Agenda - 02-17-2015 - 4b - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Spaying and neutering 289 dogs and cats belonging to clients of the Department of Social Service (DSS) on a "no pay" basis, due to DSS involvement in this program. • Helping to reducing the number of animals admitted to Orange County's Animal Services Center from an annual average of 4,315 for 2005 through 2009, and an annual average of 3,419 for 2010 through 2013, and down to 2,939 in 2014, which is a record low for Orange County Animal Services. As part of this year's effort, Animal Services is working with Spay Neuter Assistance Program -North Carolina to spay and neuter up to 35 cats and dogs from families who receive services from DSS on "Spay Neuter Day ". In addition, Animal Services will continue ongoing outreach efforts. Outreach will consist of themed advertisements to promote the benefits of spaying and neutering pets and the availability of no cost or low cost spaying and neutering for pets belonging to qualifying Orange County households. These will be paired with media releases to further inform the public of the problem of pet overpopulation and help offer effective and low -cost solutions to County residents who may not otherwise have the means to spay and neuter their pets. A primary goal is to sterilize these animals before they have the opportunity to procreate and add to the number of "surplus" pets that enter the County's Animal Services Center during the summer months when the animal shelter population peaks. In 2015, Animal Services will continue to use the "Beat the Heat" theme from January through March to try to get ahead of "kitten" season and prevent unwanted litters. Staff has secured a rental billboard facing US Highway 70 West in Hillsborough, NC for 9 weeks starting January 5, 2015 and running through March 12, 2015. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The resolution has no financial impact. Events and outreach occurring in conjunction with this year's Spay Neuter Day involve appropriated funds in the County's Community Spay and Neuter Fund. The FY 2014 -2015 operating budget for the Community Spay and Neuter Fund is $66,350 and there is a fund balance of approximately $79,140. These funds primarily come from the $20 differential cost for licenses for a reproductive cat or dog versus a spayed or neutered cat or dog, combined with reimbursement from the North Carolina Spay Neuter Reimbursement Program, and significant donations from the public. Available funds will continue to be used to support and promote targeted spays and neuter that help contain the costs for County animal services and reduce shelter admissions and the number of animals euthanized as a means of population control. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt the proposed resolution and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.