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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04211998 - D11 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CAUWORNIA .Adopted this Order on April 21, 1998, by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Uilkema, Gerber, Canciamilla , DeSaulnier and Rogers NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SUBJECT: Animal Services Department 1998 Performance Report. IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the Animal Services Department 1998 departmental performance report is ACCEPTED. I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: 001 Phil Batchelor, Clerk of the Board of Supervis and County Administrator By June L. McHuen, Deputy Clerk REQUEST TO SPEAK YORK � (THREE {3) KINUTs LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. t 1 �5 Name: Phone Address: I am speaking for myself or organization; Pet S (now of organization) CHECK O I wish to speak on Agenda Item # Mate: My comments will be: general for against r I wish to sgeak on the subject of _.� i IVLA `'? . I do .not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to; consider. .til CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ANIMAL. SERVICES DEPARTMENT 8 KrA"' R M, KEPOR MICHAEL G. ROSS ANIMAL SERVICES DIRECTOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ANIMAL. SERVICES DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OvERVIEW 1 DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES 1 HISTORY 1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Z RESOURCES 3 FINANCIAL RESOURCES 3 PERSONNEL RESOURCES 4 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 4 SICK LEAVE 4 STAFF DEVELOPMENT 5 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS 5 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 5 AUTOMATION 5 CUSTOMER SERVICES 6 SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM 6 SERVICE PROGRAMS 6 SERVICE MANDATES 6 CUSTOMER PROFILE 10 CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS 10 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE 11 WORKLOAD INDICATORS 11 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 11 REVENUE INDICATORS 11 COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENCIES 1$96»1997 1 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 13 DOING MORE WITH LESS 13 HUMANE EDUCATION SCHOOLS PROGRAM 1155 AWARDS 17 FACILITIES 17 CHALLENGES AMIE}NEwy DmcCTIONs 17 CHALLENGES 17 FACILITIES 17 Cs nowTH 17 NEW DIRECTIONS 18 L.EMRS Of CoMMENDATtON 19 SCHOOL PROOKAM COMMENTS 20 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ANIMAL. SERVICES DEPARTMENT 1998 PERFORMANCE REPORT" DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW ------------ DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES HISTORY Prier to 1979, the animal control functions of the County were performed by the Animal Control Division of the Department of Agriculture. The Animal Services Department was created by Ordinance 79-17 and began operations as a separated Department on April 1, 1979. Can December 23, 1980, the Board of Supervisors adopted the revised County Animal Control Ordinance. This Ordinance sets forth the legal authority for the Department's operations and defines the scope of those operations. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES M To protect the citizens of Contra Costa County from animal related disease and injury. • To encourage responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals. • To enforce State laws and County ordinances relating to animal central and welfare. • To minimize animal suffering. • To provide a safe and fulfilling work environment. + To reduce the number of animals that are euthanized by the County. ANIMAL SERv#CE8 DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT Z • To maximize the number of licensed dogs in the County. • To educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership. • To provide a high level of humane care for animals in our custody. • To recognize that the public is the reason for our work, not an _ interruption to it. • To encourage employee achievement and productivity. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The Animal Services Department is divided into two major functional divisions; Operations and Administration. We Ron sue UrAWW"d It"Robwftw Votunterer caors natwr Humane Education Coprdwor Humane Education vera Vak 'fed t3r&oW sue 13oftoo 0"X4 Lector AdmkdrrA***$or oee Oftor S#4etter t peratkrFWd t rr ione cteria,l S;W FW*Wer&m SP The Operations Division is managed by Deputy Director, Ted Brasier. This division is responsible for all field and shelter activities, vehicles and safety. The Administrative Division is managed by Administrative Officer, Sue Beadle. This division is responsible for; providing clerical support for the Operations Division, managing the Department's budgeting, personnel, affirmative action, animal licensing, ................. ...... ....... ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 3 spay/neuter, records retention, facility's management, and data processing programs. In addition to paid staff, the Department has an active volunteer program involving more than 90 citizens who assist the Department with lost and found pets, adoption counseling and spay/neuter appointments. The Department also has a close working relationship with several animal groups. These community-based organizations are primarily concerned with reducing the number of animals that must be euthanized. We share a common goal and work with these organizations on adoptions, spay/neuter promotions and educational programs. RESOURCES FINANCIAL RESOURCES 1997-1998 Budget Expenditures Salaries and Benefits 3 000 Services and Supplies $450,000 Leases 81100 Fixed Assets $18,764 Total Expenditures $3,808,64 Animal Licenses $1,250,000 C!!y Contracts $11,087,025 Fines And Fees $500,000 Sure ry, Fees $110,000 Animal Ado ption Fees $27,000_ Miscellaneous $600 Taftl Revenue $2974 625 Not Coup!y Cost $834A9 ANIMAL 5ERvicE8 DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 4 PERSONNEL RESOURCE Class Allocated • ositions Director I DeputyDepu!y Director 1 Administrative Officer 1 Executive ;secreta 1 Animal Clinic Veterinarian 2 Animal Services Lieutenant 5 Animal Services Officer 24 Senior Animal Center Tech. 2 Animal Center Technician 5 Office Manager 1 Clerical Supervisor I Senior Clerk Lead Specialist 4 Senior Clerk 10 Experienced Level Clerk 6 Animal Health Technician 2 T+tt 68 Staffing has remained constant over the last five years while service demands have increased. