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2 <br /> • Spaying and neutering a total of 390 cats and dogs in total, on the basis of the <br /> partnership between Animal Services and AnimalKind and Spay Neuter Assistance <br /> Patrol—North Carolina. Spaying and neutering 383 dogs and cats belonging to clients of <br /> the Department of Social Service (DSS) on a "no pay" basis due to DSS involvement in <br /> this program. <br /> • Helping to reducing the number of animals admitted to Orange County's Animal Services <br /> Center from an annual average of 3323 for the period 2010-2014 (and 4315 for the <br /> period 2005-2009). In 2015, animal intakes numbered 2967, the second consecutive <br /> year they have been under 3000. <br /> As part of this year's effort, Animal Services is working with Spay Neuter Assistance Program— <br /> North Carolina to offer a subsidized spay and neuter services in conjunction with Spay Neuter <br /> Day. This is one of four spay neuter days scheduled for 2016. At each of these events, it is <br /> possible to spay and neuter up to 35 cats and dogs from families who receive services from <br /> DSS. In addition, Animal Services will continue ongoing outreach efforts. Outreach will consist <br /> of themed advertisements to promote the benefits of spaying and neutering pets, the availability <br /> of no cost or low cost spaying and neutering for pets belonging to qualifying Orange County <br /> households, and the need to proactively address the problem of pet overpopulation in this and <br /> other communities. <br /> Staff takes take this opportunity to note that in the last session, the General Assembly made <br /> some significant changes in the NC Spay Neuter Reimbursement Program. Most significant <br /> from the standpoint of Orange County's efforts are fairly drastic changes in eligibility criteria: <br /> namely, excluding public assistance altogether and reducing household income from less than <br /> 300 percent to less than 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Notwithstanding the reductions <br /> in reimbursements that will occur in this and subsequent years, staff and the ASAB remain <br /> committed to working with the BOCC and county residents to sustain a program at the level <br /> needed to continue to make a big difference in Orange County. Doing so means providing fully <br /> subsidized spay and neuter services to county residents that receive public assistance or have <br /> an income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The resolution has no financial impact. Events and outreach in <br /> conjunction with this year's "Spay Neuter Day" involve appropriated funds in the County's <br /> Community Spay and Neuter Fund. The FY2015-16 operating budget for the Community Spay <br /> and Neuter Fund is $64,150 and the fund currently has an unassigned balance of approximately <br /> $66,000. These funds primarily come from the $20 differential cost for licenses for a <br /> reproductive cat or dog versus a spayed or neutered cat or dog, combined with significant <br /> donations from the public, and the reimbursements received in past years from the North <br /> Carolina Spay Neuter Reimbursement Program. Available funds will continue to be used to <br /> support and promote targeted spays and neuter that help contain the costs for County animal <br /> services and reduce shelter admissions and the number of animals euthanized as a means of <br /> population control. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following two Orange County Social Justice Goals are <br /> applicable to this agenda item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br />