HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11031998 - SD2 _. ...__. ... ......... ..............
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!SDZ
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contra
FROM: Michael G.Ross,Animal Services Director
Costa
DATE: November 3, 1998 ..:.�.:
County
SUBJECT: Report on Pilot Project to Spay/Neuter Puppies and Kittens
Prior to Adoption
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
Recommendation:
Accept report from the Animal Services Director relative to "Operation Fix". Authorize the Animal
Services Director to continue to work with the Animal Rescue Foundation, Contra Costa Humane
Society, Contra Costa S.P.C.A., Voices for Pets and other animal groups and non-affiliated citizens to
provide for the spay/neuter of shelter animals prior to adoption.
Background:
On April 21, 1998 the Board of Supervisors authorized the Animal Services Director..."to engage in a
pilot project with the Animal Rescue Foundation and/or the Contra Costa Humane Society to provide
for the spaying and neutering of shelter puppies and kittens before their adoption at no cost to the
County."
After discussion with the Animal Rescue Foundation and Contra Costa Humane Society it was
determined that, the initial effort of the project would be to focus on the spay/neuter of cats. The
Animal Rescue Foundation provided the primary resources for the project.
948 cats were spayed/neutered during the six (6) month project only 449 were spayed/neutered during
the same six (6) month period of 1997. Therefore, 499 more cats were spayed/neutered as a result of
this project.
Spaying/neutering is the only viable way to address the animal overpopulation issue. The Humane
Society of the United States estimates that over 420,000 cats can be produced from one female cat and
her offspring in a seven (7) year period. A female dog will produce 67,000 offspring during a seven (7)
year period. The above noted results are ample reason to continue the project.
Fiscal Impact:
This action should be revenue neutral. Reductions in unclaimed spay/neuter deposits should be offset
by decreased euthanasia costs.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: !r YES SIGNATURE'fi7'"
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): �,�,�,,t ,,,
ACTION OF BOARD ON � r !.�q�; / / ! APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
SEE ACL1117(.M ECR BOAM PMCN
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
AYES: NOES: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SHOWN.
Orig.Dept: Animal Services Department (6-2935) ATTESTED
cc: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF T14E BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY DEPUTY
M382(10/88)
ADDENDUM
SD.2
11-3-98
On this date,the Board of Supervisors considered a report from Michael G. Ross,Animal
Services Director, relative to"Operation Fix"a pilot project with the Animal Rescue
Foundation(ARF) and the Contra Costa Humane Society to provide for the
spaying/neutering of shelter puppies and kittens before their adoption at no cost to the
County.
The following persons submitted testimony:
David Stegman, Executive Director, ARF, 2789 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek;
Leroy Moyer, Voices for Pets, P.O. Box 30836, Walnut Creek;
Joseph Partansky, 1406 Barbis Way, Concord;
Sally Morgan-Welch, 289 Holiday Hills Drive, Martinez.
After discussion of the issue,the Board took the following actions:
ACCEPTED the report from the Animal Services Director relative to "Operation Fix";
AUTHORIZED the Animal Services Director to continue to work with the Animal
Rescue Foundation, Contra Costa Humane Society, Contra Costa S.P.C.A., Voices for
Pets and other animal groups and non-affiliated citizens to provide for the'spay/neuter of
shelter animals prior to adoption; DIRECTED that the Animal Services Director report to
the Board on this matter in February 1999.
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S� �-
Animal Services Department Qntra Michael G.Ross
Animal Services Director
4849 Imhoff Place
Martinez,California 94553-4393 Costa L
(510)646-2995 County+
651 Pinols Shores Drive (,,� (JV
Pinole,California 94564-2632
(510)374-3966
Date: October 27, 1998
To: Board of Supervisors
From: Michael G. Ross,Animal Services Director
RE: Operation Fix
Beginning May 1, 1998 the County Animal Services Department and the Animal Rescue
Foundation embarked on "Operation Fix", a six month cooperative effort to spay/neuter all
cats adopted from the County's Animal Shelters.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that one female cat and her offspring can
produce 420,000 cats in seven years. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000
dogs in seven years. From these numbers, it is apparent that controlling the birthrate is the
only viable way to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanizedeach year.
