EXCLUSIVE: In first interview, new animal services director talks county’s “no-kill” goals
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) -- “Are you no-kill or not?”
That’s the question many animal advocates have for Mary Martin, the newly hired director for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, as they have long criticized the department for it's euthanasia policies,.
"That is a really hard question. Do I want to 'not kill' animals? Of course. Do I buy into 'no kill' at all cost? Personally? Not necessarily, because it depends on how," Martin said.
In overcrowded shelters where every kennel already has 3 dogs in it, Martin agrees the system needs work. But she also says live release rates are dependent on how many sick or injured animals a shelter takes in.
"Let me give you an example that might illustrate what I'm trying to say. In some communities, as an example, they don't take in many cats into the shelter. The only cats they bring in are those that are most vulnerable underage babies, injured and ill. So consequently because there are fewer cats in the shelter, you might see an increase in euthanasia for the remaining cats that are there because they are the most vulnerable," Martin said.
In 2024, the county's overall live release rate was 71%, which lagged behind the Coachella Valley Animal Campus's 80% rate.
To achieve no-kill status, shelter's must hit a 90% release rate. And it's something Martin has experience with after taking a Maricopa County shelter from 82% to 96% live release rates.
But some animal activists say that number isn't high enough for them.
News Channel 3 asked Martin if that's unrealistic.
"Yes."
But she's hopeful that other measures will naturally bring down the euthanasia rates.
"When we're talking about euthanasia for space, that's where I want to focus. As we add resources, as we add flights, as we add open adoptions and remove barriers and we watch things improve, I think it will happen will happen naturally."
The department has long been plagued by criticism for their euthanasia policy, with tensions between leaders and advocates mounting to a lawsuit brought forth by advocates against the county.
