North Bay Animal Services, the former operator of the Clearlake animal shelter, says overcrowding was caused by a recent large influx of dogs and inadequate shelter facilities.
The situation involving the Clearlake animal shelter and North Bay Animal Services (NBAS) reached a critical point in February 2026, following years of documented concerns over animal neglect and overcrowding. On February 23, 2026, The Press Democrat reported that the former operator, Mark Scott of NBAS, defended his organization after the city of Clearlake terminated their contract and a new group, the Clearlake Animal Association, took over.
The Crisis at Clearlake Shelter
When the new operators took control on February 7, 2026, they reported finding “heartbreaking” conditions. Reports from the transition team and the Humane Society of Sonoma County described:
Extreme Overcrowding: The shelter, designed for 50–65 dogs, held 114 at the time of the handover.
Neglect and Filth: Dogs were found living in crates and kennels filled with their own excrement and urine.
Medical Emergencies: Many animals were emaciated and suffering from untreated conditions, including parvovirus and giardia.
Distraction Tactics and “GCS Advocacy”
Critics and advocacy groups, including GCS Advocacy and Rescue Corporation, have alleged that NBAS and its leadership attempted to deflect blame for these conditions by targeting whistleblowers. According to these advocates, NBAS sought to distract the public by attacking GCS and other rescue organizations, making false claims about the safety and conditions of the dogs under the advocates’ care.
The motive for this targeted campaign, as described by supporters of GCS, was to silence the organization’s founder, who had been actively working to expose the systemic failures within NBAS. Advocates point to a 2025 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury report that flagged “significant failures” at NBAS—including delayed medical care and lack of oversight—as proof that the concerns raised by rescuers were well-founded.
The Current Fallout
In his defense, Mark Scott claimed the shelter was “overwhelmed” by a spike in population due to law enforcement activity and that he had repeatedly warned city officials. However, the discovery of starving and sick animals has led several North Bay cities, including Windsor and Sebastopol, to re-evaluate their own contracts with NBAS. Meanwhile, the Clearlake Animal Association continues to work in “crisis mode” to rehabilitate the remaining dogs and move them into foster care.
Report on Clearlake animal shelter neglect
This news segment covers legal threats and allegations of neglect at Northern California animal shelters, reflecting the broader regional crisis in animal welfare oversight.
instead of taking responsibility for their wrongs they attacked me for speaking out against them and in doing so they ripped 28 souls who were loved out of their safe rescue where they were loved. they did everything to stop us they blocked vet care we went outside of the area to get it they lied to the public and made me sound like a monster all while they were hiding evil secrets the truth cant be hidden forever see for yourself what life looked like for these babies before and after nbas
Respondents: Town of Windsor, Windsor Police Department, and North Bay Animal Services (NBAS)
Subject of Petition: Return of 28 dogs seized on December 9, 2025
I. INTRODUCTION
Petitioner Christina Urrutia Ureña respectfully petitions this Court for a writ of mandamus compelling Respondents to perform their mandatory legal duties under California law by returning the 28 dogs unlawfully seized from her foster‑based rescue operation on December 9, 2025 in Windsor, California.
Respondents failed to comply with statutory requirements governing animal seizure, notice, documentation, due process, and post‑seizure procedures. As a result, Petitioner has been deprived of her property without lawful cause, without required notice, and without an opportunity to be heard, in violation of state law and constitutional protections.
A writ is necessary because Respondents have refused to return the animals, refused to provide required records, and continue to act outside the scope of their legal authority.
II. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
This Court has jurisdiction under California Code of Civil Procedure §1085, which authorizes writs compelling government agencies and contracted entities to perform mandatory duties.
Venue is proper in this Court because the seizure occurred in Windsor, Sonoma County, and Respondents operate within this jurisdiction.
III. PARTIES
Petitioner
Petitioner Christina Urrutia Ureña is the founder and director of a foster‑based animal rescue operating in Sonoma County. At all relevant times, she lawfully possessed and cared for the 28 dogs seized by Respondents.
Respondents
Town of Windsor – the municipal authority responsible for oversight of animal control operations.
