Clearlake resident accuses contracted animal services of refusing local strays

Kay Lopez addressed the council during public comment to say she had learned that North Bay Animal Services, which the city contracts with for animal control, was refusing local stray dogs because of kennel‑space limits while conducting rescues and transfers from other communities. "Their shelter in Clearlake was extremely overcrowded, turning dogs away to be hit by cars or left to starve," Lopez said, and she asked why animals from other counties were taken while local animals were refused.

Lopez cited Penal Code section 597(f) (as she referenced it) and said injured animals should be taken to a veterinarian under that provision; she urged the city to require the contracted provider to follow applicable duties and asked for an update on the status of a previously rescued horse. The council did not provide a detailed response at the meeting; staff or council follow‑up was offered informally and Lopez closed by saying she would return to the next meeting for an update.