The table below compares the pilot project time frame with the same period in 1997.
1998 5,684 87 948 948 4,649
1997 5,328 76 907 449 4,345
D&.rewe 356 11 41 499 304
It is apparent that more cats were impounded, returned to their owners, adopted and
euthanized during the six months of 1998 covered by the pilot project as compared to the same
period of 1997. However, what is most striking is the increase in the number of animals
spayed/neutered this year compared to the same period of 1997. The long term benefits of this
effort given the reproductive potential noted above will pay dividends for years to come.
(Statistics comparing the six months of the pilot project with the same period of 1997 is
included in this report as attachment#1)
........ ........ . ..... _.... .._. ._....
SD
October 27,1998 Operation Fix 2
Two contentious issues surfaced during the pilot project:
(1) Several individuals expressed concern over the increase in the euthanasia of kittens that
were too young to be spayed/neutered under the program guidelines. Spay neuter is not safe
for kittens that weigh under two pounds. Small kittens have been euthanized at the County's
animal shelters for years. However,there was an initial increase in the number of small kittens
euthanized as a result of the changes brought about because of the pilot project.This issue was
addressed by having ARF extend their foster program to provide an option for people who
wanted to adopt a kitten that was too small to normally be included in the program. Also, we
are instituting our own foster program for these young kittens to give citizens another
alternative if they want to adopt an underweight animal. Because of this effortthe number of
small kittens euthanized in the last month of the project decreased significantly.However,it is
important to keep in mind that the long-tern goal is to reduce the number of animals
euthanized. This goal can be compromised if attention is diverted to short-term efforts to
"save" individual animals at the expense of programs that address the overall problem of pet
overpopulation.
(2) Some animal groups and non-affiliated citizens expressed concern that only ARF was
included to the protect. Two of the goals of the Animal Services Department are to increase
the number of animals that are spayed/neutered and,therefore decrease the number of animals
that are euthanized. ARF made an overture to the County to assist in these goals and were able
to present a viable plan and the resources to cavy it out. The effort and resources that ARF put
into this project are significant. They spent$48,000 of their own money elicited the assistance
of 30 veterinarians, and utilized the services of 50 volunteers totaling 5,160 hours. This does
not include the thousands of hours put in by ARF's foster volunteers. In addition, ARF staff
devoted many extra hours and a large emotional commitment to this project. The input of all
those concerned with the pet overpopulation problem is always welcome. Since the project
began,the input of the Contra Costa Humane Society, S.P.C.A., Voices for Pets and interested
private citizens was obtained in order to further the goal of reducing animal euthanasia
through a viable spay neuter program.
We welcome the input from groups and individuals who can help with the project or who can
offer suggestions for improvement. Progress toward reducing pet overpopulation will depend
on the cooperation of all concerned citizens.
MGRimgr
cc: lel Batchelor
Animal Rescue Foundation
Contra Cosa Hwnane Association
Voices for Pets
Sally Mian-welch
w 11-3-9,P
OPERATION FIX ADOPTION COMPARISON I Attachment# 1
May 97 Total Cats 4 May 98 Total Cats `V May Difference f
BOTH CENTERS z BOTH CENTERS ;, BOTH CENTERS
Y ` << `?M F S NM F S N M F S N
1: e. r
}
5040 0 0 39 46 0 0 ': -11 6 0 0 M r x
2624 a a 36 36 0 a � 10 12 0 0 ,p
rf � ....
