HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03161999 - D2 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS �r-
4 Centra
FROM: Michael O.Ross
Costa
Director of Animal Services
DATE: February 16, 1999 t3Lllnty
SUBJECT: Report On Spay/Neuter Of Shelter Animals Prior to Adoption
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
Recommendation:
Accept report from the Animal Services Director relative to "Operation Fix" and cooperative efforts
involving animal groups and non-affiliated citizens to provide for the spay/neuter of shelter animals
prior to adoption as directed by the Board on November 3, 1998.
Background:
The Animal Services Department is committed to reducing the number of animals euthanized in the
County. In this regard the attached report provides information on recent legislation, local efforts by
interested parties, and the work of the Animal Services Department relative to the reduction of animal
euthanasia.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE 4
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON "r, i 6 � � 9 9 9 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED XX OTHER
The following people offered testimony: Sally Morgan-Welch,289 Holiday Hills Drive,Martinez and Joseph Partansky, 1406
Barbis Way,Concord. Those desiring to speak having been heard,the Board took the following action:
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED the report from the Animal Services Department on"Operation Fix"is
ACCEPTED.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HERESY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
XX 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: Anima(Services Department (6-2935) ATTESTED M. arclh 1 C , 11399
cc: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR.CLERK Op I`IIE BOARD OF
SUPERVISOR$.AND COUNTY ADMINIS'T'RATOR
DEPUTY
AZ
M382(1£3188) r'
Ross
Animal Services Department Ani nay e,
�ir!?f3�ai SCPViC2S L'Y2C`•.C'
4349 smhoff P'aC2 Costa
,925)64,Ca,horn 94553 4393 County;925)x45 2995
65I P?PIC;G Sh0;2s Dr'.V8 syn
joie "al:fornia 94564-2832
(51 u)3741-3966
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Date. February x 2, 1999
To: Board of Supervisors
From: Michael G. Ross,Animal Services Director
RE: Operation Fix-Spay/Neuter of Shelter Animals
At the November 3,1998 meeting the Board of Supervisors accepted a report from the Animal
Services Director on "Operation Fix." At that meeting the Board "Authorized the Anima
Services Director to work with the Animal fescue 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-, and Directed that
the Animal Services Director report to the Board on this matter in February 1999.
Background:
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 price 67,000
dols in seven years. From these numbers, it is apparent that controlling the birthrate is the
most viable way to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanized each year.
Beginning May 1, 1998 the County Animal Services Department and the Aral Rescue
Foundation (Alm`) embarked on "Operation Fix," a six month cooperative effort to
spay/neuter all cats adopted from the County's Animal Shelters. Current State lave only
requires that a person adopting an animal from a public shelter pay a deposit toward
spay/neutering. Fewer than.50%of certificates are redeemed meaning that more than on.,- half
of the anirruals adopted from.the County shelters are not spayed/neutered.
On September 22 the Governor signed into lav AB 1856 (Vincent)and 1785 (Hayden), 1856
requires that effective January 1, 2000 all dogs and cats adopted from public and non-profit
shelters be spayed/neutered. 1785 requires, in part, that animals be held longer at the shelters
and that veterinary care be provided to more animals than is currently the case. €785 also
defines adoptable animals as only those animals eight mks of age or older that are not sick,
iklured or aggressive. (See the attached summary of this legislation for additional details.)
Recently the Duffield family announced the creation of a foundation dedicated to eliminating
the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in the nation's animal shelters. The funding for the
foundation is $200,000,€100. Non-profit groups within. Contra Costa County and Alameda
County were selected as the initial recipients of grant money from the foundation,
Fehraxy 12, 1999 Operation F;Yx Spay'--Neuter of Shelter Animals 2
This report addresses the status of"Operation Fix,"what we are doing to meet the mandates of
AB 1856 and 5B 1755, and our work with the animal welfare organizations relative to the
Duffield Foundation.
Issues:
ARF agreed to continue their participation in Operation Fix beyond the six month pilot time-
frame, and work with the County and ether animal groups on meeting the mandates of AB
1556 and 513 1755.
The table below compares the impoundment, adoption, redemption, and euthanasia of sats
from May 1995 through January 1999 with the same period for 1997/1995.
