SAN JOSE, CA — Families, advocates, and community members gathered Tuesday night outside San Jose City Hall to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of Lola, a beloved dog who died while in the care of the San Jose Animal Care Center. The event was not only a tribute to Lola but also a call for urgent change at the shelter.
Remembering Lola: A Loss Felt Deeply by Her Family
Lola’s story touched many hearts. The 13-year-old daughter of Lola’s family shared her grief in a quiet, heartfelt message during the vigil.
“Not a lot of words can explain the feeling of losing her, of loving her,” she said. “I love her very much, in my mind, my soul. She’s everything to me — my best friend, my soulmate. I’m very sad, upset that we had to lose her.”
Lola had gotten out of the family’s home and was taken to the shelter, where she tragically passed away under circumstances that advocates believe could have been prevented.
Tragic Circumstances at the Shelter
According to a former employee who spoke to NBC Bay Area, Lola was placed inside a kennel with an IV in her leg and a slip lead — a leash similar to a noose — still around her neck. The leash tightened, restricting Lola’s breathing and ultimately leading to her death.
The employee recounted responding to a medical alarm coming from Lola’s kennel but was unable to save her.
Advocates Demand Accountability and Change
Lola’s death has intensified calls for reform at the San Jose Animal Care Center. Advocates say the incident highlights broader issues at the shelter, including neglect, mismanagement, and unsafe conditions for animals.
A former shelter employee who was recently fired shared photos showing troubling conditions inside the facility, describing cases of neglect and mistreatment.
“There’s definitely things that will break your heart when you work at the shelter,” the former employee said. “There are animals that are neglected constantly, there are animals that are mistreated.”
City Officials Respond Amid Ongoing Investigation
The San Jose Department of Public Works, which oversees the shelter, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare and transparency.
“The city of San José Animal Care Services cares deeply about employees, animals, and the community we serve. Our priority is to provide the highest quality of care and a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them. The city is currently conducting an internal review to better understand what occurred with Lola and are seeking input from an external expert to determine the cause of death. If any wrongdoing is found, there will be accountability.”
Shelter’s Struggles Highlighted in Recent Audit
The tragedy comes just six months after a city audit revealed that the shelter was overcrowded, unsanitary, and failing to prevent the spread of disease among animals. Advocates say the report underscores the urgent need for changes in shelter management and training.
Rebekah Davis-Matthews, co-founder of Sustain Our Shelters, urged city officials to take swift action.
“Changes need to be made at the shelter, particularly in management and the medical director. Employees need better training, especially on how to handle emergencies so animals don’t keep dying,” she said.
Community Support and Next Steps
The candlelight memorial was a powerful reminder of the community’s deep love for animals and their shared desire for a safer shelter.
Families and advocates vow to keep pushing for reforms to ensure no other pets suffer preventable harm.
How You Can Help
Residents who want to support shelter reform or share information about concerns are encouraged to contact San Jose Animal Care Services or local city officials.
The story of Lola and others lost at the shelter is a call to action — for compassion, for accountability, and for change. As the city investigates and the community watches, many hope this tragedy will lead to a safer, more caring future for all animals in San Jose.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