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Currently, the Department has allocated 66 permanent, funded positions. Of these 65 positions, 62 are filled. Of these 62 employees, 14 are minorities and 35 are female. The Department meets or exceeds parity for all ethnic groups except Asian and Hispanic. One employee needs to be hired in each of these categories for the Department to be at parity for all ethnic groups. The Department is committed to continuing our affirmative action efforts. We will continue to work closely with the Human Resources Department and Affirmative Action Division of the County Administrator's Office to ensure that the Department's workforce is a reflection of our diverse community. SICK LEAVE Sick leave usage is reviewed for each employee on a monthly basis. Employees who experience excessive usage are counseled and monitored. Usage for 1997 was 65%o of accruals. This compares with usage of 77% for calendar year 1996. ..................... .............. ............... ANIMAL SERvicEs DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 5 STAFF DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS All staff in the Department are evaluated on an annual basis using occupational-specific performance factors. Evaluation results are reviewed with the employee by his or her supervisor. The division manager and the Department head must sign off on the evaluation. The employee is afforded an opportunity to discuss his or her evaluation with the division manager and/or the Department head. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Training sessions involving the entire staff are held on a monthly basis. Job-related topics are covered for all occupational groups. Staff members are encouraged to utilize the Training Institute for additional training that they feel will be of benefit to their professional development. AUTOMATION The Department is currently installing a local area network to replace its obsolete IBM AS400 computer system. The system will consist of 41 personal computers linked to each other through the departments local server. The network will also be linked to the County's wide area network providing access to the County mainframe computer, County electronic mail, and other County systems. The Departments mainframe-based, computerized animal licensing and tracking system is being replaced with a new, local area network based animal services system that will automate the majority of the Departments operations while meeting year-2000 system requirements. This system integrates field services, kennel management, licensing, billing and record retention into one package. It will bring needed efficiencies to the Departments operations by reducing the amount of paper that must be processed and retained. We expect to pay for the system through reduced Information Technology charges. The Department was the first to install an optical disc filing system to allow us to more efficiently manage and retrieve the tens of thousands of records we must handle each year. AN#MAL SERmcEs DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 6 _ CUSTOMER SERVICES SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM SERVICE PROGRAMS Service is provided primarily in each of four major program areas. These programs are: field services, shelter services, animal licensing and the spay/neuter/vaccination clinic. Some of these services overlap depending on the situation. For example, a person may report a dog bite to our clerical staff at one of the animal shelters. An Animal Services Officer would be dispatched to the sceneof the bite to impound the Kiting animal. The animal might be impounded at the owner's home or Draught into the animal shelter. When the person comes into the shelter to reclaim the dog, they may have to purchase a dog license as well as pay impound and quarantine fees. SERVICE MANDATES Rabies Control Mate law requires counties that are declared rabies endemic areas to: • Investigate animal bites • Quarantine biting animals • Maintain a pound system • Operate a dog licensing program • Conduct low-cost rabies vaccination clinics California Code of Regulations 2606 Health and Safety Code 121690 Euthanasia Sick, old and unwanted' and or unclaimed animals are humanely euthanized by injection. Food and !l rii ulture Code 31106 ANtmAL SERv10ES€EPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 7" Leash Law Enforcement Dogs must be kept on a.leash when not on the property of their owner. Owners in violation are either tissued a court citation or the animal is impounded. Food and Agriculture Code 31105 Log Licensing The State Health and Safety Cede requires the licensing of dogs in rabies endemic areas. The State Agriculture Cade also requires dog 1icensing. The Department uses a computerized system to identify owners who have vaccinated their dogs against rabies but who have not obtained a license. Follow-up is done by Animal Services Officers who issue court citations to owners in violation. California Code of Regulations 2505 Health and Safety Code 121690 Cruelty to Animals Cruelty to animals is a violation of the State Penal Cole. Deports of cruelty are investigated by Animal Services Officers. Officers testify` in court if the investigation substantiates the allegation and criminal charges are brought. Domestic animals that are sick or injured must be treated by a veterinarian. The County becomes liable for these charges if an owner cannot be located. Penal Code 597 ANIMAL SERV#CES DEPARTMENT PE ORMANCE REPORT 8 DISCRETIONARY PROGRAMS Dangerous Animal Investigation Repeated biting incidents or citizen complaints relative to egressive dogs are investigated by Animal Services Lieutenants. Owners charged with possession of a dangerous animal are allowed to challenge this assertion at a public hearing conducted by the Department's bearing Officer. Barking Dog Complaints The department investigates complaints of barking dogs and works with the District Attorney to alleviate these problems, Lead Animal Pick-up Dead animals pose a healthrisk. The department receives requests to puck up dead animals and Animal Services Officers perform this function as a part of their regular patrol duties. Police Search Warrant Assistance Drug dealers often protect their property with aggressive and potentially dangerous dogs and other animals. The department assists various police- agencies by subduing these animals when a warrant is served. Adoption Animals are sold to citizens desiring a pet. Spay/Neuter Vaccination Clinic This self-supporting program provides low-cost spay/neuter services to the public and has in part been responsible` for the decrease in the number of dogs and cats euthanized by the County. (From over 45,000 in 1971 to 10,587 in 1997. A reduction of 77%) AmMAL.SEwcEs DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 9 Education Program "Safety Around Animals" and humane education programs have been given to over 100,000 school children, the Past Office, PG&E, and