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DRAFT <br /> <br /> <br />Orange County. More generally, a definite view emerged from the task force’s survey of other <br />local experiences that Animal Services must develop strong partnerships with non-profit and <br />private organizations in order to effectively manage free-roaming cats. <br />Another theme that crystalized was that community awareness and “ownership” is no less <br />critical. In none of the surveyed communities was animal services solely responsible for <br />addressing the problem. Rather, community members were involved as individuals and <br />strategic partnerships were developed with other organizations. Often, there are robust working <br />relationships between public agencies and non-profit humane societies. <br />Partnerships have been critical to Orange County’s own efforts to manage pet overpopulation <br />since the strategic plan was originally adopted. Fortunately, there are a number organizations <br />already in operation in Orange County with which Animal Services may partner to manage free- <br />roaming cats in the coming years. Below are existing organizations, divided into groups that <br />address outreach and education, and those that deal directly with targeted spay/neuter. <br />Public Outreach and Awareness <br />Outreach and awareness are important parts of a comprehensive plan for managing free- <br />roaming cats in Orange County in order for members of the public to become familiar with <br />available solutions to this problem as well as its roots and impacts. Accordingly, we will seek to <br />promote awareness of available services and programs and the opportunities that exist for <br />individuals to themselves become involved and make a difference. <br />The final form of outreach will be shaped by the experience, opportunities, and challenges of <br />managing free-roaming cats in Orange County. But it will commence on the basis of our <br />assessment of the problem of free-roaming cats (as previously described), and it will be <br />undertaken in coordination with the following partners starting in 2015: <br />• Kids for Kindness is a local non-profit that started with an effort to teach fourth <br />graders at Hillsborough Elementary the importance of responsible pet ownership <br />and humane animal care. The hope is that this program can be expanded to <br />include all fourth grade classes in both school systems in Orange County. <br />Presently, the curriculum encompasses cats and dogs and addresses county <br />animal services, spaying and neutering, and animal sheltering.