The Crisis California’s Animal Shelters Are Facing | Gary Weitzman

Siyamak Khorrami

Siyamak Khorrami has been the general manager and chief editor of the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times since 2017. He is also the host of the “California Insider” show, which showcases leaders and professionals across the state with inside information about trending topics and critical issues in California.

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September 9, 2026Updated: September 9, 2026

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When people in California surrender a pet to a shelter or send an animal to a sanctuary, they expect that animal to be cared for. What happens after that can remain largely out of sight until something goes wrong.

In several recent cases around California, problems inside animal rescues went on for a long time before outside organizations were able to intervene. In this interview, we look at what can happen during that period, before conditions become serious enough for outside intervention.

Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, helped lead the response to one of the most complex rescue operations his team has taken on. He joins us to explain what he has encountered at these properties and why animal-welfare leaders are now asking the state for greater oversight of their own field.

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