Kern County helps ‘Clear the Shelters’ at Bakersfield Animal Care Center

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Clear the Shelters 2024 is celebrating a decade of saving lives.

Community members gathered Saturday at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center to save the life of every animal possible and to honor Matt Nelson, who lived a life dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia.

Some were abused. Some were left for dead. All were abandoned. But, there is hope. Volunteers, fosters, and your neighbors gathered at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center to save lives, and it’s working.

Every summer there’s an explosion in the puppy population adding to Kern’s dog crisis.

“We are in a situation where we have to euthanize for space,” said Joshua Procter, with BACC. “So, this is our way to keep dogs off our euthanasia list.”

Bully breeds like pit bulls have the toughest time getting adopted, but not Saturday.

“We had rescued an older pitbull about 8 years ago, and she just recently passed away,” said Kristy. “Her name was big momma and we’re looking to get a new big momma.”

Rachel Morales and her daughter, Daisy, are out chihuahua hunting to help heal a broken heart.

“We lost one of our 2 dogs a year ago and our other dog has not just been the same since then.” said Morales. “We’re trying to find a dog for our dog.”

All adoption fees were waived. Every animal is spayed or neutered, chipped, and vaccinated.

There are no excuses because every single dog’s and cat’s life matters.

Matt Nelson dedicated his life to saving them.

“He had a love and desire to help animals,” said Ron Fraze, the father of Matt. “It showed everyday.”

The animal shelter dedicated a no kill week in honor of Nelson. He died in August from complications with covid. His father wants his legacy to live on through others.

“It’s a shame that it has to happen in this situation, but we’re very proud of him and he was very proud of the work that he did,” said Froze. “He was very well liked out here and they’re gonna miss him…we’re gonna miss him.”

Clear the Shelters comes once a year, but you don’t have to wait. Call the Bakersfield Animal Care at 661-832-7387.

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