To save animals, counties must mobilize more volunteers

Shelter animals living in crowded, unsanitary conditions; animals being euthanized rather than adopted; strays roaming the streets jeopardizing public health and public safety; and taxpayer money wasted. These are the downsides of a dysfunctional county animal control program which is what Riverside County’s Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is accused of being.

The department is facing a lawsuit by animal rights advocates alleging both animal cruelty and wasteful spending. The lawsuit...