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No-Kill Shelter Cuts Ties with Southern California City, Halts Animal Intake

The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) has announced that as of Saturday, February 1, it will no longer accept animals or serve as the city’s shelter, citing financial struggles and unresolved issues with the city.

SPARC took to Facebook on January 30 to explain its decision, highlighting problems such as stalled contract negotiations and unmet promises from the city. A significant point of contention was the city’s failure to build a dedicated shelter, which had been promised 13 years ago, and the lack of financial support from the city.

“The City had committed to constructing a dedicated shelter funded by a bond, but this promise has never been fulfilled, and no funds have been allocated for it,” the shelter wrote. They also noted that the city contributed less than 8% of the shelter’s operating costs, and despite the growing financial burden, the shelter had not received an increase in monthly funding since 2018.

In response, the city issued a statement on January 31 addressing the funding dispute. It stated that for more than a decade, the city had allocated $150,000 annually in taxpayer money to support SPARC’s operations. In addition, the city provided nearly $100,000 each year for animal control services through the Santa Paula Police Department. In 2023, the city also gave SPARC an extra $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund.

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Despite these efforts, the city and SPARC could not reach an agreement in their negotiations, leading to the shelter’s decision to stop accepting owner-surrendered and stray animals.

SPARC has urged residents to contact the City of Santa Paula at 805-525-4478 if they need to surrender a pet or report a stray. However, SPARC will continue offering low-cost and free spay and neuter services. The shelter has also requested the community’s help in finding homes for over 100 animals currently in its care, encouraging people to visit its Facebook page and share adoption posts.

As of February 1, the city has taken over responsibility for municipal animal services. The city is working on a transition plan to ensure that surrendered, stray, and abandoned animals continue to receive the care they need. More information will be provided in the coming weeks, and in the meantime, residents can contact the Santa Paula Police Department’s Animal Control Officer at 805-525-4474 for assistance.

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