10 29 2 4 16 44 5 24 6 1 3 20. e'.
h 86 93 2 4'h , 5 33 3 20
� 91 726 5 24 r �
yr Jun 97 Total Cats } June 98 Total Cats ° June Difference
BOTH CENTERS , 130TH CENTERS ,BOTH CENTERS
r
v
{ M F S N M F S N M F S N �
3,. 29 32 0 0 17 211 0 � �' -12 0
35 28 0 0�x� 36 34 2 0 1 6 2 0 F �
4 13 1 5 �,�� 9 21 6 8y: ' = 5 8 5 3 `s
68 73 1 5 62 76 9 8 -6 3 8 3
IRS
c Nx Jul 97 Total Cats �� {July 98 Total Cats r; July Difference
rx , 2 BOTH CENTERS ) :BOTH CENTERS `BOTH CENTERS is
}'' M F S N M F S N M F S N
1
$ � 22 12 0 0 16 2a 0 0 0 0 ��� p k4
a.' saw " -6
33 19 0 0 �' 46 46 a 0 k 13 27 0 0
' 3 12 0 7 8 23 0 9 >. . `' 5 11 0 2
68 43 6 7 70 89 0 9 �{ � 12 46 0 2 .77
y5
tea ' r �< ;. ifference a
„ �.�,�� �„� Aug 97 Total Cats ��s Aug 98 Total Cats ,� z Augg
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r t ¢,nom F BOTH CENTERS
GYM F S N M F S N M F S N
z
1 17 18 0 0 5 1 0 0 x' -12 -17 0 0 y
43 51 0 0 r 54 41 0 0 7 -10 0 0
5 23 1 12 9 12 2 4 4 h= 4 -11 1 S ,7a
a fist 65 92 1 12 64 64 2 4 1 -38 1 -8
Sept 97 Total Cats Sept 98 Total Cats ,f Sept Difference }
r xM'rax'a t' '.
r BOTH CENTERS BOTH CENTERS d BOTH CENTERS
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9 13 0 4 , 14 20 3 9 5 7 3 51 s
71 68 0 4 64 56 3 11 -17 -13 3 7;
F 4 4 `Oct 97 Total Cats Oct 98 Total Cats f <Oct Difference d
F; xx BOTH CENTERS
BOTH CENTERSuBOTH CENTERS
M F S N M F S NM F S N
}W
22 28 0 C ; 12 16 0 0 ° -10 -12 0 0
36 33 0 0 27 250 2 rt< -9 -8 0 2
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RECEIVED
N10 3 7998
CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CONTRA COSTA CO.
'tw
Once there was a wise old woman who lived in a small village.
The children of the village were puzzled by her—
her wisdom, her gentleness, her strength.
One day several children decided to fool the old woman.
They believed that no one could be as wise as everyone said she was,
and they were determined to prove it.
So the children found a baby bird and one of the little boys cupped
it in his hands and said to his playmates, "We'll ask her whether the
bird I have in my hands is dead or alive. If she says it is dead,
I will open my hands and let it fly away. If she says it's alive,
I'll crush it in my hands and she'll see that it is dead."
And the children went to the old woman and presented
her with this puzzle. "Old woman," the little boy asked,
"this bird in my hands— is it dead or alive?"
The old woman became very still, studied the boy's hands,
and then looked carefully into his eyes.
"It's in your hands," she said.
-Author Unknown
RECEIVEC
.r f
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOV _ 3 W8
DATE: November 3,#998U SUP'>»AV ORS
!MA 29STA CO.
SUBJECT: Alternative ReportlRecornmendation on Pilot Project to
Spay/Neuter Puppies and Kittens
"OPERATION FIX"
SUBMITTED BY: Sally Morgan-Welch
RECOMMENDATION: NOT EXTEND the pilot project to PERMANENT STATUS
as currently configured and implemented;
EXTEND MODIFIED"Operation Fix"for a TRIAL PERIOD of
three months.Authorize a report be made to this Board on the
status of the modified "Operation.Fix"and other options
developed for Board's consideration.
MODIFY current"Operation Fix"to allow other options that
would RESTORE community members ACCESS to the
adoption.process. Thus providing community members with
SEVERAL options rather than only ONE dictated by current
"Operation Fix"criteria.