numerous service clubs. The safety program has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of dog bites, particularly to children. (From 1,721 dog bites in 1980 to 1246 dog bites in 1997. A. reduction of 28%) Lost And Found Persons who have lost a pet and those who have found an animal can use the Departments services to reunite animals with owners. Volunteers Over 94 citizens concerned with animal welfare issues volunteer their services to assist with the lost and found program, animal adoptions, animal exercise, and in scheduling appointments at the spaylneuter clinic. Citizen Requests For Service Animals create many problems for citizens living in an urban and suburban environment. Calls include. * Animal rescue * Loose exotic animals » large snakes » alligators, lizards » lions, and other large cats kept as pets * Wild Animal Complaints » skunks » deer » raccoons » rattlesnakes * Female in season * Loose livestock ANIMAL'SERVICEs DePARTMENT PERFoRMANCE RePORT 10 CUSTOMER PROFILE The Animal Services Department provides service to the entire County with the exception of the City of Antioch. Our customer base is therefore over 800,000 people. Citizens from every socioeconomic, ethnic background and occupation have at one time or another contact with our staff. Last year we responded to over 65,000 requests for field service. Can a typical day our main office clerical staff will handle 400 to 500 phone calls and over 100 walk-in customers. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS The relationship between our Department and the public we serve is diverse. We provide many services to the community. Some of these services require that we enforce State and County laws relative to animal control issues. A person who receives a citation for not licensing their dog will not be as happy with us as a person who has just been reunited with a lost pet or who has adopted the perfect puppy or kitten. Cour staff is trained to do a difficult job with what could best be described as assertive compassion. Our personnel are (courteous and thoughtful in 'their dealings with the citizens of the County. We emphasize goad customer relations with all of our staff. We have no survey data to share with the Board in this regard. However, I receive far more complimentary letters than I do complaints about our service. Some examples of recently received letters are attached. ANIMAL SER\ACES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 71 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE 31995-1996 1996-1997 WORKLOAD Dog Sites 1,141 1,253 1,266 Dogs Quarantined 1,034 1,199 1,145 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 PERFORMANCE 1 Field ActivT s Per t�il�e�r 3,998 4,52T 4;093' Citations issued'Per Officer 327 3119 314 Animals Impounded Per Officer 1,181 1,374 1,314 Animate Licenses issued 43,258 41,282 44,147 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 REVENUE INDICATORS Animal Licensing Revenue $913,349 $918,595 $972,127 Total Revenue $2,541,426 $2,589,313 $2,587,474 ANIMAL SERvicES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 12 COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENCIES 1996-19971 PER CAPITA REVENUE $4.00 n ®CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 0 LOS ANGELES COUNTY $2 50 C1 SAN 01EG0 COUNTY $2.00 -1 VENTURA COUNTY � 1 $1.5fl :z r ? ■KERN COUNTY s.._..... A •LOS ANGELES CITY $1.00 x INISACRAMENTO CITY $0-50 - 0 0 500 SAN FRANCISCO'' PERCENTAGE OF DOGS EUTHANIZED 90% 7-77 777777777=777777=' 80% 70% - '' 60% ®CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 550% ®VENTURAC©LINTY 40°la SAN DIEGO COUNTY 30°foBLOS ANGELES CITY 20°la } C]LOS ANGELES COUNTY 3 1 ■SACRAMENTO CITY 1 0% r . 0 KERN COUNTY PER CAPITA DOG LICENSES 0.06 0.05 F, x ®CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 0.04 :# 0 KERN COUNTY 0.03 } , ■LOS ANGELES CITY 0.02 ■SAN DIEGO COUNTY 0.01 ���� _� 8SACRAMENTO CITY M5AN FRANCiSC0 ANIMAL SERmcF-s Dr=PARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 13 ACCOMPLISHMENTS DOING MORE WITH LESS Since 1981-82 the Department has reduced its dependence on the County General Fund while experiencing an increase in population served of 27%. In 1981.82 it took $1.63 per capita in General Fund revenue to provide animal control services to the citizens of the County. In 1997-98 it cast $1.22 in General Fund revenue to provide a higher level of service to those citizens. This is a reduction of 25%. From 1981 to 1997 the consumer price index rase over 72%. r ,' rrrw r 1881-1882 Budget $11j686,840 +ems fi • 77 0 h ��J 0 Revenue 8 Not Coup{ Cast r s a s s F 7-1' 88Udgt t ------------ $ d r. k a 'd Revenue ` Net County Cast } .......................- ............................... 4. ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPoFa 14 CREDIT CARDS We have recently completed implementation of a credit card payment system for licenses and other fees. We expect that making available the option of credit payment will reduce the billing required and result in fewer bad debts. STAFFING We have worked with our employees and their union representatives to develop and implement a 9/80 schedule for most of our clerical staff. This has led to better staff utilization, reduced overtime, better telephone and public counter coverage, and improved morale among the employees. '1/V'e have formalized a 'volunteer Coordinator position to provide needed stabilization for the volunteer program. With over 90 volunteers donating over 7300 hours (almost 4 full time equivalent positions) in varied activities, it has become critical to track their time and activities and deploy them as efficiently and effectively as passible. We have developed job specific screening criteria for new Animal Services Officers which includes expanded job-related written and reactive testing, physical capacity testing and psychological screening prior to permanent employment. The development of the criteria involved field personnel in the development of performance criteria which were then used as the basis for the 'enhanced screening process. LICENSING The department provided a licensing amnesty program which encouraged citizens to license their dogs without paying the penalties ordinarily associated with non-timely licensing. This program increased licensing compliance substantially and Increased the licensing revenue by slightly more than $41,000. AUTOMATION The department has purchased and installed over twenty five new computers and is in the process of installing and connecting all the computers together in a local area network. This should reduce ANMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 15 the Clerical personnel Costs and improve the overall efficiency of the department. FACILITIES We have nearly Completed the remodeling of the Martinez Animal Shelter front office, making it more easily accessible to persons with disabilities and increasing worker efficiency and employee morale as well. The department has worked with the City of Pinole and the Pinole Redevelopment Agency to secure funding for the removal of the unsightly smokestack from the Pinole Animal Shelter location. The actual removal of the smokestack was completed on March 29,1998. ANIMAL. CARE We have initiated a program to vaccinate all adopted dogs against rabies before they leave our Shelters with no added cost to the County. We have initiated a program to vaccinate all dogs brought into the Shelters against "kennel cough" thus increasing the number of desirable animals available for adoption and reducing the number of animals that have had to be euthanized because of illness. 