When members of the public make inaccurate statements about our local animal shelters, dogs and cats pay a high price. Numbers tell the story best, not inflammatory statements and misinformation.
Despite recent statements from the public reported by your newspaper (“Potential Santa Maria animal services contract sparks controversy,” Oct. 20), Santa Barbara Humane does an amazing job. They are respected around the nation as a caring, focused, and efficient operation. They are known as people who love animals and know what is best for each dog and cat and make sure it is carried out.
Some facts for the record:
1. Ninety-six percent of animals that come into SB Humane are live-released. One of the highest live-release rates in the nation.
2. The average stay of animals at SB Humane is 11 days—recently a transfer of 36 animals were adopted in just three days. Each of these animals was placed as quickly as possible in a loving home.
3. SB Humane employs four full-time expert veterinarians and routinely offers low-cost or free veterinary services to members of our community in need.
4. If a dog or cat is struggling to find an adoptive home, SB Humane has a committee composed of eight individuals that thoroughly discusses options, support, and strategies to help the animal. This process accounts for their incredibly high 96 percent live-release rate.
Recently it was reported that Santa Barbara County Animal Services had more than 100 animals in their care, creating serious overcrowded conditions. When the animal population is this high, it also means that the average stay is likely to be 30 to 60 or more days. That is not an efficient or loving operation from the perspective of the animals.
Shannon Kennedy
Santa Barbara
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 3, 2022.