Windsor Police Department – the agency that participated in or authorized the seizure.
North Bay Animal Services (NBAS) – a private contractor performing animal control and sheltering services on behalf of the Town of Windsor.
Each Respondent is legally obligated to comply with California seizure statutes, due process requirements, and mandatory post‑seizure procedures.
IV. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On December 9, 2025, Respondents seized 28 dogs from Petitioner’s rescue operation.
Respondents did not provide legally required written notice, including the reason for seizure, statutory authority, or instructions for reclaiming the animals.
Respondents did not provide an itemized list of animals taken, their condition, or any supporting documentation.
Petitioner was not given an opportunity to contest the seizure, request a hearing, or present evidence as required by California law.
Respondents have refused to return the animals, despite Petitioner’s repeated requests and despite the absence of any lawful order transferring ownership.
Respondents have withheld records, provided inconsistent explanations, and failed to comply with mandatory timelines and procedures.
The seizure and continued withholding of the animals constitute an unlawful deprivation of property and a violation of Petitioner’s due process rights.
V. LEGAL BASIS FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS
A writ of mandamus is appropriate when:
A public agency has a mandatory duty to act;
The petitioner has a clear and beneficial right to performance of that duty; and
No other adequate remedy exists.
Respondents violated mandatory duties under:
California Food & Agricultural Code §§ 31108, 31752, 31753, 597.1
California Penal Code §597.1
California Constitution, Article I, §7 (due process)
Contractual obligations between the Town of Windsor and NBAS
Respondents failed to:
Provide required written notice
Provide a hearing opportunity
Provide documentation of the animals seized
Follow statutory timelines
Return the animals when no lawful basis existed to retain them
These failures make mandamus relief appropriate and necessary.
VI. HARM SUFFERED
Petitioner has suffered:
Loss of possession of 28 animals
Damage to her rescue operations
Reputational harm
Emotional distress
Interference with her ability to relocate her rescue and continue operations
Ongoing deprivation of property without due process
No adequate legal remedy exists other than issuance of a writ.
VII. REQUEST FOR RELIEF
Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court:
Issue a writ of mandamus compelling Respondents to immediately return the 28 dogs seized on December 9, 2025.
Order Respondents to produce all records, reports, photographs, and documentation related to the seizure.
Declare that Respondents violated mandatory statutory and constitutional duties.
Award costs and any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
VIII. VERIFICATION
I, Christina Urrutia Ureña, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the facts stated in this petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Executed on ____________, 2026
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SONOMA
CHRISTINA URRUTIA UREÑA, Petitioner,
v.
TOWN OF WINDSOR, WINDSOR POLICE DEPARTMENT, and NORTH BAY ANIMAL SERVICES, Respondents.
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS (California Code of Civil Procedure §1085)
Petitioner: Christina Urrutia Ureña
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS
Petitioner Christina Urrutia Ureña alleges as follows:
I. INTRODUCTION
Petitioner respectfully seeks a writ of mandamus compelling Respondents to perform their mandatory legal duties under California law by returning the 28 dogs unlawfully seized from her rescue operation on December 9, 2025 in Windsor, California.
Respondents failed to comply with statutory requirements governing animal seizure, notice, documentation, due process, and post‑seizure procedures. As a result, Petitioner has been deprived of her property without lawful cause, without required notice, and without an opportunity to be heard.
A writ is necessary because Respondents have refused to return the animals, refused to provide required records, and continue to act outside the scope of their legal authority.
II. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
This Court has jurisdiction under Code of Civil Procedure §1085, which authorizes writs compelling government agencies and contracted entities to perform mandatory duties.
Venue is proper in Sonoma County because the seizure occurred in Windsor, and Respondents operate within this jurisdiction.
III. PARTIES
A. Petitioner
Petitioner Christina Urrutia Ureña is the founder and director of a foster‑based animal rescue operating in Sonoma County. At all relevant times, she lawfully possessed and cared for the 28 dogs seized by Respondents.
B. Respondents
Town of Windsor is the municipal authority responsible for oversight of animal control operations.
