Agenda - 01-28-2010 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 This strategic plan has been under development for several years. It is based upon a comprehensive examination of programs of this kind throughout the country, professional literature on the subject, and our own experience in Orange County. It was formally adopted by the ASAB at its October 2009 meeting. The plan is designed to be self sustaining and to make good fiscal sense for the County in the long run. Pet overpopulation is a significant problem that cannot be solved through placement efforts alone. Only by combating the root issue-namely, the unwanted reproduction of pets- and combining this approach with strong placement efforts, can the population of unwanted and homeless pets be effectively manage from both a humane and fiscal standpoint. Staff and citizens advisors believe that this strategic orientation and plan offers an attainable and fiscally sound approach that will begin to do just that for Orange County. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The plan for managing pet overpopulation in Orange County requires no additional funds from the BOCC for implementation or management. All it requires is a continued commitment from the BOCC to the Community Spay Neuter Fund (which derives its resources from the dedication of $20 from each registration fee for reproductive dogs and cats). As indicated in the strategic plan, staff believes that the amount of funding from this source can and should be increased by achieving higher levels of compliance with the County's pet registration system. Funding may also be increased by targeted private donations. Basic to this plan is that spaying and neuter of animals that otherwise could and would reproduce will save the County large sums of money in the medium and long run by reducing the number of animals that. the County needs to admit, shelter and in some instances, euthanize. It is generally accepted that the number of animals admitted and sheltered grows as a result of human population growth of the kind the County has experienced and can be expected to continue to experience. Thus continuing growth in Orange County's human population will produce an increase in animals needing to be sheltered in the absence of a strategic plan for managing pet populations. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the BOCC review and discuss Managing Pet Overpopulation: AStrategic Plan for Orange County, North Carolina and provide direction as to the further refinement on approval of the plan.