Brittani Peterson, the social media manager for Sacramento County Animal Care Services, takes photos of Freckles at the Bradshaw Animal Shelter in Sacramento County on Monday, Nov. 24. The county on Thursday announced a $360,000 donation from the estate of animal lover Robert W. Steger, who died in August.
RENÉE C. BYER
rbyer@sacbee.com
Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter recently accepted a nearly $360,000 donation from the estate of a local animal lover.
Robert W. Steger, who died in August, left $359,823 to the animal shelter. The county said in a news release Thursday that officials authorized the full amount to be dedicated to Sacramento County Animal Care Services, per Steger’s request.
“His contribution is truly a testament to his kindness and unwavering support for our mission,” Annette Bedsworth, the county’s director of animal care services, said in a prepared statement.
“Because of Mr. Steger’s belief in giving animals a second chance, we will be able to expand programs like our MASH clinics and provide more spay and neuter services to Sacramento County residents.”
MASH stands for the county’s Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospital program. The donation “will help reduce unwanted litters, ease shelter overcrowding, and keep more pets healthy and at home,” county officials wrote Thursday.
Bradshaw Animal Shelter, at 3839 Bradshaw Road in the Rosemont area, is the only shelter operated by Sacramento County. It frequently reports overcrowding and at various points in recent years has waived adoption fees or introduced other programs to incentivize adoptions or fostering.
The county Board of Supervisors formally approved the donation Feb. 24.
“Robert W. Steger was a cat and dog lover and generous person and wanted to have a positive impact with animals,” the approved resolution read, in part. “Animal Care Services thanks Robert W. Steger for his generosity.”
Related Stories from Sacramento Bee
The Sacramento Bee
Michael McGough is a sports and local editor for The Sacramento Bee. He previously covered breaking news and COVID-19 for The Bee, which he joined in 2016. He is a Sacramento native and graduate of Sacramento State.