NOT EXTEND the pilot project to PERMANENT STATUS
to INCLUDE dogs/puppies UNTIL,3 MONTH STATUS REPORT
on cats/ldttens has been reviewed.
AUTHORIZE the development of an Advisory Community Council
on Animal Welfare made up of one 0)representative of each Animal
Rescue/Welfare organization,community independent animal rescue
member(s),representative of the veterinary community,representative
from Animal Services,and member(s)of relevant fields of impact.
BACKGROUND: On April 21,1998 the.Board of Supervisors authorized the Animal Services
Director..."to engage in a pilot project with the Animal Rescue.Foundation
and/or the Contra Costa Humane Society to provide spaying,and neutering
of Shelter puppies and kittens before their adoption at no cast to the County.
After discussion with the Animal Rescue Foundation and Contra Costa
Humane Society,it was determined that the initial effort of the project
be to focus on the spay/neuter of cats. The Animal Rescue Foundation
provided the primary resources for the project.
The development,design and implementation of this pilot project
DID NOT PROVIDE for INPUT from OTHER affected Animal Rescuel
Welfare organizations NOR community members !
Criteria were developed EXCLUSIVELY by the forementioned groups
that impacted and LTMITED/EXCLUDED participation by other
Animal Rescue/Welfare groups. The average Contra Costa citizen
was EXCLUDED from participation in the development/implementation
of"Operation Fix".Ultimately,the average citizen/taxpayer was
denied ACCESS TO ADOPTIONS of young kittens under the
EXCLUSIVELY DETERMINED CRITERIA of"Operation Fix".
Currently,there is still NO MANDATE REQUIRING other organizations
input or the INPUT from affected COMMUNITY MEMBERS. The current
"Operation Fix",despite protestations to the contrary, still
DE FACTO allows only ONE OPTION for community members to
participate in the adoption process.
PROGRAM EVALUATION:
The current pilot project report admits that it is apparent that MORE CATS
were EUTHANIZED DURING the six months of 1998 by covered: BY
"OPERATION FIX' pilot project as compared to the same period of 1997.
Analysis will show that MANY of those EUTHANIZED were"underage"
kittens. Figures show partial explanations for SOME of the euthanasias
but provide NO EXPLANATION for the SIZEABLE l TNIB RS OF
HEALTHY kittens EUTHANIZED REGULARLY during this 'pilot project.
The current pilot project report states that it is apparent that more eats were
adopted during this six months. However,examination of the six months'
statistics indicate that for SOME MONTHS the adoptions increased for
SOME AGE GROUPS. ..BUT for SOME MONTHS, SEVERAL AGE
GROUPS, MOST NOTABLY, YOUNG,UNDERAGE KITTENS the
ADOPTIONS were LOWER under `OPERATION FIX" than in the
! previous six months of the year 1997 ?
That these figure are as high as they are is a tribute to OTHER AIL
RESCUE/WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS and dedicated INDEPENDENT
Animal rescue/welfare citizens that `STEPPED UP TO TETE PLATE„
and fostered,cared for and ultimately placed these kittens through their
Adoption program(s).
Analysis of the figures for adoptions shows that these breakdowns and
TOTALS reflect COMBINED TOTALS for BOTH CENTERS.
NO FIGURES are apparently presented in Attachment A that
reflect the breakdowns and TOTALS for the Martinez Shelter
SOLELY. Such figures would shed light on the ACTUAL ADOPTIONS
from the Martinez Animal Shelter under"Operation Fix".
FISCAL IMPACT: The report indicates that an extension of this Program would be revenue neutral.
Reductions in unclaimed spay/neuter deposits should be offset by decreased
euthanasia costs. Yet the report offers NO CONCRETE FIGURES TO
SUBSTANTIATE THIS CLAIM.
