will be harassed,
dismissed or find a visit from code enforcement officer. This is also my
concern and I ask that you state that no one who has an observation
need feel threatened. Employees at the shelter should be encouraged to
report and suggest operations that benefit the animals and improve
shelter administration.
I attend the animal control commission meetings. It is my opinion the
city staff is facilitating their recommendation to transfer the shelter to
Riverside County. They do not give the Animal Control Commissioners
encouragement to research, to explore data and ideas that are new and
creative. Many commissioners' experience over their past service years
have been dependent on city staff for their information. Several have
not been frequent visitors to the shelter. Unfortunately they have not
been kept up with the daily operation of the shelter and the obvious
needs of capital improvements etc. Their next meeting is on December
12th at 4:00 p.m. here in this room and I encourage the public to attend.
They are preparing their mid year report for this council.
I submitted my ideas for raising funds for a new shelter replacement.
The sub -commission to review has not contacted me for fleshing out my
written ideas. Why?
My name is Rick Padon.
I am an animal advocate, animal lover, and rescue partner with several local
organizations.
I'm here to talk about TREATMENT.
Not about the treatment of the Animals at SBC but about the treatment of Volunteers.
On the official "CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO website — under Animal Control
/Volunteer information: Volunteer Questionnaire:
It states:
Volunteers are an integral part of the animal shelter operations.
They provide "the extras" for the animals, like walking, socializing, and
grooming. They also conduct animal behavior assessments.
The groomer has been removed and now another volunteer has been removed.
Steve Miller has been an approved volunteer for several years. During those years, he
has been allowed to work on a daily basis - with the dogs that have been housed in the
shelters isolation area. — He has been able to do behavior assessments, behavior
modifications and socializing the dogs to help them become adoptable - as well as
getting them into rescue organizations.
On December 3"d while he was in the isolation area, LT Macomber approached him
and told him he was not allowed there and was told to leave. He asked why and was
told - that he had to leave.
This morning when Steve was at the Shelter to pull a dog for a Rescue, Lt Macomber
told him that he was not allowed there and that he is now not allowed on Shelter
property. He has been banned from SBC and was given no reason.
If volunteers are no longer being allowed to work with these dogs to do behavior
assessments nor to provide "the extras", What is the plan?!
It's clearly not what the City Of San Bernardino has stated on official documents.
It also doesn't seem to be part of the City's Philosophy:
To Encourage people to become better pet owners and to make our community
a better place for both people and animals.
Thank you for your time.