Governor Gavin Newsom announced today he wants to turn California into a no kill animal shelter state.
Newsom wants to start a grant program with local communities to help shelters no longer euthanize any animals that are in adoptable or treatable condition.
Local shelters and community members think it's a step in the right direction.
"Being a dog owner and adopting pets in the past, I completely am for that and agree with that because I believe all animals deserve a second chance,” said Tyler Walter, San Luis Obispo resident.
The San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Division agrees, saying while it's preliminary it can go a long way in helping animals.
"It's an exciting idea and it represents a really great potential for making some big head way into improving the homeless animals around the county,” said Eric Anderson, San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Manager.
Some critics might question the overpopulation of animals and shelters if this passes, but Anderson says this program is designed to give local communities the tools to spade and neuter animals more effectively.
"This program and this proposal may have the potential for providing funding for that sort of program where we can take advantage of here, to really work to reduce the number of stray cats that are out there in the community,” said Anderson.
While the program isn't in effect just yet, some are hopeful to see the proposal become a reality.
"I like that idea that it's a no kill situation but as long as they try to find a home and all the animals that can be homed, they get a home for them so I think that's a good idea,” said Jim Akers, Morro Bay resident.
The San Luis Obispo County Animal Services says they have a 93% live outcome rate. This means for every 10 animals coming into the shelter, nine of them either go back to their owner or find a new home.
Governor Newsom's budget for this plan calls for a $50 million dollar grant to the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine program.
