Indio approves one-year animal control deal with Riverside County amid service complaints

Indio City Council members approved a one-year animal control services contract with Riverside County on Wednesday after expressing their concerns over whether the city is receiving promised service levels.

The council voted 5-0 to authorize a contract that will increase animal services costs from $1.26 million this fiscal year to $1.34 million in 2025-26, with potential increases to $1.75 million by 2027-28 if the agreement is extended. The city’s contract with Riverside County was set to expire at the end of the month, leaving the city without crucial animal services.

The cost increases stem from the county’s proposal to add 38 new staff positions countywide at an annual cost of approximately $4.5 million to enhance animal shelter operations and life-saving programs. Indio’s proportional share of the shelter services increase would be $351,841 over three years.

Mayor Glen Miller expressed frustration with the level of service in the city, particularly questioning whether the city receives the three full-time animal control officers it pays for under the current contract.

“It’s very difficult for me to believe that we have three officers here on a continuous basis,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called the police department because there’s a dead dog in the street where I’ve had to actually go get it, put it in a bag and take it to the police station because nobody is there to pick it up.”

Councilmembers also cited ongoing concerns about weekend coverage gaps and poor communication with residents. 

Assistant City Manager Jonathan Nicks said he met with county officials, including the new director of Animal Services, Mary Martin, to address the city’s concerns about service levels and accountability.

County officials acknowledged the concerns during the meeting. Animal Services representatives explained that officers are assigned to respond to calls rather than patrol, and that one officer covers weekends for the entire city. In addition, animal control officers are often called away to priority calls like animals endangering human life or safety.

The council’s decision to approve only a one-year contract, rather than the county’s proposed three-year term, reflects their desire for closer oversight. The agreement includes provisions for six-month review periods and requires detailed reporting on service activities and other performance metrics. 

County officials can modify service levels with 120 days’ notice, and the city retains the option to reduce coverage from seven days to five days per week if service issues persist.

The contract covers both shelter services for lost and abandoned animals and field services including animal control officers who respond to calls, investigate animal bites and enforce licensing requirements throughout the city of approximately 100,000 residents.

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