Wings of Rescue Cuts Ties With Kern County Animal Services

Wings of Rescue has indefinitely suspended its deliveries of pets from Kern County Animal Services after several from the Fruitvale Avenue shelter were reported diseased last month.

Organization founder Yehuda Netanel said at least three dogs died after being delivered.

“It’s all based on professional trust, and that was jeopardized substantially,” Netanel said. “We had some damage control to do with our receiving shelters.”

Interim Animal Care Services Director Nick Cullen said his shelter is working on changes that were proposed by Wings of Rescue.

“I myself am looking into it, currently, to find out if protocols haven’t been followed,” Cullen said. “If they weren’t followed, that’s a personnel matter that we’ll take up.”

Netanel said his organization is still committed to flying 2,000 animals out of Kern County this year, using Bakersfield SPCA and city shelters.

– Anthony Pollreisz