NET IMPACT: NO FIGURES are given on ADOPTIONS DENIED or THEIR IMPACT
October 28,1998
Dear County Supervisor
On November 3,1998,you will be asked to extend to permanent status"Operation
Fix" now currently operating in the County Animal Services.Enclosed you will find
a letter addressed to the ARF Director detailing my concerns regarding the current
design and operation of "Operation Fix".In that letter,I have suggested several
modifications that would meet the shared goal of spaying and neutering of all adoptees,
while providing for a reduction in the number being euthanized. As well,my suggestions
would once again OPEN up the process to ALL county citizens/taxpayers and insure a
more comprehensive approach to the problem of overpopulation. I have summarized
my concerns and suggestions below:
PUBLIC ACCESS TO SERVICES
(1) Under the current design of"Operation Fix", a member of the public who wishes
to adopt a kitten under 2 pounds and not of"spayable/neuterable"age, is DENIED
adoption. The person is told that only recognized Animal Rescue Organizations
can adopt this kitten.The person is given the choice of contacting a participating
Animal Rescue Organization to come to the shelter and pick up the kitten on their
behalf and becoming a"foster"for that organization,or the kitten dies f
The present "Operation Fix",because of the lack of communication with other
Animal Rescue Organizations in setting the criteria age for spaying/neutering-lack
of coordination of foster homes, lack of agreement on terms with the ether
Animal organizations,has DE FACTO become a procuring program for one
Animal Rescue organization almost exclusively.
My concern is that this working relationship is dangerously close to what may
be described as a"sale source contract"because of the narrowly designed
criteria that screens out other Animal Rescue Organizations. 'Those
criteria were designed by the very organization that benefits almost exclusively
from them with no input from the community or other impacted Animal
Rescue\Welfare organizations.
My recommendation to remedy this situation is twofold: develop
an Animal Services Foster Contract that a member of the community could
sign for a very limited time that would allow the community member to
"foster"the underage kitten that they want UNTIL it reaches the 2 pound
limit, at which time they would keep a prearranged appointment to have the
the kitten spayed/neutered through the County Spay&Neuter Clinic or private
veterinarian. This contract and prearranged date would be entered into the computer
and become part of a"tickler file"that volunteers would utilize to monitor and
insure compliance. I believe that with a systematic monitoring, coupled with
a sizeable deposit,stiff financial penalties for lack of compliance,and the impounding
of the animal, compliance would follow swiftly.
The response to this suggestion by the current Animal Services staff' is that they
"did this before and it didn't work". The compliance was 50%they claim.
My response is that they did NOT assign staff to monitor and insure
compliance nor were the deposits sizeable enough to insure compliance.
There were no fines or repercussion for failure to comply. Those more cynical than I
have suggested that it was in the Animal Services' best interest to NOT
"remind"people so that the Department could keep the fees.
I do not subscribe to that notion,as my recent working relationship with the
Animal Services leadership, has up to this point been one of mutual working
through of these problems.
A second suggestion involves the development of an Animal Services
Foster Program.I have provided to Mike Ross of the Martinez Shelter;
a copy of a model Foster Program currently operating under the Marin
Humane Society Animal Services Program. This suggestion was mentioned
in the current report you will be receiving from Mr.Ross.I envisioned
that a system of foster homes be established that would
"foster"those kittens that were still too young to he spayed/neutered.
Once the kittens were old enough to be spayed/neutered,they would then
go to their new homes.
I differed with Mr.Ross on the extent of this Foster Program. I had hoped
that all underage kittens and cats scheduled to be euthanized for lack
of space but were adoptable be sent to"foster homes".While I agree it
would be heartbreaking to have them returned only to be euthanized,I
believe that the time away from a cage and buying of time for that animal
would pay off in the long run. It has been my experience that an animal
may not be adopted within the short time allotted currently at the Shelter
but if space or other arrangements allow,time will eventually provide
a"match"for most animals. In short,given time more animals will be
adopted. It is the TIME unfortunately that they are not able to be given
under the current system.
I have offered my time and efforts to work with Martinez Shelter to
develop and implement these Programs if you so approve.
