Clearlake shelter reports 98% live-release rate; resident urges review of North Bay Animal Services contract

Clearlake — During the council meeting, Lieutenant Hobbs provided a brief animal-shelter update and residents raised animal-control concerns during public comment.

Shelter statistics and staffing

Lieutenant Hobbs said staff sickness prevented bringing adoptable dogs to the meeting but reported the shelter’s live-release rate was about 98% for the prior year. "Between the last meeting in December and end of the year, we didn't euthanize any more animals," he said. He added that so far this year the shelter had taken in 30 dogs; 16 went to rescues, two were returned to their owners, and none had been euthanized as of the report.

Public complaint regarding contractor performance

Tony Sarkis, calling from Zoom, told the council he filed a formal complaint with North Bay Animal Services about two roaming black Labrador-type dogs that he said had been attacking pets in the Aven Avenues neighborhood. "These dogs have killed at least 10 cats that I know of, 3 pet rabbits and a small dog," Sarkis said, and he told the council he had not received a response to his complaint. He urged the city to reconsider its relationship with North Bay Animal Services, calling the problem a "serious quality-of-life issue in the city of Clearlake."

Council response and next steps

Council members thanked Lieutenant Hobbs for the update. No formal motion on animal services contracting was made during the meeting; Sarkis’s complaint and the contractor response (if any) were referred back to staff for follow-up as part of routine public-comment handling.

The shelter report and public complaint are part of the meeting record and may be followed up by the council or staff through normal staff-report channels.