At a demonstration at City Hall in early May, animal lovers demanded that Oakland Animal Services, the city’s official public shelter, become independent of the Oakland Police Department.
The rally was held the week after Oakland City Council members Rebecca Kaplan and Noel Gallo introduced legislation that would put the control of the shelter in other hands.
“We need to let our police focus on fighting crime,” Kaplan said. “The Oakland Police Department is severely understaffed, and reducing violent crime must be its top priority. Other personnel could do a great job of running the shelter.”
Interim Oakland Police Chief Sean Whent has expressed approval of this idea.
Euthanasia of adoptable animals and recent staffing problems top the list of complaints by local animal advocates. Over the past year, key positions at the shelter – including that of volunteer coordinator – have been unfilled. Further complicating matters, the recently-hired shelter director, Gary Hendel, was placed on paid leave two months ago.
The Council has asked the City Administrator to study and recommend which division of city government should take over management of the shelter.
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Main article photo by: Courtesy Oakland Animal Shelter