MUTUAL AID NETWORK
In my letter to ARF Director and my conversations with Animal
Services, I have recommended a system of mutual cooperation and aid ;
be developed with all surrounding Bay Area Animal Services. I had envisioned
the development of a network,probably via computer, where Animal Services
that are experiencing either space problems and/or experiencing openings for
animals could communicate and arrange for the exchange of those animals.
Thus,animals would have a"second chance" for new homes,while releasing
much needed cage space for incoming animals. My understanding is that this
is being done informally already among some Bay Area Animal Shelters.
I am simply asking that Contra Costa County formally initiate discussions
to develop or participate in such a network.I have already been informed
that Marin Humane Society is able to assist on a case by case basis and would
be amenable to monthly inquiries to assess their vacancies. Of course,;there
is no guarantee that any Shelter can take all animals,but the development of
Such a network can help minimize those euthanized in ALL participating
Shelters. The minimizing and hopefully,the future elimination of euthanization
in Contra Costa County is my;Hain goal and purpose in writing to you on this
issue.For this reason,I have offered my services to transport,on Saturdays,animals
that are to be sent to Cather facilities for a"second chance"at a new life.
DIRECTIONS IN ANIMAL SERVICES
It is my understanding that new legislation is mandating by the year 2000
that all Animal Services and Animal Rescue Organizations will spay/neuter
animals prior to adoption. I understand the urgency with Contra Costa Shelters
to begin on a course toward this goal. However,the implementation of any
of my suggestions WOULD NOT PRECLUDE OR CONFLICT with this goal.
While I realize Animal Shelter leadership has to look at the"total picture"
and long range goals,and not individual animals, I do NOT think the two
are mutually exclusive.I also strongly feel that we have an obligation to
care for and place those animals that are HERE NOW, instead of willingly
sacrificing them for the"good"of future animals.Preventing future unwanted
animals while caring for and diligently seeking to place the animals that are
HERE are NOT conflicting goals. However,given the present design and
implementation of"Operation Fix",the rigidity of its operation,exclusivity of
the mandate it now holds through County contract,it makes it IMPOSSIBLE
to develop and implement these or any other alternatives that might further
reduce euthanasias. I find this ironic since the professed goal of ARF and
"Operation Fix"is "ending the tragedy of pet overpopulation"humanely.
My recommendations, if adopted by the Board and implemented,would
simply modify the existing design of"Operation Fix"to be better able
meet those goals of minimizing euthanasia while preventing future
pet overpopulation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I am respectfully requesting that the Board of Supervisors
(1)extend the"Operation Fix'Program for a trial period of three months,
NOT make it permanent.During this period,these suggestions and others
forthcoming from the community could be considered and developed for
the Boards'consideration and approval at the end of the three month trial.
(2) that the current design and operating procedure of"Operation Fix"be
MODIFIED TO ALLOW the other options that I have suggested.
This would mean that citizens seeking to adapt underage kittens would
have several options rather than just one l
(3) the Board consider the development of an Advisory Community Council
on Animal Welfare to be made up of a representative of each Animal
Rescue/Welfare organization,community independent animal rescue/
welfare members,a representative of the veterinary community,representative
from:Animal Services,and member(s)of relevant fields of impact.
I appreciate your time and patience in considering these recommendations.
Respectfully submitted, ,
Sal. Morgan-Welch
. : ......�.�:.. ...
3
RECEIVED S .D�d
NoV _ 3 PJ98 TONTRA COSTA COUNTY
(New Owner Last Name,First Name) LNIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Date/AH Form Number
"OPERATION FIX"NEW OWNER AGREEMENT
+ The Contra Costa County Animal Services Department (ASD) has teamed up with the Animal Rescue
Foundation (ARF) under,a new pilot program called "Operation Fix". Ourjoint goal under this program
is to reduce the number of unwanted cats bom each year. A portion of the fees you paid to adopt this cat
are designated for spaying or neutering. This amount usually doesnot cover the full cost of spaying and
neutering at a private veterinarian. In the past, new owners paid to the veterinarian the amount of the
difference between the spay/neuter deposit paid at the time of adoption and the actual cost of the surgery.
