Agenda - 02-16-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 outlined the procedures for an ordinance of this type. She stated that, although the fees have been adopted, the Board is considering reducing those fees to lessen the economic impact on the citizens of Orange County. MYRA CRAWFORD speaking for a group of citizens from Caldwell, emphasized that there is a need for animal control. She suggested a fee schedule of $5.00 for unsterilized dogs, $3.00 for sterilized dogs, $4.00 for unsterilized cats and $2.00 for sterilized cats. She noted that with lower fees more people will list their animals and make an effort to have their animals neuter or spayed. She suggested that a credit be given to those people who have already paid their fees and that a ceiling be put on how high the fee may go. She asked that consideration be given to lowering the fees and pledged, in return, support for what the ordinance is trying to achieve. DON INGRAHAM , member of the Animal Control Task Force, informed the public that the members of the task force were concerned about the economic impact of the licensing fee on older people and that the original ordinance did contain a section for waiver of fees for financial hardship. The ordinance does allow the Animal Control Director to submit to the Board of Commissioners a policy which would allow for payment of fees over extended periods of time at reduced rates or waiver of fees. With reference to the overpopulation of animals, he stated that one way to control this population is to have a differential licensing program coupled with an effective animal control program. PAT SANFORD pointed out that the basic problem in Orange County is the overpopulation of animals. There has been a 70% increase in the number of animals at the shelter. In January, 1988 there was a 19% increase over January of 1987. She distributed statistical information to the Board members. She spoke in support of the ordinance and compared the cost of feeding and raising an animal with the amount of the fee. She noted a need for educating the public on the reason for these fees and the need for control of the animal population. MORLAND CLAYTOR noted she raises dogs primarily for purchase by older people. She gave several illustrations of the need for companionship which is given by animals. Health Director Dan Reimer reported that the Board of Health was asked by the Board of Commissioners to consider a lower fee for those owners who have more than three dogs or cats. The Health Board voted 6-3 to leave the fees unchanged. The two reasons for leaving the fee unchanged were (1) the number of cats and dogs is growing rapidly and it was felt that any change in the fees would undermine the effort of the ordinance in control of the animal population and (2) with a growth in animal population, the spread of rabies also increases which in turn presents a danger to the welfare of the public. Commissioner Carey stated that as a member of the Board of Health, he asked the Health Board to consider charging the higher fee for the first five animals and a lower fee for the remaining animals. His proposal was based on the rationale for determining the number of animals that required a person to register as a kennel operator and the standards that applied to that category. Commissioner Carey made a motion that the higher fee be charged for the first five animals in a household that are unsterilized and a lower fee be charged for all unsterilized animals above five in the same household. Commissioner Hartwell seconded the proposal.