(SAN BERNARDINO) – About 18 animal lovers from a variety of rescue organizations braved the wind and rain to protest at one of California’s high-kill shelters. The protest at the Devore Animal Shelter, operated by the county of San Bernardino, was one of about 30 held across the country.
The nationwide protest was the brainchild of Kate Riviello, founder of the New York Animals Rights Alliance of America. The goal was to demonstrate at one high-kill shelter in each state. Devore was picked as one of two shelters in California because of its dismal adoption rate and the fact that Devore staff refuses to allow animal welfare workers to volunteer inside the shelter to work with the animals to make them more adoptable and help raise adoption rates.
Michelle Parlato is the coordinator for the Southern California event. She was concerned the storm currently pounding the Southland would deter participants but about a dozen and a half showed their dedication to the cause. They carried signs at the shelter entrance for two hours. Despite the difficult circumstances, all agreed the protest was a success.
Despite the demonstration being peaceful, law enforcement was called to the site, presumably by shelter staff. Three San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department units arrived but could do little to protesters as all were obeying lawful assembly regulations. No potential adopters seemed concerned about the protest and occupants of one passing car gave protesters a thumb-up as they were exiting.
Protesters also checked on the status on several animals and at least one Devore dog was adopted by a protester. A young Yorkie mix will be spayed next week and have a loving home thanks to today’s involvement by animal welfare activists.
The event brought together animal welfare activists from all over Southern California, most previously knowing one another only through Facebook or other social media. It was a chance for activists to network, discuss future activity, and compare horror stories in dealing with this shelter. Activists have been harassed, even having law enforcement officials show up to their homes because of their on-line postings. Most agreed there is something ugly being covered up by San Bernardino County officials for them to take such extreme measures to quash volunteerism and free speech.
The group expects to stage another protest in approximately four months. The date and location will be announced next year. For more information on this animal welfare movement, see the group’s Facebook page.
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