'iltie have established animal exercise areas at bath of the Shelters, allowing the volunteers to work with the animals to provide them exercise and socialization, thus making the animals more adoptable. We have made arrangements with a professional groomer to provide animal grooming training to volunteers so they can groom the dogs prim-to adoption at no Cost to the County. HUMANE EDUCATION ADOPT A TEACHER PROGRAM The Adapt-A-Teacher Program, run by the Contra Costa County Animal Services Department, helps students to team kindness and compassion toward animals, the environment, and people. ANIMAL SeRmcn DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 16 Through this program, classrooms receive a bundle of 32 newspapers (KIND NEWS) for students each month. The teacher receives a teaching guide to accompany each issue, and also receives a 60-page teaching guide, pasters, and Kind Club cards at the ginning of the school year, The cast for this program is $20.00 per classroom, and;is paid for by the "adopter" or "sponsor" of the classroom. The Animal Services Department finds sponsors for this program, and then matches the sponsor with a classroom in Contra Costa County. The classroom is notified that they have been "adopted" and are given the name of their sponsor so they can write thank you letters if they would like to do so. The newspapers have information on domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and each issue also contains an anti-drug message. The newspapers are printed by NAHEE (National Association for Humane and Environmental Education), which is the educational division of the Humane Society of the United States. This partnership program has been very successful, and KIND NE1t1ltS has won numerous awards, including the Partnerships in Education Journal Award of Merit, 1990, APEX `92 and '93i Award of Excellence, and The National Environmental Awards Council Certificate of Environmental Achievement. The Animal Services Department has adopted over 200 classrooms through this program, and we hope to add more classrooms to our list each year. SCHOOLS PROGRAM We have continued our program of sending staff and volunteers to schools throughout the county to provide humane education and safety around animals instruction. In 1997,' presentations were given in nearly 60 classrooms at 18 different schools throughout the County. Additional presentations were given at libraries and for other civic groups. Attached are teacher and student feedback relative to this well received program. ANIMAL SERWOES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 17 AWARDS ExceptionalE&ceptional Humane Education Outreach Award. Issued by The National Association For Humane And Environmental Education Certificate of Carnq. Issued by The National Association For The Advancement of Humane Education, A division of The Humane Society Of The United States, in recognition of the Department's Adopt-a-Teacher Program FACI'LITI'ES In 1997, after adding 500 square feet of much needed office space to the Martinez Animal Control Center, we worked on remodeling the front office to provide a safe and comfortable workspace for our employees which meets Americans With Disabilities Act standards. This remodeling will be completed within the next few months. Our thanks to the County Administrator's Office and General Services for their support and assistance on this project. CHALLENGES A id NEW DIRECTIONS CHALLENGE FACILITIES The main parts of our animal control centers were constructed in the late 1940's and early 1950's. These buildings do not meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards or the current needs of the citizens of the County, and are a source of low morale for our staff, We are working with the County Administrator's Office on the feasibility of replacing our Martinez facility. GROWTH The County is growing rapidly in the eastern and southern sectors. In order to provide a reasonable level of service, satellite animal control centers should be built in these areas if we are to provide efficient service to these locations in the next century. ANIMAL SER\AcE5 DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 18 We will continue to work with the County Administrator's Office to plan for these challenges. NEW DIRECTIONS SPAM/NEUTER OF ANIMALS PRIOR TO ADOPTION There is public interest in the concept of spay/neuter of all shelter animals prior to their adoption, rather than the current approach of allowing individuals to procure spaying/neutering for their new animals after theiradoption. We have been working with the Animal Rescue Foundation and the Centra Costa Humane Society to explore the possibility of different approaches to spaying/neutering our animals prior to adoption. A current study is underway to assess the feasibility, logistics, and costs of modifying our approach to spay/neuter. Some of the major considerations in this area are: ♦ the spay/neuter clinic facility's capacity for a Limited number of animals, the increased staff needed to spay/neuter approximately twice as many animals as are currently handled by the clinic, f the alternative of contracting out some of the spay/neuter work, ♦ animal surgical aftercare performed by County staff or contract veterinary staff rather than by the animals' neve owners, and * the probable need to perform surgical procedures on animals at a much younger age in order to spay/neuter puppies and Mittens _ before their adoption. While these considerations would require policy decisions, approvals, funding and operational changes prior to implementation, they would increase the spay/neuter rate for animals adopted from the County's Shelters and thereby reduce the number of unwanted animals produced in the community. ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 19 LETTERS of COMMENDATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25. 