Agenda - 10-04-1993 - VII-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 1. Animal Adoption Process The APS presented a handout titled "Adoptable Pets to Adoptable Homes" and reported that their animal adoption philosophy is to match the right pet with a responsible individual or family. The APS adoption policies are consistent with the Humane Society of the United States Animal Adoption Guidelines. Together with the participation of 15 local veterinarians, the APS implements a model adoption program with a mandatory spay/ neuter contract. This sterilization program is designed to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals in Orange County and to reduce the cost of animal control services to the taxpayers. Shelter adoption fees include payments to the vets to help underwrite the cost of the initial veterinary services and sterilization of the animals. Ordinarily, these veterinarian services are approximately $150 .00 for dogs and $100 for cats. Depending on the species adopted through the shelter, only $10 . 50 of the $75. 00 adoption fee for dogs and $14 .00 of the $49.00 adoption fee for cats remain at the shelter. 2. Animal Cruelty Investigations The most discussed issue during Committee meetings was the need for coordination between ACO and the APS during animal cruelty investigations. Both organizations perform animal cruelty investigations. Staff of the Animal Control Division stated that, on average, the County has approxi- mately 250 animal cruelty investigations per year. Of these, there have been minor occurrences, (approximately 10 cases per year) which required coordination between the APS and Animal Control Division. Although minimal, the cases which caused citizens ' frustrations received widespread news media attention. Public statements by both staffs indicated poor communication between the two organizations and added to citizens ' misunderstandings about cruelty investigations. 4