1998 7,240 103 1,380 1,354 5,629
1997 6,779 116 1,201 517 5,150
Difference 356 179 863 —44#5
1t is apparent that more cats were impounded, adopted, and euthanized during the 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 sane period of 1997. The long-
term benefits of this effort given the reproductive potential noted above will pay dividends for
years to come.
The effort and resources that ASF put into this preject are significant. They spent$52,000 of
their own money, elicited the assistance of 40 veterinarians, and utilized the services of over
50 volunteers totaling over 6,000 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.
One of the criticisms of Operation Fix was the fact that young Mittens(those that weigh under
two pounds) cannot be spayed/neutered Therefore, more kittens of this age bracket were
euthanized this year than for the same period of 1997. A greater number of older cats were
adopted in 1995 thus resulting in more total adoptions, However, the issue of young kittens
Ding euthanized ndedto be addressed. Therefore, we instituted a program whereby these
young kittens can be placed in foster homes until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered.
This is a temporary solution at bests Where are still more animals than homes. As 1W Richard
Avanzino of the Duffield Foundation recently pointed out in a January 31,1999 Contra Costa
Times article, "...When you talk about which animals should die,its a very ugly discussion."
Febnmy 12, 1999 Operation Fix-spay/Neuter of Shelter Animals 3
Reducing the total number of shelter animals that are eutltanized at the County's shelters is a
complex problem. Solutions must involve reducing the birth-rate through spay/neuter,
increasing adoptions, reduction of animal abandonment, reducing the number of animals
returned to the shelters after adoption,making the shelters a more attractive source for animal
adoptions and changing public perceptions relative to animals in general. The following are
steps we have taken relative to the above noted issues and steps that have been taken relative
to Operation Fix,meeting the mandates imposed by AB 1856 and SB 1.785 and working with
animal welfare organizations relative to the grant application to the Duffield Foundation-
Established
oundationEstablished regular meetings with concerned animal groups and non-affiliated individuals
regarding Operation Fix and AB 1856 and SB 1785.
Participated in the formation of the Contra Costa County Animal Welfare Coalition to
address issues relative to the Duffield Foundation Grant Process,AB 1855,and SB 1785.
> Obtained a grant through CCTV to develop public service announcements dealing with
adoption,spay/neuter,animal abandonment and licensing.
> Retained the services of a qualified architect to determine our space requirements under
SB 1785 and.AB 1856.
> Participated in. KOO Channel 7°s Perfect Pet Program. We are the only public agency
participating.
> Instituted a no fee adoption program for 501, 3.(c)animal welfare organizations that agree
to specific placement criteria.
> Participated in outreach adoption efforts in conjunction with the Contra Costa Humane
Society.
Met with representatives of the Contra Costa veterinary association relative to possible
participation in cooperative efforts relative to AB 1856.
A 'Met with representatives of the University of California at Davis Veterinary School
relative to possible cooperative efforts regarding AB 1856 and.SB 1785.
> Expanded the abandonment component of our education program and public relations
efforts i.e.,public service announcements,bumper stickers,pamphlets etc.
We will continue to meet with the above noted groups and the County Administrators Office
relative to these issues and will keep the Beard of Supervisors advised of developments as
they occur.
MOR/mgr
cc: Pbil Batchelor
Awrol R=ue Foundatica
Contra Costs Huastsne Association
Voi=for Pets
ss;ly Morgan-Welch
SB 1788 AES 1888
SUMMARY
SB 1786:
> Effective July 1, 1999
> Declares as state policy that animal adoption is favored over
euthanasia and that public and private shelters and humane
groups should work together to end euthanasia of adoptable and
treatable animals by 2019. Adoptable animals are those eight
weeks or older that do not have untreatable health problems or
display a dangerous behavioral or temperamental defect that
could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal
unsuitable as a pet. regarding euthanasia.
> Requires an increase in the holding period for stray dogs and cats
from three days to six days.
> Allows a reduction in the holding period to four days if shelter is
open to 7:00 p.m. one night a weep.
> Extends holding time provisions to other animals that may legally
be kept as pets i.e., birds reptiles rabbits etc.