3999 'MES T'H'E TI Richmond 'wanks caring people - On Valentine's weekend,I lost the love of my life. Homer, my 18-year-old German shepherd mix dog,who has been my companion since he was S weeks old, - became disoriented and could not find his way back to the front door of the home where we were visiting. Robin Fink, the young lady at whose home I was staying, and I searched for hours in the driving=4 hoping Homer had not made it to Sad Pablo Dam Road. When we checked the answering machine we found he had been picked up and transported to the Pinole Animal Shelter. Homer had been on Sart Pablo Dam Road, a terrible place for a nearly blind dog who is hard of hear= ing and can barely move. But an un- named jogger spent an hour tracking and befriending him so that he did; not get hit on that busy thoroughfare.' Pinole Animal Protection Officer Nicole Baptist was summoned to transport him to safety. Without the assistance of Robin Fink and Pinole Animal Shelter employees, Dan' Rogers and Baptist --and most es- pecially that unnamed jogger my beloved dog would have been per. manently and prematurely lo=st. In stead, we received a real Valentine when he was safely returned to me and to his lifelong home in Marin. West County deserves special thanks for its caring people and effi- cient animal protection program. Ilene L. Dillon _. Fairfax A3, "ft Y*Ncowr4m ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER Michael Hays and a M oraga squad car herd a roaming buffalo horns. Orha&: A hams where uffilo roam By Larry Spears year-old woman often feeds the an- worked In a Martinez liquor stare TOM TrAn WW= imal vegetables over the fence., until four years ago. He joined Ansi- ORINVA--A full-grown Ameri- Groen grabbed a rope and fol. mal Services pause he had always can buffalo rowed free Thursday lowed.pWuung to lasso her end leadwanted to be in law enforcement.or down a street of this wild"dam her back to her pan,"it's the Aussie something close to it. on the mountainous west central in me," said Gruen. The buffalo Heswtm rhe#naso over his head frontier of Contra Costa County, &hook her head at her.feeling threat- and yelled yaaaaaah.Hyaaaaaah:" where an alllgatorlike caiman was erred.Gruen screamed,turned to rxn" "i guess I learned that watching captured wx days ago" tripped and scraped her leg.The buf. westerns."he said later: Orinda Police Aide Chris Saun. falo strolled on. The buffalo seemed to understand dens,who corralled the escaped pet laza Pedersen,a Dane visiting at the rue:She headed home. calrnan Iasi week,arrved first as the another house.tried to herd the Exist "Hyaaaaaahl Hyaaaaaltl" Mays 1.200- ound beast ambled along with a car" He turned her aground yelled. The buffalo stopped and Donald Drive.1 could handle a 21/2- once, but the buffalo changed her munched on a dry weed. "Are you foot reptile.but I'm not going near mind and headed east again. getting tired?" Hays asked her,al- a bufWA'Saunders said. The buffalo walked placidly for most sweetly""The buffalo swung her The 29-year•old cow pushed about a third of a mile, along the }reed around.doing a passable Iml. through a gate and off the 110-acre opera ridge onto the highest reaches tation of a ftza7y J&wheel truck.Hays hillside spread of its owners. Nor- of Orinda Oak Park. past the signs backed away.'I guess we'll let it eat than and Janet Puse,who were not that said wildlife was protected by for a while." The buffalo started home at the time. law and dogs must be leashed, again,walked ever so complacently It became an international inci- Finally. Animal Services Off cer back to her pen, "It's a strange but dent as Australian Kate Groen"an au Michael Hays drove up in his truck. tuts job." Hays said later. 'I've had pair living-it a neighboring house. pulled out a short lasso and ap- ars otter in Crockett, a beaver in saw the animal amble past.The 21• proached the buffalo. Hays. 32. Rodeo. Nothing like this. October 31, 1997 •--w----- ( ' T15Vk3 e County of Contra Costa NOVI 21997 Animal Services Department Central County Center :,. w z.,a A, <t 4949 Imhoff Place ..._ ,�< yr�3La~ ;s,t!s t Martinez,CA 94553 Subject: Response to Call on October 31, 1997 Director of Animal Services: This letter is to inform you of the excellent service we received tonight. Within about an hour of my call to your dispatcher,NI"ike Russell arrived and removed two dead deer from my neighbor's yard. While waiting for my elderly neighbor to unlock her yard!gate to gain access to the animals, one of my other neighbors walked by with their inquisitive five year - old. I was concerned that the little girl would be upset to learn of the dead deer, but Mr. Russell distracted her by giving the little girl her first candy treat of the night;on her way to Trick or Treating. Mr. Russell draggedthe burger of the two deer more than 1€14 feet through the overgrown yard to his truck. He theft retcirned to carry the fawn the same distance., All this with a - snide and a great attitude,then off to another call. It is race to know that this kind of service is still possible in these busy times: Kudos to Mr. Russell and the departments Thanks far being there. Sincerely, Gregory P. Mailho 321 Cordell Drive Danville,CA 94525 cc: 04ike Russell y. .s r DAN"SINSIMA FROM LEFT,OWNER Naeem Kanwer and ardmal control officers Cynthia Grimley and Michael Russell ttiry to catch a runaway emu'#'hursday. Emusflee the animals to wander nti64- trotled, said Ted Brasier, chw of but don't operations at the Animal Seto Department. Since emus are classified as fowl, in tl nco residents are permitted to troop the large birds on their property, said Dave Glick.Concord's chief of plan. creatures eluded their captors for ning. By Renita Sandosham several minutes,but the trio was fi• MIPSsTA"wat"M But Gulick said the ordinance mail ably to ab them. CONCORD--Vacko and Whelto ly a le to grab is the latest In may be too broad and its authors mads a break for it Thursdaybut probably never envisioned emus in new ventured farther than a block the"fowl and poultry"category. from home, a series of escapes by exotle ntiimtiis Nonetheless,the emu,despite bt The emus left an enclosed back armind the etnittiy. to 5eltlrntttcr, a Ing flightless, is a bird --alt Aut- yard on Traynor Road at about 10 full-grown American lxtffalit fled its tralian bird that stands about.5%.feet a.m., giving surprised neighbors pen and briefly roamed an Oritidn tail and feeds primarily on fruit and a close-up took ai wildlife with, gross. out having to leave their living street and an alligator-like caiman Kanwer's emus are only about a rooms. found its way to Owner Naeem Kanwer said he �°r"i'g's pet-- year old and stand about 4 feet tall. noticed the emus missing when he an orinda home. Despite the citation,he said the birds g l(anwer was cited for allowing are outstanding companions, heard another emu--•Dot--in the "They are a very,very goodel Yard ung' They're very, very quiet. They l thought somebody stole them Kanwer, who don't harm,"Kanwer said."When- or something," said they're happy, they. start the keeps three emus In his large yard daever dancing." as pets. bon O'Neill, who wattchtd the The escapees we". eventually emus'ehrtrt aunt,said the es rounded tip by Kanwer and Iwo an- 3 nri escapade was exciting imal control officers about 40 min- g fttr ghbrim. Utes later.The swift-lonted,feathered "They renlly h,tid an entertaining fe%v minutes,"he said. i vv January 78, 1998 ' Aj imal Services Deportment c/o Lieutenant Gamna 4849 doff ice Martinez,CA 94553 Dear Lieutenant Gomez: I would Bite to a rend my appreciation along with other members of Richmond Police Department t Team 45 to Deputy J. De Costa for his outstanding service to the City of Richmond. On three separate occasions Deputy De Costa responded to the;City of Richmond to apprehwd six dangerous dogs. On two,occasions the:animals were out of control and haat attached or attempted to attack innocent citizens. Deputy De Costa's response was swift and he apprehended all the animals with no injury to the animals,citizens or police personnel on scene. On all the aforementioned incidents thi only course of action previously left to the officers was to dispatch the animals but having worked with Deputy De Costa,we as Team 5 members Know that his is able to take control of the situation and take appropriate actions against the owners. In closing, I again would like to commend Deputy De Costa for his professionalism in dealing with the animals and citizens involved in all these cases. The members of Richmond police Department's Team 5 look forward to seeing him in the future. Sincer f el" 7 f Cleveland Brown,Sergent _ Richmond Police Department t Animal Control 4849 Imhoff Place .Martinez.Ca 94553-4393 Mike Ross, I wanted to bring to your attention the wonderful job Tent'DeCosta did after I called with an unusual request I am a Manny in Walnut Creek,and decided tD venture out finally to Heather Fam Park. I was most interested in showing my charge(who is l M yes old)the dudes and geese, As I approached there was one goose in particular who had a piece of wire twined around his ankle. Simply twisted one time,but long enough that every time it lowered the webbed foot,the wire dug into the ground. So, the goose hobbled around staying near the water where it could swim easily. I was upset after seeing it bothered by a wire that could be so simply removed. After inquiring at the community center about this particular goose,I was told that the city workers there had attempted to catch it many times unsuccessfully. Chasing him into the water every time. There were many complaints from other concerned people as well. The next morning,I spotted the goose again.using a cellular phone I called your offices. I was surprised at the prompt service I received,waiting on hold for only a few _ minutes. 'W When Terry DeCCdsta was sent out,the situation was looked over,she enticed the birds over with a few bits of bread that i brought, This goose was the last one out of the water,but,waddled directly to Terry. She snatched it up in her arms and grabbed one and of the wire. I grabbedthe other,and it snapped right off. When released, the goose took two steps,stood up and flapped it's wings. At this paint I expected Terry to pack up her things and be on her way. I was amazed when she stayed to see if the goose could support it's own weight. That extra care and concern made tree think about all of the duties in the Animal Control officers job where they are not.rewarded. I have such a respect for what these people do for our community. Please give Terre a huge pat on the back for the great wary she handled this situation. She also deserves credit for getting me involved in the community with the concern of theses wild birds. I hop� that is not a bother to your job. I believe there should be a group who cares for this wild lite. I trope this donation can be used toward something special-for the employees there. A special lunch or a holiday party. Thank you. Natalie Budziak ?695 Willinggham Dr. Livermore,Ca 94550 (510)1506-8717 4ecg THE TIMES TUIJD&YA. MAY 6 1997 . Dmped-,ottpu les, mother need homes Men are cruel,but Man Is hind --ftabindranoth T#gory, GA 'Y I'318r Gary: "i9ttteeet ;+•t r '= This an open letter to the columnist ' people in a blue four-door sedan who abandoned a small brown.fe- When she realized there was no male dog and her seven puppy escape,she just lay drawn on the lust Thursday night at Stoneman ground and whimpered. Park In Pittsburg. . Officer Carney put the box of I don't know why you left that puppies In the truck and them family there.t do know what hap- tly t your dog utuler control peered after you left,and l want . and placed her in the truck with you to know,too her babies. I called the police and they sent Today,the tittle family you gave animal control to the pa&I.didift up is at the animal shelter in Mar- try to help her myself for fear of tinez.I hope all of thaeni will find being bitten. the loving homes they deserve. Because the was a nice,sweet- I also trope you will never take natured dog,you probably didn't another pet until you are willing to. think she would trate anyone who make a lifetime commitment to tried to help her.But she is too that animal. - good a mother to let anyone hurt My thanks to facer Carney:for her rpups and would bite to protect being the hero who knew what to them. I watched her looking at the do for your dog.and her babies. 6 Geraldine Arinoe Pittsburg street so she could see when you returned.She didn't know that you Dear Cr.: weren't coming back. The thoughtless people who I could hear her puppies crying abandoned those poor dogs should for her from the boat,and t could be hung from that same tale by hear her trying back when:she couldn't reach them from where their I called and chocked and the - she was tied to the tree. mother and less are available Officer Scott Carney front Ani AuPP , mat Services arrived and made for adoption today. First conte, preparations to free the mother first served.No reservations. ' from the tree you tied her to What My advice of you are interested I saw next t will never forget, is to go in eat and see the doh;,; Officer Carney is an experi- to make auras they're what you re-, enced officer who loves animals. ally want!before you stand in a but the dog didn't know that.The tine.They don`t have many pup- terror in your dog's face when the hies at the shelter right now,so t officer approached her was a suspect these won't last tong. ; heart-breaking thing to see.She Mama is a small(about 40 didn't know whether to flee for her pounds)brown mix,mostly Lab i; life or fight for her babies. I and shepherd.,,so the puppies shouldn't be too latrge.As Geral dine said.don't adopt one unlessr you're willing to make a lifetime r i commitment to it, e The Contra Costa Animal Ser-,;j vices Department.shelter is locatia at 48,10 Imhoff Place,Martinez. Hoursare 10 am.to 5 p.m.,Mon- day through Saturday. Now--everyone!test clown coffeeand let's hear a big rorenci o .appleuse for animal services offl_ cer Ssmit Carney. , Gold star.Scott. Zhu r ld tii97 —.Concord Ter+Es�crl,..,, t,. e . .firaniM Joe hom'es , �: . .