Windsor Police Department participated in or authorized the seizure.
North Bay Animal Services (NBAS) is a private contractor performing animal control and sheltering services on behalf of the Town of Windsor.
Each Respondent is legally obligated to comply with California seizure statutes, due process requirements, and mandatory post‑seizure procedures.
IV. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On December 9, 2025, Respondents seized 28 dogs from Petitioner’s rescue operation.
Respondents did not provide legally required written notice, including the reason for seizure, statutory authority, or instructions for reclaiming the animals.
Respondents did not provide an itemized list of animals taken, their condition, or any supporting documentation.
Petitioner was not given an opportunity to contest the seizure, request a hearing, or present evidence as required by California law.
Respondents have refused to return the animals despite repeated requests and despite the absence of any lawful order transferring ownership.
Respondents have withheld records, provided inconsistent explanations, and failed to comply with mandatory timelines and procedures.
The seizure and continued withholding of the animals constitute an unlawful deprivation of property and a violation of Petitioner’s due process rights.
V. LEGAL BASIS FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS
A writ of mandamus is appropriate when: a. A public agency has a mandatory duty to act; b. The petitioner has a clear and beneficial right to performance of that duty; and c. No other adequate remedy exists.
Respondents violated mandatory duties under:
California Food & Agricultural Code §§31108, 31752, 31753, 597.1
California Penal Code §597.1
California Constitution, Article I, §7
Contractual obligations between the Town of Windsor and NBAS
Respondents failed to:
Provide required written notice
Provide a hearing opportunity
Provide documentation of the animals seized
Follow statutory timelines
Return the animals when no lawful basis existed to retain them
These failures make mandamus relief appropriate and necessary.
VI. HARM SUFFERED
Petitioner has suffered:
Loss of possession of 28 animals
Damage to her rescue operations
Reputational harm
Emotional distress
Interference with relocation and ongoing operations
Continued deprivation of property without due process
No adequate legal remedy exists other than issuance of a writ.
VII. PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court:
Issue a writ of mandamus compelling Respondents to immediately return the 28 dogs seized on December 9, 2025.
Order Respondents to produce all records, reports, photographs, and documentation related to the seizure.
Declare that Respondents violated mandatory statutory and constitutional duties.
Award costs and any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
VIII. VERIFICATION
I, Christina Urrutia Ureña, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the facts stated in this petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
recently it came to light that North Bay Animal Services not only lost control of the clear lake shelter but the public was shown what nbas left behind.
animals were found to have been left in small crates some sleeping in laundry baskets others were given the tops of plastic crates to use as beds. dogs were found in warehouses and the conditions most of the dogs were in is heartbreaking to say the least.
yet still the sonoma county goons offer nothing but excuses and even go as far to say ” don’t jump to conclusions, wait to get all the information” a completely different tone then just a few weeks ago when our rescue and myself the founder was made to look like some horrible hoarding environment.
no one offered to hear me out no one cared what I had to say they just took what nbas and the the windsor pd said and ran with it.
time and time again both north bay animal services and windsor police department which is a branch of the sonoma county sheriffs department have been found to do things they are not supposed to do to act in ways that harms not only animals but the people who call sonoma county home.
I have given much thought to the why then do people still act like no wrong has been done why do people make excuses for those in government to do whatever they want hurt lives and get away with it? I figure they must believe that if they kiss enough ass they will be able to enjoy protection or some kind of benefit and that causes an equal amount of worry.
north bay animal services, sonoma county animal services, the town of windsor, mark scott, brian whipple all continue to say that there is no rescue and I want to know why.
every dog we have ever had has come from shelters where they were going to die! and we were able to get the dogs because we were rescue partners! there is a process to become a rescue partner everything needs to be verified so how we were able to be cleared after checking with the irs the secretary of state and the department of justice but not be a rescue is beyond me. this is just one of the shelters we worked with and like they did with every shelter that we formed partnerships with they scared them off they told the shelters that they were investigating us for concerns of abuse but then turned around and told me and the town that it was because the other shelters reached out to sonoma county to report concerns sonoma county is nothing but lies and greed and they are power hungry. and because they are allowed to get away with it dogs ended up dying anyways but yet the blame is still not placed where it belongs.
