Yucca Valley animal shelter manager retires amid public controversy
Luis Avila
YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A shakeup at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter after months of public controversy. The shelter’s longtime manager stepping down, a promising sign for local advocates towards improving operations.
Criticism of the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter began gaining momentum in January, when residents started attending council meetings to speak out about alleged mismanagement. The controversy deepened after two former employees accused Smith of using improper euthanasia methods. Although the town initiated a 90-day review of shelter operations in March and introduced several changes, many residents remained concerned about Smith’s continued presence.
Last week, Yucca Valley officials announced the retirement of Doug Smith, its Animal Care and Control Manager, following months of public pressure and concern over shelter conditions.
“There’s a lot of belief amongst the community that the management’s practices are outdated… and that’s evident by the lack of modern programs… Brining more modern practice with a manager who genuinely believes in the value of those will lead to better results.”
James Porter, Yucca Valley resident
News Channel 3 spoke with Curtis Yakimow, the town manager, back in April about the changes that were coming.
“We’re already began to address how we can better get our animal information to the public for adaptability. So this is placement on website, pet of the week, things like that to get word out and encourage animals… We’ve implemented emergency hires already to supplement our staff able to relieve some of our full time staff to being some these programs to help.”
Curtis Yakimow, Yucca Valley Town Manager
Local advocates say there has been “positive movement.”
“Recent changes that have occurred have included increased social media outreach. The town assigned a part time person to run that whose name is Brooke so shout out to her.”
James Porter, Yucca Valley resident
“Some of the things they’re implemented recently is putting stray online along with adoptables and what we call red listed dogs, dogs that will be euthanized very shortly. Having that online is huge for the community to see those animals and they have promised us that a volunteer and foster program is coming very soon.”
Susan Herring, Yucca Valley resident
According to shelter data, the live release rate in 2024 was 38 percent. This year, so far, it’s increased to almost 61 percent.
In a press release, town officials say they are focused on improving shelter operations, with an emphasis on outreach, animal welfare, and transparency.
But advocates say the work isn’t over.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.