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8 <br /> ACO can not enforce the animal control <br /> ordinance when animal complaints are <br /> received anonymously from citizens. ACO <br /> must observe the violation, have actual <br /> evidence or a signed complaint before <br /> enforcement can be initiated. <br /> The County Animal Control Ordinance hinders <br /> enforcement by Animal Control Officers. <br /> Many provisions of the ordinance are <br /> outdated and must be revised. <br /> Lack of personnel and equipment was cited as <br /> an impediment to comprehensive enforcement. <br /> Additional ACO and accompanying vehicles <br /> would enable Animal. Control to more <br /> effectively enforce regulations. <br /> 4. Animal Shelter Standards <br /> APS staff presented its Standard Operating <br /> Procedures and indicated that the shelter <br /> standards exceed state standards and meet <br /> national standards of the American Humane <br /> Association. The APS is licensed and <br /> inspected annually by the NC Department of <br /> Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act. <br /> Presentations of policies and procedures by both organiza- <br /> tions, along with committee dialogue, gave the members a <br /> clearer understanding of the issues surrounding Animal <br /> Control and APS. <br /> III. RESPONSES TO MANDATES AND COMMITTEE FINDINGS AND <br /> RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> RESPONSES TO COMMITTEE MANDATES <br /> The County Board of Health responded to the committee <br /> mandates listed under "Section I Background" . The Board of <br /> Health responses were endorsed by the Animal Control/Shelter <br /> Study Committee and are as follows: <br /> A. Is there evidence that our current animal control <br /> program is working to achieve its objectives? <br /> The Animal Control Division of the Health Department <br /> has evolved steadily over the last five years. The <br /> number of animals licensed has increased, the roles <br /> and responsibilities of Animal Control Officers have <br /> been clarified, standard operating procedures have <br /> been codified, and the number of animals impounded <br /> has steadily reduced as enforcement measures have <br /> increased and improved. The Animal Shelter has <br /> 6 <br />