Requires that we scan for microchips.
> requires that surrendered animals be held 2 days. The holding
period is increased to six or four days effective July 1, 2001.
> Requires that "...no treatable animal should be euthanized. A
treatable animal is any animal that is no► adoptable but could
become•a�dopf gble with reasonable efforts."
AB 1866.
> Effective January 1, 2009.
> Requires that all dogs and cats that are sold or given away by a
public or private agency be spayed or neutered.
> Imposes a series of escalating fines on the owners of animals that
are impounded that are not spayed or neutered.
> Will result in a revenue loss of approximately $40,000 because of a
reduction in unclaimed spay/neuter deposits.
> The ultimate impact that this legislation will have on adaption and
euthanasia rates is unclear at this time. A reduction in adoptions and
a commensurate increase in euthanasia could be expected if it
results in an increase in the cost to purchase an animal :and the ability
to obtain animals from other sources at lesser cost.
> V'Vill require increasing the capacity of the Spay/Neuter Clinic,
contracting for spay/neuter services and cooperation among other
government agencies and non-profit organizations or a combination
of the above for successful implementation.
cc: files
David Stegman (925)296.3108
Executive Director Fax(925)977-9079
PO.Box 30215
Walnut Creek,CA 94593
www.tir-art.orr
{ r , TONY"RUSSA'S
I nuo nal
:2escue
antra Costa Humane Society
PATTY McGIL'VERY
Executive Direcior
Post Office,Box 1355
Lafayette,California 94549 510.284.8586
GARY SOGUE
Pet&Wildlife wumnist
(51.(7)977-6582
FAX(510)943-8362
garybugohotcoco.infi.net
(Syndicated nationally by New York Times Feature Syndloate)
COWA COSTA TIES
2640 Shadesands prove,P.G.Bcx 5088,wain t Creek,CA 94596
A Publication of contra Costa Newspgpars,lrc.
A Knight-Ridder Newspaper
RECENED
TO: Cf?NTRA COSTA BOA OF SUPERVISORS
M 1 6 M
DATE: March 16,1999 CCK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUBJECT: Follow up Report on-Operation Fix."and Alternative
Recommendations
mendations
SUBMIT TED BY: Sally Morgan-Welch
At the November 3. 1998 Board of Supervisors meeting,I addressed this Board about
my concerns regarding: (1) "Operation Fix"as it was then co fif ed'and.(2)the need fora
county-wide Advisory Council on Animal Welfare issues made up of representatives from each
Animal Welfare group,independent animal rescue person(s),veterinary field,Animal Services and
related relevant fields represented in our community.
Today I am here to report that progress has been made on both of these issues.My initial objections
regarding OperationFix"we*])the lack ofcor community input in its original design and impletx?entation,
(2)the absence of inclusion and input by other effected Animal Welfare groups in the design or
implementation;(3)the INCREASE,albeit unintentional,in euthanasia rates especially among young
kittens. The establishment of an open and egalitarian forum on this and other impending Animal Control,
policies andd issues by Mike boss is a,great step in easing my concerns regarding equal and open access for
the community and all Anima Welfare groups to address and work toward resolving COMM
and upcoming issues particularly those posed by the impending implementation of mandates under AB
1856(Vincent)and SB I;r85(Hayden).If these regularly scheduled meetings operate as open forams in
which organizations and community members can hold a dialogue on an equal footing and in an
atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation,then, the intent,if not the letter of my recoaaunendaition
for an operating Counci
In closing, although much progress has been made in meeting these challenges,the challenges that face all
of us due to the implementation of the impending state mandates poses perhaps the greatest challenges of
all.In carder to meet these challenges and comply with these mandates,it will take the community,animal
Welfare groups,independent citizens,and this Board to insure that these mandates will be met ....but
more importantly fror3 any perspective, ... it will take all of us committing our resources,energies and
finances in this County to insure that the animals under our care get the care and the chance they deserve.
This community cann no longer rely on the,good people in the Animal Welfare groups, private f6undations
committed individuals to supply the funds and resources to run our County shelters. We must all work
together to HND AND FUND the resources to provide the quality care that this community and OUR
animals deserve.!
