Shelter animals living in crowded, unsanitary conditions; animals being euthanized rather than adopted; strays roaming the streets jeopardizing public health and public safety; and taxpayer money wasted. These are the downsides of a dysfunctional county animal control program which is what Riverside County’s Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is accused of being.

The department is facing a lawsuit by animal rights advocates alleging both animal cruelty and wasteful spending. The lawsuit, Woodruff v Gettis in Riverside County Superior Court, originally sought the removal of RCDAS Director Erin Gettis. She was transferred to a different position within the County shortly after the suit was filed. Plaintiffs have since amended their complaint to include different demands including c

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