Orange County NC Website
o Pracesslprocedures -compare what is expected and written to actual process <br />o Ensure the "basics" of the program are met before spending the time and funds <br />to expand the scope to include new ideaslprograms <br />o Establish excellent statistical reporting to reflect agency reality and impact to <br />citizens and County <br />o Utilize strategic plan to work smarter and more focused sa energy does not <br />became dilute and programs ineffective <br />Field Services <br />o Infrastructure weakness -lack of effective computerization and adequate staffing <br />o Update and use standard operating procedures to ensure consistency <br />o Formalize training for officers dealing with aggressive dogs, stray dogs, and <br />irritable people <br />o Good working relationship with APS <br />Responsibility of Community <br />o With all the programs and efforts of APS and the County, the solution to the <br />problem of unwanted/homeless animals lies firmly at the feet of the citizens of the <br />community. To change the reality of animal overpopulations, emphasis and <br />funding must be equally provided for proactive and reactive programs. Adoption, <br />although critical, will not alone solve the problem. <br />Comments <br />o Operating a full service animal shelter program is difficult, demanding constant <br />energy and direction. The life and death decisions, budget allocations, program <br />development and evaluation, training, accountability and public service are all a <br />challenge and should not be simplified by the public who may not understand the <br />full scope of sheltering. This will always be the reality regardless of which <br />agency operates the facility. <br />o Although the concerns highlighted here and in the report must be addressed they <br />are not unique or uncommon to shelters across the country. <br />b] Discussion [Q&A -Members of BOCC, BOH, APS Board Only] <br />Board of County Commissioners: <br />Chair Brawn asked about the facility the County has and the future - <br />limited versus open admissions. <br />Kate Pullen said that the limited admission title is something that started <br />about ten years ago that was "no kill". They felt that this term did not <br />communicate what this meant. The reality is that a municipal program that is <br />obligated through law and mission to be there as a resource far all of the animals <br />in the community, regardless of adaptability, cannot be limited admission or na <br />kill. Non-profit agencies that are not bound by contract to also accept all animals <br />in the community can choose whether they want to be limited or open admission. <br />There are pros and cons to both. There is a responsibility of where the animal <br />goes if the shelter decides not to deal with an animal that is not a candidate for <br />adoption. She said that a municipal program and anon-profit with a contract do <br />not have a luxury to became limited access or no kill. They can strive far low kill, <br />but there are still going to be animals that are not adoptable. <br />