Under `Operation Fix" these extra fees are being paid for you!
+ Your cat will be transported by ARF to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered. The Animal Rescue
Foundation (ARF) will notify you of the time and location for you to pick up your cat. For questions
regarding the status and/or pickup of your cat after sure please call ARF Adoption Manager, Carl
Rodman, at(925) 256-1273 ext. 361.
+ Cats adopted Monday through Thursday will ordinarily be scheduled for surgery on the day following
adoption and will usually be released to the new owner that same day following surgery. Cats adopted
on Friday will normally be scheduled for surgery on the following Monday and will usually be released
to the new owner that same day following surgery. Cats adopted on Saturday will usually be scheduled
for surgery the following Tuesday and will usually be ready for the new owner to pickup that same day
following surgery. Questions regarding aftercare will be answered at the veterinarian's office. When
you pick up your cat, the veterinarian will provide you with a dated certificate verifying that your cat has
been spayed or neutered.
+ Cats not picked up may be considered abandoned under the law (see reverse for copy of California Civil
Code Section 1834.5). You must pick up your cat at the time and location given to you. If you are
unable to do so you must make arrangements with the veterinarian. Any additional char es or extended
care are your responsibility.
FREE.HEALTH CHECK' ti f
i
Your new owner packet includes a list of veterinarians within Contra Costa County wlv have a eeii.t
gr
provide a free health exam for your new pet Y.ou, ill_have three:.days'(7 hours),. Sundays arid'holidays_
excluded, from the DATE OF SPAY/NEUTER`SURGERY to takeyour'cat.to one 4f these veterinarians�fa�
...
the'free: health check. If the:veterinarian who performed the surgery is listed on: this. lists you may tnaf€e
arrangements with that veterinarian to provide'the free Health check. If the veterinarian who performed the
surgery is not listed on the sheet-, then you gill'need'to..take your cat to a listed veterinarian,within the 72?
hours for.the free health check;please cali..for an appointment first. Each.participating vetertnar an,provtdes,.
the exam-FREE. OF CHARGE.; HOWrEVER; THE COST OF ANY V'ACCINATIONS�MEDICATIC
TREATMENTS OR SUPPLIES WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
01
If'your eat is found to be sick you:may choose-AT THAT TIMEto return the-catto the 'Animal ServsGes
Department for a refund or exchange. IF YOUCHOOSE TO RETURN THE CAT, YO:U MUSt '
THE VETERINARIAN STATE THE PROBLEM AND SIGN AND DATE THE YELLOW'C4PY"C
THE ANIMAL HISTORY FORNYI.. IN. ORDEP TO APPLY FOR.. A. FULL. REFUND OR
EXCHANGE, YOU MUST RETURN -THE CAT WITH ALL OF YOUR` ,PAPER'VVCIRI
(INCLUDING-YOUR PROOF OF SPAYINEUTER CERTICATE) WITHIN 01'HOURS AF"I'ER"
THE FREE EXAM. IF YOU ELECT TO PROVIDE ANY TREATMENT FOR THE'CAT, 'r#W
AND ALL COSTS INCURRED ARE YOUR. RESPONSIBILITY.
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RECEIVED
O TRA COSTA COUNTY HUMAN POPULATION
!OV r 3 1972 557,500
1997 879.20.
Bf3 a QF O RS
COSTA CO. INCREASE. 321,700
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ANIMALS KILLED BY COUNTY AT
TAXPAYERS EXPENSE
1972 46,000
1997 11 00
DECREASE: 35,000
As the above numbers show, we have been moving in the right direction over
the years» CONTRA COSTA COUNTY is fortunate to have many grassroots
animal organizations and individuals. It is neither necessary nor productive for one
organization to dominate. By respecting and valuing each other,and working
together as equal partners,we can better achieve our common goal to stop the killing
of homeless pets.
Leroy Moyer -Director
VOICES FOR PETS
(925)685.5388
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