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Page 7 <br />Rabies vaccines administered in Orange County have <br />increased over 24% since the implementation of the 1988 <br />Ordinance. Fy 89 -90 alone shows an 18% increase aver FY 88- <br />89 in rabies vaccines being administered to pets. <br />ANIMAL CRUELTY - MISTREATMENT <br />A marked increase (49 %) of animal cruelty and mistreatment <br />reports were investigated this fiscal years over previous <br />years. <br />The nature of the reports in general, revealed neglect of an <br />animal "s basic health care needs, unsanitary and inhumane <br />confinement, restF.aint and abandonment. <br />Owners of animals who are in violation receive a notice <br />noting the violation, what steps much be taken to correct the <br />conditions, and a deadline in which to comply. <br />Failure to comply results in, as with other <br />noncompliances, the animals impoundment, penalties and /or <br />further legal actions being taken. <br />t One hundred and ten (110) animal cruelty and mistreatment <br />reports were investigated this year by County officers. <br />Sixty four percent (64 %) required a return visit to ensure <br />compliance to the Ordinance. <br />Few penalties are issued, as most owners will comply or <br />will surrender their animals to the officer or at the <br />shelter. Al <br />In cases of stubborn non - compliance, the violation is <br />generally one of the State's Animal Cruelty Laws and court <br />actions are initiated. Three criminal cases were pursued <br />this year; two for animal abandonment, one for animal <br />cruelty_ These cases were successfully prosecuted, <br />terminating in $250 in penalti -es, payment of a $330 Animal <br />Shelter bill, Court Orders extending to two years and one ten <br />day jail term being served for animal abandonment. <br />