�. .. - ►1�* 1' . .... rt�+�� KY+ .y#�"y f..� .,.x,y�•. u I I t i�:'.�.`.-`.r:SsJ:...... ,r .+. e'... .', .. . ' unteers 1dE1l �hn•Van ham �,�'' An the dog plaided out to S Y ewermeet his 211tw owkili2"r, •, ' <' Underwool said..*7 hops he A portly yellow Labrador puts Champ ons,diet.". `.. retriever,. his awn width Underwood,'• a Danville. that of the doom 'resident.is out of nearly So he'-was bleu led thro �, volunteers who give sorsaua of waddled down the corridor to their time to help reunite ' meet his new owneti stray animals with their Sue Underwood, eaordizta- owners or did new ones for tar of volunteers at the them. Without the'volun" 'Contra Coats, Animal teers, the department could 4erv#;ce8 Center in Martinez, not function, says Lt. Abe Matched with a smile. Gamer of the Animal u "Cpat- � Deartment.s m �td two erre her fellow voluntaera. Doris x tired like Underwood. l3 dwin and Ted Trix t, Others,l like,M:Uh who deliiv» -Champ had been at the 'ars no papers:in ltossmoor. shelter'almost a mouth, a are working people who still .longi^ time for a stray dog contribute several hours a whose owner never claimed week lY Currently, the volunteer hzm.'Usual animals are urr+an kept three days. It corps totals gust under 60 unclaimed' or not adopted,F people, 'half of wham work : they are evaluated and Inept with lost or fourid animals. for another three days it 'Twenty more volunteers C�w COr apace is available. During serve as eausrsosers, a post- zeers at the Contra Costa Animal SerAces Center in Martinez bias stay at the shelter. turn mach in demand when ;ix days a week to tins#homes for abandoned animals and Champ endeared himself to ed other animals with their owners. the volunteer staff. Animals,sae page SA Continued on next page Continuation of "Stray Animals Find homes. .." the s`e- ter s exercise area Two years ago, Underwood nes to show Rottweilers in cos; opens later this month. found a lost dog in her neigh. Underwood said. borhood and took it to the shel- petition. She recently observed Six professional pet groomers ter in Martinez. A few days her 20th year as a volunteer at also volunteer their services. later,she returned to see what the shelter in Martinez. "I'm always'looking for more had happened to it and found it A volunteer for five years, volunteers,especially groomers," had been adopted,she said. Trish started volunteering after said Underwood, whose duties It was that return visit that the death of his 16-year-old include recruiting volunteers hooked her on volunteering, cocker-poodle mix. and supplies. "Nobody gave me a recruiting % got 104 a maple of tunes Volunteering at the shelter is pitch.I thought I would be able and the Pound picked him up. I not much of a hand"n job,It'n to do something here. It's been felt pretty thaw and felt like Shuffling papers and spending two years now," saidcwha�thad hours on the phone. Underwood, who added that a for my "he said. It's the love of animals amt she spends about four stays a andting part ofvolu¢t- the knowledge that they are week at the shelter. helping ease the animals'stressVolunteers are at the shelter teftft here is being"to take a and get them back to their fart.-' from 9 am.-5 p.m., six days a ftmd pet tit.I had funs or live ilies or placed in new ones that week. Monday through (reunions)today."said Trish., makes them volunteer, Saturday, fielding calls &am. But in his live�ofvolun- Underwood said. teexing one day per week at the For instance, Underwoods' anxious pet owners whose cats shelter,Trish has never reunit• duties includes recasting volun» or dogs have gotten lust and ed a lost cat with its owner teem, soliciting donations of calling those who remembered Trish nodded his head toward Supplies(blankets and newspa.' to put their pet's identification Baldwin. pers), helping train now volun• and license on them.They also I)oris has reunited only live teers and writing the"Pet of the get the calls from people who cats with 'their Owners in 20 Week"notices for the media. have found a stray or lost pet years here,"he said. It's eixtful to see an scared When a lost pet is found by Just titan, as tt@tcer took a ani being led to its death someone who calls the vol of bw pair of very stressed,Rottweilers - because no one wanted it, line, Underwood the of her out of his truck and lett them;to volunteers urges the caller to a holding Underwood s+�d,particularly if �S toS+eh• it is.one you've gotten to know bring the animal to the shelter. Underwood tolyl TTjsh and "It's easier for urs to reunite Baldwin that they might be the and believe would make a good the pet with the owner. It took Rottweilers'that were reported pet for someone. one owner three or four days to missing over the weekend. The That's how I got my last lit. connect with the person who volunteers began. sifting tle puppy,"she said. had her dog,-Underwood said. through their canis and mak. Yet, Underwood acknowl. Calls also are made by votun. ing coils,trying to veli eve s ft. edged that for as much she and tears to members of various tressed owners other volunteers sometimes animal rese°ue groups, advising It happens every day. Cats, fund themselves wanting to them if a particular breed of dogs, birds, reptiles and even take away►ofthey unwdon't, sai- �or cat has been found.And Scats get separated flrom their, mats home, they don't. there are calls to the many peo- Owners. Wien they do, the vol- have7 realist I can't afford ,* ple who have applied to adopt a unteers at the Contra Costa have 47 dogs in my back yard," she said. p Animal Services Center Baldwin.a +e volunteer work m reunite them. go m Gsanaz said the departmentBaldwin. the"Veterans'Adaunistarat�n cdiscoutr es it because some vol. at th tel t ans!Martinez, i>: one of uateers might end tip with 30 or the volunteers who takes and 40 animals,giving the"retiscuee the vo lunate rails. pets no better t quality to life The wife of a retired Pleasant than they had at the shelter. Mill veterinarian:, Baldwin always had animals at home and, with her husband, c ontin- _ ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 24 SCHOOLS PROGRAM COMMENTS JUN 041997 v CA 1 _ M-' c '°, n+rtx Ces�M- 6 y 7katAti 4 j c tk Sic. vuL tJCj.Y�..� n T j y. Lout t c ' C' W-- 4a t"Al �.{] • � jy�/Ls.4, } ``�.