Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors announced today that Beth Ward will be stepping down from her position as Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) Director, citing her family’s decision to move out of state.
Ms. Ward, who has held the position since November 2015, has identified January 19, 2024, as her final date of employment.
Ms. Ward brought to CCAS over thirty years of experience, having previously served as vice president for community alliances at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, and as the director of animal care at the Peninsula Humane Society.
“This has been a very difficult decision because I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve achieved over the last eight years,” said Ward. “I’m filled with immense gratitude for the hard work and commitment of our staff, volunteers, and the community who have helped CCAS achieve significant milestones that have improved the lives of people and animals in Contra Costa County. The collaborative spirit and tireless dedication of our team have created a lasting impact, and I leave with a sense of pride in what we have accomplished together.”
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair, John Gioia, reflected upon Ms. Ward’s tenure as Animal Services Director.
“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, we express our gratitude and appreciation for Beth’s dedicated service as Animal Services Director,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chairperson, John Gioia. “Under Beth’s leadership, our Animal Services Department has made commendable improvements in animal welfare and sheltering that have benefitted our community and our animals.”
In light of this development, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will initiate a recruitment process to identify and appoint a new Director for Contra Costa Animal Services. Details about the recruitment process will be made available in the coming weeks.
During this transition period, Contra Costa Animal Services remains committed to its mission of promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people and animals in the community. The organization will continue to provide essential services to residents and uphold its commitment to the humane treatment of animals.
Contra Costa Animal Services is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. The department operates a shelter and adoption center in Martinez, CA, where we provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned, and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, the department’s Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
Previous Stories:
- Oct 14 – Contra Costa Animal Services Seeking Adopters and Fosters as Shelter Reaches Capacity
- Aug 21 – Contra Costa Animal Services Offering Everyday Adoptions
- April – Contra Costa Releases Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Recommended Budget
3 comments
As a volunteer for a local nonprofit animal rescue I supported Beth Wards appointment to this position 7 years ago. Unfortunately in the last 5 years she had seemed to lose her direction.
She adopted experimental unproven and untested policies called Capacity for Care and Community Sheltering without the full collaboration of non-profits that are serving Contra Costa County.
Under these policies such as Community Sheltering the estimated 450,000 indoor outdoor cats in Contra Costa were turned away from the shelter and services such as adequate spay and neuters were reduced. Under Capacity for Care animals that made it into the shelter were either fast-track to live outcomes or euthanasia.
These policies have left a horrific animal overpopulation in this County that now has to be addressed by the Board of Supervisors who let this occur.
The position now demands an innovated leader, that won’t rely on excuses and programs that don’t exist.
For the last 4 years Animal advocates and nonprofits have been bringing this to the attention of the Board of Supervisors without any results.
The amount of suffering of animals in this community due to the overpopulation should be laid at the feet of your elected officials.
Diane Burgis, Ken Carlson, John Gioia
Federal Glover and Candice Anderson.
For the director of animal services I really think you should take into consideration Alana. From martinez She is absolutely amazing with her love and dedication to animal’s. I’ve only known Alana for about a year and every ti.e I’ve seen her she’s doing g amazing things gs for animal’s and their humans. Thank you for your time and consideration. Heather Head 925-914-8922
This topic does not just concern your elected officials this goes down to the owners as well . There should be classes before adoption .This would lower pet returns and huma s Taki g along better care of their pets as well as slow down giving to people who abuse , fight , and mistreat animals out of frustration o
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