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- April Stevenson will begin overseeing the shelter and animal services July 27.
- Phillip Zimmerman resigned two months before retirement.
- A 2024 needs assessment found the shelter needs about $30–$50 million for renovation.
After several months of controversy and mystery surrounding recent management turnover at Front Street Animal Shelter, the city of Sacramento announced the appointment of a new permanent leader.
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April Stevenson, a veteran of operating local animal shelters, will begin overseeing both the shelter and the city’s animal care services division July 27, according to a Monday news release from the city. She most recently oversaw the animal services division for Rancho Cordova and formerly oversaw the Placer Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Stevenson said her priorities include supporting the team of staff and volunteers, collaborating with community partners and pursuing programs that maximize positive outcome for animals.
She takes over the role most recently occupied by Phillip Zimmerman, who suddenly resigned two months prior to his scheduled retirement, saying at the time that he no longer felt he could “safely or effectively” continue as the leader of the division.
Around the same time, Staycee Dains vacated her position of Shelter Operations Manager. Before her role in Sacramento, Dains was accused of racial discrimination, workplace bullying and abuse of power while managing the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, stepping down in November 2024. The city is still in the process of hiring for this position, spokesperson Julie Hall said.
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Front Street issues
Front Street is navigating a lot more than just inconsistent leadership — the facility has been described by advocates as a “doggy dungeon,” with overcrowded and unsafe conditions leading to a rising number of euthanasias.
A 2024 needs assessment showed that the shelter was too small and old to meet the standard of care for animal shelters. The shelter needs around $30-$50 million in renovation and expansion costs, according to the assessment.
In the meantime, Animal Wellbeing commissioners and Front Street interim leader Ryan Hinderman have differed in their approach toward lowering euthanasia rates. As commissioners advanced a “Final Plea” plan that would advertise the date an animal was set to be euthanized, Hinderman advocated for a different, less aggressive version of the plan.
The Personnel and Public Employees Committee voted to table the adoption of a full plan until a new shelter manager was named.
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