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Morgan-Welch
_ _ x
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POSOMI,voc%; U' unatcolmnies
dor r -61e and An*mals
Prozentied by
T�*Caftm4 C*urld d CoiVidon Arft4 Advxww
The Pat LM&4VOrt HMInS Pr9r r,
Un4pwSity of Caftmia, DaVis S&wI€t Vatar9 ry Medtfne
Jure 4-6, 19" IVED
Unlv*rsity of California, Davis
Buehler Alumni Visitors CenterW 16 FG9
CM,1K BOARD-5F SUPERVISORS'
CONTRA COSTA M x�
Resowlster
Positive Outcomes for People and Animals
The Calms ti COU!"Cil of C*ff"rtion Animal Advo ,tet(CCCAA)Will Sponsor tie fif#i~t Pet ov erpc;putatf n
SyMPt M(POP t),FOS&WOt OWW fOrPWP4&nd,Ary I$June 4a , t" at U -Davis. to
addition to this year's SYMPOSimi,The CCCAA Wit#t6am jMtf r The Pet LouSmart 1�iocne Rtogram
to celebrate the HOViine's tercet year anniversaty and to Mar te tte creation of The
PtOgrarn lot Veterinary Family Practice ,burse 5#13, 19",.
POP V Pet Loss Support Hotline
Friday al!day,Friday ming and Saturday a.m. � Saturday p.m.and&rrtday all daft'
1
Friday, June 4 � Saturday, June 5 P.M.
Philip Kam,DVM,PhD:
Studies on RefinqVishmem of oogs jand Cab in $Pro£r na Hvirane Education
Animal Shatters„review of tie data in the Masroorr,
Psi diaws,'°►ion: -'Parenting"Animals-Understarldinzg
"Dogs and fir People Problems" Animal BehaviorThroug
Joan Miller and Louise Holton: 1 the t, "Pan
ho Cam for f-dtsr elm Cats-�"�r�rding
Rumane Apprr las for Feral- Sunday, Jura 0
Par°>el disc€ss iGM. 1nn0vative Spay Neuter Ideas" � ions intAAe-
I $Ho icle Cam for Animals: A Humane
Friday evening A#temtWe to ELfthanmia
Featured presentation by Serr rd Rollin,PhD -The Valise of sti^lood N£,rtrt'flw
Professor f Phiiasets,Physiology& Across the Ute+
Biophysictt tDirtor of l ic? tft£C81 Plr3t3f t ty' IAiletnative 1,14edicine,ler A s## al
at t . ttr €ty, He will pm
sent Cam a The Feat serefts of
Aa_£pg£rtt„£re w4 i~4or ops"
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Saturday, June g.rn.
opets, Perspective Ctrl Adoppting a Human"
� Y Pet�ce�r �rfarsorC r�oci sdrr£is ,r�€�l�c
4 an t ftl tr tkudas Bernard tett pt :3erAelk)n on
,mission PossibliEesti to rind Good Matches Friday ovenir£g.
tat Adoptable O "
The CaNfornia Cotancil of Companion Animal Advooste-s (C0XA) ?s fade ;ads *4 active in a^imal ca=e
ersd control, veterinary medi6ne, purebred breeding, the set Imiustry and anirna!
protection. Though COCAA ie a diverse group Witt: differing philosophies, it sett ars example by
collaborating to salve the problems of su nw ante&unowned companion anir€alr�,
`rhs Programs for Veterinary FAmi#y Practice and The Fief Blows Support Hotline aadress the non-medical needs of N3
Co.m.ertunity of pea pie who care for animals as part of our 3*otni,'4.6.. anirraal owrtars, shelter employee,, verer'£nery
profos$ionals, Xot kelp ars and anyone else involved in animal caro. We prorrmrs the 8VY portant'
of responsible oars of animals, compasgi„n in veierinary medicine, and emotional awpport
of all those who care for animals. We achieve this through education, presentations,
developing instruc-0onal and outreach maieriais, and thfout,)h public service.
