Riverside County Animal Shelters Work Towards No-Kill Status

The Coachella Valley Animal Commission and Supervisor Manuel Perez had a busy week working to improve Riverside County animal shelters. Animal shelter consultant Kristen Hassen, now 30 days into her $2.1 million, two-year contract, presented a new plan for the shelters. Despite this, challenges remain due to limitations on her ability to direct leadership or manage staffing. Local veterinarian Dr. Leigh Kirk reminded the commission that similar plans were presented years ago, raising questions about the effectiveness of the new approach. Big announcements included the implementation of humane sedation before euthanasia and the launch of a low-cost spay and neuter program, with a declared goal of making the county a no-kill zone. NBC Palm Springs Mary Strong attended both Coachella Valley Animal Commission meetings this week and has this update.