SPARC’s Official Statement

The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) has always prioritized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of the animals and community we serve. Recent statements made by the City of Santa Paula regarding the termination of our contract necessitate clarification, as they misrepresent both the history of our partnership and the true costs of animal services.

Our commitment to the Santa Paula community extends beyond contracts. SPARC was founded on the principles of compassion, integrity, and innovation—values that continue to guide our work, even as we enter a new chapter.

A Legacy of Service, A History of Unmet Commitments

SPARC’s relationship with the City spans more than a decade, shaped by promises that were never fulfilled. SPARC was told our location was temporary, with a new shelter promised by the City over a decade ago. Instead of progress, we’ve faced years of empty promises, delays, and inaction despite our efforts to engage the City.

Between 2019 and 2020, SPARC presented the City with extensive reports, including a Social-Environmental-Economic Impact Study conducted by experts from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver and a Community Outreach Strategic Plan developed by Illume Communications, an award-winning firm recognized for its work in animal welfare initiatives. These third-party studies highlighted not only the economic and public health benefits of SPARC’s services but also the need for sustainable funding models to ensure long-term success.

SPARC proposed a flat-rate contract of $450,000 annually over five years—a figure based on comprehensive data and reflective of the true costs of providing municipal animal services. Comparable cities with similar animal intake numbers, such as Ventura and Simi Valley, paid Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) upwards of $600,000 annually for similar services in 2019–2020.

Today, those costs have risen significantly. The City of Ventura’s current contract with VCAS is $807,805 for the fiscal year 2023–2024 and will increase to $838,630 for the fiscal year 2024–2025. These figures reflect the growing costs of providing comprehensive animal services and underscore the financial realities faced by municipalities across Ventura County.

In contrast, the City of Santa Paula’s funding to SPARC has remained minimal, with only two increases since 2014: a one-time contribution of $17,000 in 2019 and a $20,000 restricted grant in 2022 for COVID-related community needs.

This disparity highlights the financial challenges SPARC has faced in delivering high-quality animal services with limited municipal support—challenges we’ve consistently navigated through private fundraising, community partnerships, and a deep commitment to the animals and people we serve.

Unfulfilled Commitments, Missed Opportunities

The City’s narrative overlooks critical facts:

1. A Pattern of Broken Promises: SPARC’s involvement with the City was predicated on commitments from the City to build a new shelter—commitments that were never honored. Our consistent efforts to revisit these issues over the years were met with delays and inaction, not the “recent” discussions the City claims.

2. Lack of Continued Support: While the City did provide occasional one-time contributions, these gestures were insufficient to meet the growing needs of the community. The $17,000 provided in 2019 was a one-time contribution, not an adjustment to our contract, and the $20,000 COVID-related grant in 2022 was restricted for specific community assistance—not for shelter operations.

3. Abandoned Community Initiatives: SPARC’s Community Outreach Plan and Virtual Licensing Program—designed to enhance community engagement and revenue—were never implemented due to the City’s lack of financial and administrative support.

Financial Realities: A Comparative Analysis

From 2014 to the present, the City’s funding to SPARC increased marginally:

• 2014–2016: $6,000 per month
• 2016–2019: $9,000 per month
• 2019–Current: $12,500 per month

These modest increases fall significantly short compared to what similar-sized cities contribute to their animal services, often exceeding $600,000 annually. In contrast, SPARC provided comprehensive care, community programs, and public health services on a fraction of that budget, consistently subsidizing the City’s responsibilities—a model unsustainable for any nonprofit organization.

Why SPARC’s Work Matters: Abba’s Story

Consider the story of Abba, a small dog with a timid heart who arrived at SPARC frightened and unsure of her surroundings. Thanks to SPARC’s dedicated team, Abba found comfort, care, and eventually her forever family. Her journey from fear to love is a testament to the transformative work SPARC continues to provide—work that extends beyond contracts and into the heart of the community.

This is what we fight for. This is why our mission continues—no matter the circumstances.

A Strong Foundation, A Future Rooted in Compassion

While our formal partnership with the City has ended, SPARC’s mission remains unwavering. Our work has always been about more than contracts—it’s about creating lasting change for animals and communities.

We will continue to:

• Rescue and Rehabilitate animals from high-risk environments, including those at risk of euthanasia in surrounding communities.

• Advocate for Animal Welfare Policies that protect vulnerable animals and promote humane practices.

• Provide Low-Cost and Free Spay/Neuter Services and Affordable Vaccine Clinics to ensure accessible care for all pet owners.

This is not the end of SPARC’s story—it is the beginning of a new chapter, one that honors our legacy while advancing bold, compassionate solutions for the future.

We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration. We invite the community to join us in building a future where every animal is valued, and every voice is heard.