As applications open for the 2025–2026 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury, we at G&Cs Advocacy and Rescue Corporation want to spotlight why this institution matters not just to watchdogs of government, but to every citizen who believes in transparency, accountability, and justice for the voiceless.
The Civil Grand Jury is a powerful civic body tasked with investigating local government agencies, issuing reports, and recommending reforms. It’s not just about bureaucracy it’s about impact. And for those of us advocating for animal welfare, housing justice, and ethical governance, it’s a tool we cannot afford to ignore.
Christina Urrutia Urena: A Voice for Oversight and Inclusion
Christina Urrutia Urena has long emphasized the importance of community representation in oversight bodies like the Civil Grand Jury. She’s spoken passionately about the need for jurors who understand the lived experiences of marginalized communities including those working in rescue, advocacy, and grassroots service.
In past forums and interviews, Christina has highlighted:
The lack of diversity in Grand Jury panels and how that can skew investigations away from pressing community concerns.
The importance of holding agencies accountable for how they treat vulnerable populations whether that’s unhoused individuals, neglected animals, or underfunded nonprofits.
Her belief that advocates and everyday citizens should apply, not just retired professionals or insiders.
Her message is clear: “If we want the Grand Jury to reflect our values, we need to be in the room.”
Why G&Cs Is Watching Closely
We’ve seen firsthand how local policies affect rescue operations from zoning laws that restrict shelter space to funding decisions that overlook animal welfare. The Grand Jury has the authority to investigate these issues and recommend change. But only if the right people are asking the right questions.
That’s why we’re encouraging our supporters to:
Apply to serve on the 2025–2026 Civil Grand Jury. Applications are open until May 2, 2025.
Attend public meetings and read past Grand Jury reports to understand how decisions are made.
Support advocates like Christina who are pushing for more inclusive civic participation.
Let’s Make Oversight Work for Everyone
The Civil Grand Jury isn’t just a formality it’s a chance to shape the future of Sonoma County. Whether you’re rescuing dogs in Windsor or fighting for fair housing in Santa Rosa, your voice matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
Christina Urrutia Urena’s advocacy around the Civil Grand Jury centers on making civic oversight more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to community needs. Here are her key themes:
Main Points from Christina Urrutia Urena
Community Representation Matters Christina emphasizes that the Civil Grand Jury should reflect the diversity of Sonoma County. She advocates for broader participation from everyday citizens not just retirees or professionals especially those involved in grassroots advocacy and rescue work.
Oversight Should Be Accessible She’s called out how intimidating or opaque the Grand Jury process can be for newcomers. Christina pushes for clearer communication, better outreach, and more accessible pathways for people to apply and engage.
Accountability for Local Agencies Christina has consistently urged the Grand Jury to investigate how local government agencies treat vulnerable populations whether that’s unhoused individuals, neglected animals, or underfunded nonprofits. She believes oversight should prioritize ethical treatment and equity.
Empowering Advocates She encourages advocates and rescue workers to apply for the Grand Jury, arguing that their lived experience brings valuable insight to investigations and recommendations.
Transparency in Decision-Making Christina has spoken about the need for public reports and findings to be written in plain language, so that the community can understand and act on them.
Her message is clear: civic oversight isn’t just for insiders it’s for anyone who cares deeply about justice, ethics, and community well-being.
Christina Urrutia Urena’s advocacy for community representation is deeply rooted in her belief that civic institutions like the Civil Grand Jury must reflect the full spectrum of lived experiences in Sonoma County. Here’s a deeper look at her stance: Inclusive Civic Participation
Christina has consistently argued that the Civil Grand Jury should not be dominated by a narrow demographic often retirees or individuals with legal or administrative backgrounds. Instead, she champions the inclusion of:
Multicultural voices Christina emphasizes the need for jurors who understand the cultural nuances of Sonoma County’s diverse population, especially in towns like Windsor and Santa Rosa.
