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Animal Services News May 21, 2014 Updates RABIES • So far in 2014 there have been 13 laboratory confirmed rabies cases - -(10 raccoons, 1 skunk, 1 fox and 1 bat (and there are other reports of probably rabid animals as well). • Our YTD count is as high as we've had in the last 5 years and may foreshadow 25+ confirmed cases which has only happened twice before since raccoon rabies started in the late 1990s • Steps taken to raise public awareness include: • Coordinating with the Health Department to communicate with health care providers • Disseminating information to county vet clinics for posting, distribution, etc. • Coordinating with towns to communicate with their residents o Continuing media releases about rabies cases with prevention tips • Rabies awareness information materials prepared for this purpose (Handouts) o Ask ASAB members to review and share with others (or return for department use) NORTH CAROLINA's ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAM • The governor has recommended moving the Animal Welfare Program from NC Agriculture & Consumer Services to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) • Animal Welfare has responsibility for administering and enforcing the NC Animal Welfare Act and its responsibilities include • Inspecting and licensing animal shelters (public and private alike) • Inspecting and licensing kennels and boarding facilities • Administering the NC Spay Neuter Reimbursement Program • Amain concern is whether there will be a reduction in funds for the Reimbursement Program o It appears that "Ag" presently provides $250,000 • The detail in the governor's budget refers to only $100,000 • This could adversely affect many local governments including Orange County • Another major concern is the "goodness of fit" between Animal Welfare and DPS • The recommendation is from the Governor's NC Government Efficient and Reform (GEAR) project • However, there appears to be no formal analysis for the recommendation • Recognizing much is not known, concern and watchfulness are justified BUDGET • Attachment I is the Manager's recommended budget for Animal Services • A quick review of the financials on the first page are instructive • Note that the component parts of the budget are different lines of services and the specific services provided within each "line" or "area of operation" • In relation to these lines of service, there is an appraisal of performance during the last year and a plan for the coming year • Fundamental to the work plan and the budget are "performance measures"