t
Animal Services DepartmentV d I��C� Michael G.Ross
Contra
{" Animal Services Director
4849 Imhoff P �.J
Place os La
Mlartl?^,ez,California 34563-4393 County
646-2995
651 Pinole Shores Drive
Pinole.California.94564-2632
,s:-'.' mak;_••
(510)374-3966
Date: February 12, 1999
To: Board of Supervisors
From: Michael G. Ross,Animal Services Director
RB: Operation Fax-Spay/Neuter of Shelter Animals
At the November'a,1998 meeting the Board of Supervisors accepted a report from the Animal
Services Director on "Operation Fix." At that meeting the Board "Authorized the Animal
Services Director to work with the Animal Rescue Foundation, Contra Costa Humane
Society, Contra Costa. ST.C.A., Voices for bets and other animal groups and non.-affiliated
citizens to provide for the spay/neuter of shelter animals prior to adaption; and Directed that
the Animal Services Director report to the Board on this matter in February 1999."
Background:
T he Humane Society of the United States estimates that one female cat and her offspring can
produce 420,000 cats in seven years. One ferrule dog and her offspring can produce 67,000
dogs in seven years. From these numbers, it is apparent that controlling the birthrate is the
most viable way to reduce the number of unwanted animals that are euthanized each year.
Beginning !Uy 1, 1998 the County Animal Services Department and the Animal .Rescue
Foundation (ARF) embarked on "Operation Fix," a six month cooperative effort to
spay/neuter all cats adopted from the County's Animal Shelters. Current State law only
requires that a person adopting an animal from a public shelter pay a deposit toward
spay/neutering. Only approximately 50% of certificates are redeemed meaning that one-half
of the animals adapted from the County shelters are not spayed/neutered.
On September 22 the governor signed into law AB 1856 (Vincent) and 1785 (Hayden). 1856
requires that effective January 1, 2000 all dogs and cats adopted from public and non-profit
shelters be spayed/neutered. 1785 requires, in past, that animals be held longer at the shelters
and that veterinary care be provided to more animals than is currently the case. 1785 also
defines adoptable animals as only those animals eight weeks of age or older that are not sick,
injured or aggressive. (See the attached summary of this legislation for additional details.)
Recently the Duffield fancily announced the creation of a foundation dedicated to eliminating
the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in the nation's atihnal shelters. The funding for the
foundatior: is $200,000,000. Non-profit groups within Contra Costa County and Alameda
County were selected as the initial recipients of grant money from the foundation.
Feb ua,ry 12,1999 Operation Fix-Spay Neuter of Shelter Animals 2
This report addresses the status of"Operation Fix,"what we are doing to meet the mandates of
AB 1856 and SB 1785, and our work with the animal welfare organizations relative to the
Duffield Foundation.
Issues:
Alm' agreed to continue their participation in Operation Fix beyond the six month pilot time-
frame, and work with the County and other animal groups on meeting the mandates of AB
1856 and SB 1785.
The table below compares the impoundment, adoption, redemption, and euthanasia of cats
from May 1998 through.January 1999 with the same period for 1997/1998.
1994 7,240 103 1,380 1,380 5,629
1997 6,779 11.6 1,201 555 5,150
Dyf'erence 356 -13 179 725 445
It is apparent that more cats were impounded, adopted, and euthanized during the 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
ongterm benefits of this effort given the reproductive potential noted above will pay dividends for
years to came.
The effort and resources that ARF put into this project are significant. They spent $52,000 of
their own money, elicited the assistance of 40 veterinarians, and utilized the services of over
50 volunteers totaling over 6,000 hours. This does not include the thousands of hours put in by
ARF`s foster volunteers. In addition, AR` staff devoted many extra hours and a large
emotional commitment to this project.
One of the criticisms of Operation Fix was the fact that young kittens (these that weigh under
two pounds) cannot be spayed/neutered. Therefore, more kittens of this age bracket were
euthanized this year than for the same period of 1997. A greater number of older cats were
adopted in 1998 thus resulting in more total adoptions. However, the issue of young kittens
being euthanized needed to be addressed. Therefore, we instituted a grogram, whereby these
young kittens can be placed in foster homes until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered-
This is a temporary solution at best. There are still more animals than.homes, As Mr. Richard
Avanzino of the Duffield Foundation recently pointed out in a January 31,1999 Contra Costa
Times article, " ..When you talk about which animals should die,its a very ugly discussion."
