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20 <br />More generally, there are a number of critical performance measures for the evaluation <br />of the plan and its programs. These include: <br />• Targeted Spays/Neuters <br />• Intake Numbers <br />• Placement Numbers <br />• Euthanasia rate <br />• Licensing Compliance <br />It is important to note that these measures can only be accurately evaluated by taking <br />into account different variables that will affect them over time. One of these variables is <br />population. Pet demographics are a function of human demographics and changes in <br />human population will directly affect the pet population in our community. <br />Another variable to consider in evaluating these measures is the way in which they <br />relate to one another. Measures of adoptions, transfers, etc. only have meaning in <br />relationship to the total population of animals sheltered and the number of animals <br />euthanized and otherwise dispositioned. <br />A final but crucial element to remember in this evaluation process is the long-term <br />effects the program may have on the different types and numbers of animals coming <br />into the ASC. For example, as spay/neuter programs begin to decrease the number of <br />litters entering our facility, adoption and transfer numbers may decrease, as kittens and <br />puppies are considered to be highly adoptable. <br />IX. Conclusion: <br />There is a need for a progressive and proactive approach to the problem of pet <br />overpopulation in Orange County. Staff and citizen advisers are working to address <br />these issues through this strategic plan. There is a strong sense, by staff, advisers and <br />experts, that such a plan is good fiscal policy. Euthanasia is a problem that cannot be <br />solved by placement efforts alone. It must be addressed at its roots by working to <br />reduce the amount of accidental and unnecessary reproduction of pets in our <br />community. <br />This plan not only creates a strategy for addressing the problem of pet overpopulation <br />through differential licensing, it also creates opportunity for assistance to citizens who <br />are affected by the differential, but are unable to spay and neuter their pets without <br />financial aid. This plan is good fiscal and public policy in that it addresses the issue, <br />and does so in aself-sustaining way that takes into account the best interest of the <br />animal, the owner and the community as a whole. <br />18 <br />