A growing coalition of pet owners and advocates in Modesto and Stanislaus County is pushing for major reforms at the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency (SASA) shelter, citing chronic issues like poor customer service, delayed responses, and rising euthanasia rates. Despite achieving no-kill status for dogs in 2019, the shelter has seen euthanasia rates climb again, with 28% of cats and 11% of dogs euthanized by 2024-2025. Community frustration has led to organized “days of action,” letter-writing campaigns, and meetings with local officials, including Modesto City Councilman Chris Ricci, who is spearheading efforts to improve shelter management and services.
The reform movement is advocating for a transition from government to nonprofit management, hoping this shift could reduce administrative costs and improve care quality. SASA’s new executive director, Lily Yap, welcomes public input and acknowledges the need for substantial change in 2026. Meanwhile, officials recognize the challenges shelters face nationwide, including staffing shortages and funding constraints. A public forum scheduled for January 15 aims to gather community feedback on a new strategic plan, with local leaders expressing cautious optimism about exploring new management models to restore public trust and enhance animal welfare.