February 12, 1999 Operation Fix-Spay Neuter of Shelter Anirnals 3
Reducing the total number of shelter animals that are euthanized at the County's shelters is a
complex problem. Solutions must involve reducing the birth.-rate through spay/neuter,
increasing adaptions, reduction of animal abandonment, reducing the number of animals
returned to the shelters after adaption,making the shelters a more attractive source for animal
adoptions and changing public perceptions relative to animals in general. The following are
steps we.have taken relative to the above noted issues and steps that have been taken relative
to Operation Fix,meeting the mandates imposed by AB 1856 and SB 1785 and working with
anirrial welfare organizations relative to the grant application to the Duffield Foundation.
➢ Established regular meetings with concerned animal groups and non-affiliated individuals
regarding Operation Fix and AB 1856 and SB 1785.
> Participated in the formation of the Contra Costa County Animal Welfare Coalition to
address issues relative to the Duffield Foundation Grant Process,Ala 1856,and SB 1785.
Obtained a grant through CCM to develop public service announcements dealing with
adaption,spay/neuter,animal abandonment and licensing.
> Retained the services of a qualified architect to determine our space requirements under
SB 1785 and AB 1856.
➢ Participated in KGO Channel 7`s Perfect Pet Program. We are the only public agency
participating.
> Instituted a no fee adoption program for 501. 3.(c)animal welfare organizations that agree
to specific placement criteria..
> Participated in outreach adoption efforts in conjunction with the Contra Costa Humane
Society.
> Met with representatives of the Contra, Costa veterinary association relative to possible
participation in cooperative efforts relative to AB 1856.
> Met with representatives of the University of California at Davis veterinary School
relative to possible cooperative efforts regarding AB 1856 and SB 1785.
> Expanded the abandonment component of our education program and public relations
efforts i.e.,public service announcements,bumper stickers,pamphlets etc.
We will continue to meet with the above noted groups and the County Administrators Office
relative to these issues and will keep the Board of Supervisors advised of developments as
they occur.
MGR/mgr
cc: ph-;1 Bat6elor
Ami R=ua Faun&dory
cmau Costa Fie As :atioa
Voi=for Pets
sly:M -welo!
B 1785 AB 1 855
SUMMARY
SB 17$5.
> Effective July 1; 1999
> Declares as state policy that animal adoption is favored over
euthanasia and that public and private shelters and humane
groups should work together to end euthanasia of adoptable and
treatable animals by 2010, Adoptable animals are those eight
weeks or older that do not have untreatable health problems or
display a dangerous behavioral or temperamental defect that
could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal
unsuitable as a pet. regarding euthanasia.
Requires an increase in the holding period for stray does and cats
from three days to six days.
> Allows a reduction in the holding period to four days if shelter is
open to 7.00 p.m. one night a week.
> Extends holding time provisions to other animals that may legally
be kept as pets i.e., birds reptiles rabbits etc.
> requires that we scan for microchips.
Requires that surrendered animals be held 2 days. The holding
period is increased to six or four days effective July 1, 2001.
Requires that "...no treatable animal should be euthanzed. A
treatable animal is an animal that is not ado► table but could
become,adontable with reasonable efforts."
AB 1858°
> Effective January 1 , 2000.
> requires that all dogs and cats that are sold or given away by a
public or private agency be spayed or neutered.
> Imposes a series of escalating fines on the owners of animals .that
are impounded that are net spayed or neutered.
> Will result in a revenue loss of approximately $40,000 because of a
reduction in unclaimed spay/neuter deposits.
> The ultimate impact that this legislation will have on adaption and
euthanasia rates is unclear at this time. A reduction in adoptions and
a commensurate increase in euthanasia could be expected if it
results in an increase in the cost to purchase an animal and the ability
to obtain animals from other sources at lesser cast.
> 1/Vill require increasing the capacity of the Spay/Neuter Clinic,
contracting for spay/neuter services and cooperation among other
government agencies and non-profit organizations or a combination
of the above for successful implementation.
cc: fifes