San Jose’s Animal Care Center faces calls for a new leader amid ongoing concerns about conditions, operations, and staff morale. The union representing frontline workers implored Public Works Director Matt Loesch to initiate an external recruitment process for the next permanent director, arguing that a failure to do so would perpetuate dysfunction and erode trust. The union’s internal survey revealed overwhelming support for a new, outside voice to ‘reset the culture,’ rebuild trust, and bring the shelter forward. The survey results highlight a workplace plagued by ‘retalition, favoritism, lack of accountability and poor communication,’ demanding a real opportunity for change. The shelter’s operations have repeatedly raised concerns, including operating well-above capacity, substandard conditions, a lack of expanded medical care, and a decline in engagement with rescue groups. Key incidents fueling the demand for change include a small dog dying after becoming entangled in IV lines and a leash, and the euthanasia of a three-year-old Corgi named Barry Allen, despite signs of progress and trust-building. The city disputes accounts of Barry’s behavior, citing his classification as a ‘high-risk animal,’ while advocates accuse the city of circumventing established procedures and lacking transparency. Despite receiving 30 applications for the director role, with the search concluding on Aug. 1 and the first round of interviews expected in the coming weeks, the city has declined to have union representation on the hiring panel, but emphasizes the importance of community feedback and incorporating employee input into the selection process. The union’s letter to Loesch underscores the urgent need for leadership capable of restoring integrity, accountability, and transparency to the shelter. The ongoing situation highlights a systemic breakdown stemming from ineffective and mistrusted leadership, demanding a genuine opportunity for change. The shelter’s repeated failures, including the death of Barry Allen, demonstrate a troubling pattern of issues that demand a new approach. The city’s response, while acknowledging procedural errors and promising accountability, has not alleviated concerns raised by staff and advocates. The demand for a new director reflects a deep-seated desire to address the systemic problems that have plagued the San José Animal Care Center, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the animals and fosters a culture of trust and accountability. The situation underscores the critical importance of a strong, transparent, and accountable leadership team to ensure the shelter’s long-term success and the humane treatment of its animals.

The union’s letter to Loesch underscores the urgent need for leadership capable of restoring integrity, accountability, and transparency to the shelter. The ongoing situation highlights a systemic breakdown stemming from ineffective and mistrusted leadership, demanding a genuine opportunity for change. The shelter’s repeated failures, including the death of Barry Allen, demonstrate a troubling pattern of issues that demand a new approach. The city’s response, while acknowledging procedural errors and promising accountability, has not alleviated concerns raised by staff and advocates. The demand for a new director reflects a deep-seated desire to address the systemic problems that have plagued the San José Animal Care Center, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the animals and fosters a culture of trust and accountability. The situation underscores the critical importance of a strong, transparent, and accountable leadership team to ensure the shelter’s long-term success and the humane treatment of its animals.