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DLNews Pets:

RIVERSIDE — In a major move toward transforming Riverside County into a “no-kill” community, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution affirming its commitment to saving the lives of shelter animals. The resolution, co-authored by Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez, passed a 5-0 vote and outlined the county’s dedication to compassionate and humane animal services.

“This resolution took us a while to get here, to get to this space of a county coming together and understanding the gravity of the issue,” said Supervisor Perez. “There is a lot of work to be done, which requires resources. I feel strongly that we will need a larger budget for animal services to meet the demands, concerns, and needs of our pets and communities.”

Perez, who has been a driving force in improving animal welfare across Riverside County, emphasized the importance of services that support both animals and their human companions. Under his leadership, the county has expanded spay and neuter programs, particularly in underserved and unincorporated communities, often partnering with organizations that offer year-round services.

During the meeting, the County Executive Officer outlined further steps, including a request for funding for 35 to 40 new positions focused on adoption, fostering, and pet support programs. There was also discussion of a long-term possibility of expanding shelter capacity, should demand and conditions require it.

To help guide this vision, Perez convened a Community Ad Hoc Committee composed of respected local animal welfare community leaders. One of them, former Indian Wells Mayor Ty Peabody, who served nine years on the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission and continues to represent Supervisor Perez, praised the resolution’s adoption.

“In my opinion, this is a start in the right direction,” said Peabody. “This is not going to happen overnight, and we need the public’s help to be successful. We’re looking at the hours, the staffing, and the proper marketing. In conjunction with that, we are meeting with all the city councils to update them on our progress.”

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services, one of the three largest shelter systems in the nation, has long served as a safety net for animals often turned away elsewhere. This resolution signals a bold shift that values every life and sets the country on a path toward a more humane future.