Grassroots advocates People working directly with underserved communities, such as animal rescue volunteers, housing advocates, and social workers.
Residents facing systemic challenges Individuals who’ve experienced housing insecurity, financial hardship, or discrimination whose insights are often missing from formal oversight bodies.
“Oversight without representation is just bureaucracy.”
That’s a paraphrased version of a sentiment she’s shared in community forums and online discussions. Christina believes that when oversight bodies lack representation, they risk overlooking the very issues that matter most to vulnerable populations.
Advocacy Through Action
At G&Cs Advocacy and Rescue Corporation, Christina has modeled this philosophy by:
Offering low-cost boarding and pet food pantries to families in transition.
Expanding foster programs to support shelters in high-kill areas.
Encouraging her team and supporters to apply for civic roles, including the Civil Grand Jury, to bring firsthand experience into public oversight.
Her approach isn’t just about critique it’s about transformation. She wants to see a Grand Jury that doesn’t just investigate from a distance, but listens, learns, and acts with empathy.
Christina Urrutia Urena’s advocacy has had a tangible and far-reaching impact on local policies in Sonoma County, particularly in the realm of animal welfare and civic oversight. Here’s a breakdown of her influence:
🐾 Civil Grand Jury Investigation into Shelter Practices
One of Christina’s most significant contributions was raising a formal citizen complaint to the 2025 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury. Her complaint catalyzed a county-wide investigation into substandard practices at local shelters. The Grand Jury’s findings supported by Christina’s evidence and testimony highlighted:
Persistent violations of animal care standards
Lack of accountability among shelter operators
Failure to meet transparency benchmarks in public reporting
This led to increased scrutiny of municipal and nonprofit shelters, and sparked conversations about reforming oversight mechanisms for animal services.
Shifting the Narrative Around Rescue Work
Christina’s leadership at G&Cs Advocacy and Rescue Corporation helped redefine what rescue work looks like in Sonoma County. Her team’s efforts have:
Expanded foster programs to high-risk euthanasia zones outside the county
Offered low-cost boarding and pet food pantries for families in crisis
Prioritized keeping pets and people together, especially during housing transitions
These initiatives have influenced local agencies to consider more community-centered models of animal welfare, rather than relying solely on shelter-based solutions.
🗣️ Advocacy Beyond the Insider Circle
Despite resistance from larger nonprofits and municipal leaders, Christina has remained a public whistleblower and reform advocate, pushing for transparency even when it meant being excluded from institutional circles. Her work has inspired:
Grassroots coalitions focused on ethical rescue practices
Philanthropic investment from outside traditional power structures
A growing movement of citizen-led oversight in Sonoma County
Her impact isn’t just procedural—it’s cultural. She’s helped shift the tone of local policy discussions from bureaucratic to empathetic, from reactive to proactive.
she went into the shelter with her little brother, he got adopted she was left behind alone and at risk of being killed for space. when I saw her for the first time my heart sank and I knew that I could not let her die I would have walked to where she was if I had to her face was all I thought about day and night I felt her pain I heard her cries and I felt her lost I wanted to mend her heart and soul I wanted to give her a reason to wag her tail again and I wanted to be a reason she felt love and loved again
her eyes tell the story, her story looking back over the pictures from then to now I love seeing the pain vanish I love seeing her light come back on and life start to shine through.
Slowly but surely Lady inched her way out of darkness, she would allow herself to trust a little more every day . the first time we saw her smile it was like the first time seeing a sunset. she came to us heartbroken and confused but she learned that she was safe she saw that we cared and she finally allowed herself to let go of that pain let her wall fall and catch her breath.
is life perfect? far from it but for lady life is whole again she was adopted by a couple who fell in love with her the moment they saw her and she fell in love with them just as hard, for a moment she had a new little brother and we got the chance to see a completely different dog. sadly her brother was shot and killed by Windsor Police in the town of Windsor but lady still has her mom and dad they need her as much as she needs they and no matter what anyone who doesn’t know their ass from a hole in the way says we stand by the belief that lady is right where she is meant to be with who she is meant to be with.
