'Putting lipstick on a pig': Advocates question progress city claims is being made at San Jose animal shelter

"Shelter management said at the Neighborhood Services Committee meeting this week that their actions taken in response to the recommendations would be submitted for review by the end of December. But advocates argued that audit compliance is not a barometer for improvement, and compared the city's most recent status report to "putting lipstick on a pig," noting numerous systemic issues that continue to persist and need reform."

""Leadership may claim that audit recommendations are 'met,' but as a long-term volunteer, I can attest that conditions inside the shelter have not improved," volunteer Lyne Lamourex said in written comments provided to the committee. "Staff morale remains low, community trust is eroding and transparency is lacking. Efforts appear focused on checking boxes rather than restoring effective services." The shelter's new Deputy Director Monica Wylie acknowledged the advocates' passion."

""The bottom line is we're all on the same team," Wylie said. "We all want what's best for the animals, and we want to provide that, so we definitely want to continue in that area. The shelter is designed to be a temporary safe haven, so how can we mitigate any stress caused by the animals for being there (and) how can we keep them in their homes where they already have a home?""

Animal welfare advocates report ongoing severe problems at San Jose's animal shelter, citing poor conditions, overcapacity, mismanagement, and harm to animal health. A city audit confirmed many complaints and produced 39 recommendations and calls from elected officials for improvements. Shelter management said it would submit responses to recommendations by the end of December, but advocates say compliance does not equal improvement and liken the status report to "putting lipstick on a pig." Volunteers report low staff morale, eroding community trust, and a focus on checking boxes over restoring services. The deputy director affirms shared goals to reduce stress and keep animals in their homes when possible.

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