UPDATE:  We had 35 signatures attached to our letter plus several supporters that wished to remain anonymous due to their direct knowledge of the shelter. Many volunteers and concerned citizens also wrote letters and sent emails to Mayor Margie Rice and Westminster City Council.

Sadly, the contract was renewed for 2007-2008 for $52,000 with a start date of July 1, 2007. After obtaining contract documents, it seems Dr. Botros of the Orange County Humane Society/AAA Animal Hospital, had already signed the contract renewal on June 6, 2007. This was 3 weeks before the June 27, 2007 Council meeting! The council voted 5-0 for renewal. The animals of Westminster will continue to suffer under poor conditions.

We will continue to encourage the City of Westminster to do surprise inspections of the Newland Shelter. We will also urge them to reconsider alternative shelter facilities for their animal control in the future. Since the shelter is actually located in the City of Huntington Beach, (not in Westminster's backyard) we will also strongly urge HB city leaders and Orange County Animal Care Services to continue monitoring this facility for health and safety code violations. The animals deserve no less.

Unwanted is one thing, uncared for is another.

Westminster City Council votes tonight, to renew their animal services contract with the Orange County Humane Society (Newland Avenue shelter) and AAA Animal Hospital.

As many of you know, this shelter has been swirled in controversy for many years over deplorable conditions and inhumane care despite all the wonderful volunteers who try their best to help these unwanted animals.

We sent a letter urging Council not to renew the contract and instead explore other possible shelters such as Irvine or Orange County. Unfortunately, we feel that despite the planned remodeling, the care and management of the animals will not change for the better.