The Bakersfield Animal Care Center is set to partner with a non-profit group.The two are hoping to improve the percentage of animals that leave the shelter alive. Center Director Julie Johnson says joining the Florida-based Target Zero won’t cost the city anything but the organization has an unmatched record for success. The City Council is expected to approve the partnership at their next meeting, and Target Zero would begin assessments and town hall meetings to introduce strategies on saving more animals. The city-run shelter could never be “no-kill” because they are obligated to accept sick and injured animals that will have to be put down. The goal is to have at least ninety percent of adoptable animals leave the center alive. Right now, it’s 56 percent live outcome.

Sean Michael Lisle