+iir✓ t.n�i.t i • -�'�4`�'V �. j Q Dow Edt calor, {� MAY 21 EMIOnd you will Z nd an evaluation form for the KIND NEV $ Wim. We would like:to receive Some feedback from you on how you have used the: Ji newspapeM and how you liked them. We hope you will take a few busy Schedule to return this evaluation to uL Because we do not always have enough donations to cover every teacher who would like to be adopted,we will be giving priority to those teachm who have returned evaluations telling us dW they would like to be readopted. Your input will help us to improve our programs offered to teache;ra! Thank you for your time,and have a WONDp FUL SUMMER!! Sincerely, Ilona Robinson Has Kind News motivated your students to do any Specific projects to help animals or the e:nviroonlent? If so,what was involved in the project?Was it an individual yr class rcojece �hm�m�ges e you rtcxsce n behavior of Your snxients tnwgrd animals and&r tha environment ager reading rhos NEWS newspapers? If yes,pica=explain: ♦. M Evaluation Sheet Adopt--- ltac cam ea. Z Name A A­-A"r....iiL.J� School CA- 1,: 31 Grade Level Oat* .0- Please ;fill out and mail back both gages of this evaluation. Send completed evaluations to : Ilona Robinson, Contra Costa County AAimal Services Department, 4849 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 99653 1. The Adopt-A-Teacher materials were: Appropriate for grade, level _ Too difficult Too simple for grade level. Other Z. Topica covered were: Appropriate for grade level 3-t. Tao difficult Tao simple Other 3. Did Your Adopt-A-Teacher magazine and rind Naw$ newspapers arrive regularly once your subscription was processed? 4 . Dial you have time to use the materials sent to you? S. What would you change about the Adopt-A-Teacher Program if you had a chance to improve it? 6. Which parr of the program was most valuable to your students? l 0 ,V%CL r 7. Piease write any criticisms, coMmenta or suggestions Y�4y may have: 8 . 'could you like to be adopted agaln when your 1-year subscription ends? ! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!! .�a_ ; r Dear Edutor, Enclosed you will firm an evaluation form for the KIND NEWS program. We would like to receive some feedback from you on flow you have used the KIND NEWS newspapen,and how you liked alum.We hope you will take a few minutes out of your busy schrduls to ret=this sval on to us.Hscause we do not always have enough donations to cover every teacher who would lice to be adopted,we will be giving priority to those teachers who have returned evaluations telling us that they would like to be readopted. Your input will help us to improve our programs otf'ered to teacfters! Thank you for your time,and have a WONDERFUL S 0 Sincerely, MAY 1911 Ilona Robinson S t 0 672-2829 valuation SbAgU&"'A'Z9WJXr PMMM,2 t Has Kind News motivated your students to do any specific projects to help animals or tht environment? If so,what was involved in the project?Was it an individual or class project? .r in blat J. e' Al iwl 1C. +M 04 Q0 04 t C-5) ve c ed any chaaa s i of your student tow n,a t, environment atter reading the KIND 14EWS newspapers? � �. If y+es,Blease explain: } -�--- .d 4e Evaluation Sheet Adopt-A- eaor r""""ggr"att� _2 Iyame � f'� rg-g »fir+' School 1-16,1111 Date Grade Level Numbex 3 t pl*&se fill Out and maid, back both completed evaluations to I:cna � a.nsattof thin evaluation, ' Send Animal Servicers Department, 4849 Imhoff �'lace,�tMartinez,ra ci CAn94S53 2, The Adopt-A-Teacher mat erialw re: Appropriate for grade level Too difficult Too simple for grade level ether ..r...-.....� 2• Topics covered were: Appropriate for grade Zcvel ,,",t Too difficult Toa simple Other -o-..._-- 3. Did your Adopt-A-Toachor Magazin, and Kind p Was rocessedNews nawspap,�ra Arrive regularly once your subscription 3 p . 4 . Y lve time Co use the maria�la sAdon ..o ocu. r, 5What would you change about the A t-A-Tea ycau had a chain-o to impzove it? r Program if , t �.. Which pair of the rograar, was most valuable �o yo � � urian s 7 tx 7. ea a r e any c Aismconu° aea or au111 ' h ve. } 99" zona you may, @ ' d you o e ea a a n �- A 1 subscription endo? � �" �ar THANK yOU FOR YOUR TIME! ! -••. t���t`� au. 111 11011:11 ill!111111111hAL AL'Oft--I "WWI LIVED Dear Educator. MAY 17 Enclosed you will l as rvalusdan form for the KM AWAN would like to receive some feedback f m you on how you have used the KM NEWS newspae i land how you liked theca. We hope you will tsket s few minutes out ofyour busy schedule to Mum this evaluation to las. Seem=we do not always have etough donadons to cover every teacher who would tike to be adapted,we will be smog linty' to tlow W=hcrs who have rotumod evaluations telling us that dwy would ince to be TeMopttd.Your input will help us to improve our progratrts offered to teachers! Tturxtk you fix your tame,and have a WOND pa SumMEER!! Sincerely. Ilona Robinson 510672-2929 Eval�ort Sheet-Ado�rt-A.Teacher P�g�ggr,�, Has Kind Nm Modvared yvat students to do any specific projeM to help animals or the environment? If sot what was involved in the project?Was it an ind viduW b ac S M res ca ins- .3 of A14 A-Le t Have �u y l: ge:s to behavior of your students owwd animals and/or the cnvirarnt after read` the,KIND NEWS stew �S apaEptts. If please explain: 1"' .1 4 t> hOA V"&4Y,ron r"410SU11i r 1 e lve a 41� ! meq+# ep e►t �" e}ed eel} " eh 4{ 0 s1 e! err et} - eR e►2 �► . � ea e►? eat eh erg ea � t nj Evac. jo'r4 t' ' ' '' Ado -A- a .. M...20:..�� Names School. IGrads Level , ,.• Hate Phone Nwnbary7,/ y Please fill out and mail back both of this evaluation. Send coawpleted evaluations to : Ilona Robinson, Contra Costa County Animal. Services Department, 4849 Imhoff Place, Martinez, Cls 94553 I. The Adopt-A-Teacher materials ware: Appropriate for grade level Toa difficult e, Too simple .far grads level .�-. Other 2. Topics covered we--e: Appropriate for grade level Too difficult Too simple ._ Other 3. Oid your Adopt-A-Teacher Magazine and Kind Nowa newspapers arrive regularly once your subscription was proceased?' 4 loom 4. Bid you Iva time to use tate materials sent to you? 5. What would you change about the Ado-at-A-Teacher Program if you had a chance to improve it? 6. Which part of the program was most vaivabie to your 7. ?.tease write any criticisms, comments or suggestions you may havOL e 5. Would you like to be adopted age n when your I-ye r subscription ends? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME i ! ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT 21 ` 1997 data for Contra Costa County; 1996 data for other agencies which could not supply data this early in the year due to workload considerations resulting from El Nino. ............................................... ............................................................. .