San Bernardino County has roped in a veteran animal welfare expert to take the lead as its new Animal Care chief. George Harding IV, bringing over three decades of experience to the table, is set to champion the county's critter care.
Harding, who hails from Missouri, has been passionate about animals since his youth, and he's leveraged that passion into a lifelong vocation. "From as far back as I can remember, animals have held a special place in my heart, particularly those we call our pets,” Harding said. His work has spanned from hands-on animal control to executive-level advocacy and strategic planning.
With a bachelor's degree in conservation enforcement under his belt, Harding has served in various leadership roles including a stint as the executive director of the National Animal Care and Control Association. According to a San Bernardino County announcement, he's also been a board member of the Missouri Animal Control Association and was appointed by the Missouri Governor to the state's Spay/Neuter Fund Board.
Harding's tenure in Antioch, California, as the animal services manager paved his way to San Bernardino County. He's slated to steer a crucial $45 million project—a new Animal Care Center slated for completion in early 2026. Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe commented on Harding's expertise, saying, "George is an accomplished leader who brings a wealth of experience to this critical position."
As Harding sets his sights on San Bernardino’s animal welfare, the new chief aims to transform the county's operations and improve life for both shelter animals and residents. "I want to help move San Bernardino County Animal Care forward in becoming a model agency for others to follow in how we care for the animals in our shelters and enforce the animal welfare laws in our county," he told San Bernardino County. For more info on the county’s animal services or to contribute to the cause, the county encourages a visit to their website.
