Saving Animals Is City’s Pet Project About...

Saving Animals Is City’s Pet Project About 40 dogs and cats were adopted or reunited with their owners at an open house at the East Valley Animal Care and Control Center on Saturday.

The event marked the start of “Partners for Life,” a program combining the resources of the city’s animal services department and 13 animal rescue organizations. The project aims to place all adoptable dogs and cats in homes.

Mayor Richard Riordan, who adopted a dog, and City Councilman Joel Wachs were among the 300 who attended, said animal services spokeswoman Jackie David. The new owners received $500 in free certificates and coupons for animal identification microchips, spaying and neutering and pet supplies, she said.

The East Valley shelter, one of the busiest in the nation, was chosen as a pilot site where rescue group members will work alongside city workers and volunteers. The shelter impounds more than 18,000 animals annually and finds homes for 60% of them.

Last year, animal services euthanized about 75% of its impounded animals citywide, about 60,000 cats and dogs.

“The program is going to save animal lives, because animals normally euthanized because of space constraints will be adopted,” David said.

The project will also help owners navigate the bureaucracy to find their lost pets, said Jamie Pinn, executive director of HART/Muttmatchers, a Ventura County-based group that rescues older dogs.