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

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7 The Animal Control staff contend that the APS ' s cruelty investigations interfere with their mandated responsibilities, under the State General Statutes, to perform animal cruelty investigations which follow criminal procedures. The procedures used by APS are often inconsistent with the procedures used by the Animal Control Division which ulti- mately becomes confusing to the citizens. The APS staff described a long and rich history in the County of providing animal cruelty investigations and humane care to animals. The APS presented a "Brief Overview of Animal Cruelty Investigation Practices and Concerns" and described the APS of Orange County' s 30-year record, protocol, staff training, and philosophical approach to animal cruelty investigation. The APS reported that mutual cooperation and procedures on animal cruelty investigations by both the APS and the Animal Control Division had already been agreed upon last summer and a brochure for the public is being prepared. A copy of this brochure was distributed to the Study Group. The APS reported that only 4 out of more than 250 investigations involved overlap between the two organizations. At a follow-up meeting, the APS proposed a written protocol to enhance cooperation. 3 . Animal Control Officers ' (ACO) Views on Constraints When Enforcing Animal Control Laws The Animal Control staff presented concerns regarding the possible duplication of animal services between Animal Control and APS. This duplication of services was identified by the ACO as a major barrier to their enforcement of animal control laws. Rabies Control and Animal Cruelty Investigations are provided by both organizations. Animal Control staff indicated duplication promotes confusion among citizens since APS and ACO have different procedures for performing the same animal services. 5