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<br /> <br /> <br /> This group would be identified on a case by case basis by Animal Services at the time of <br />animal surrender. Financial hardship shall not excuse intentional harm or gross negligence. <br /> <br />These individuals should not face legal action, except in cases of intentional harm or gross <br />negligence, should be given the option to keep their pet, offered information about low cost/no <br />cost medical care, and followed up with at regular intervals for the next 6-12 months. <br /> <br /> <br />Parity of Field and Shelter Services <br /> <br />An individual voluntarily surrendering a pet to Animal Services shall face no greater penalties <br />nor suffer greater adverse consequences than if the pet of that individual had been seized in the <br />field by Animal Services upon report or suspicion of mistreatment. Conversely, efforts to work <br />with and support pet owners shall be no different for people who surrender a pet to Animal <br />Services than they are with residents encountered in the course of providing field services. <br />Animal Services staff shall make every effort to ensure that penalties and sanctions meted out <br />to individuals for observable mistreatment of their pets shall not be more or less severe if the <br />animal is voluntarily surrendered to Animal Services or if the animal is seized in the fieldby <br />Animal Services. <br /> <br />Do Not Adopt list: <br /> <br />Individuals who are temporarily prohibited from adopting should be required to provide <br />additional information before being allowed to adopt again. Minimally, this should include <br />Veterinarian information and a few references in regard to their pet ownership. If and when a <br />course becomes available, they should also be required to attends under the auspices of Animal <br />Services on proper treatment and handling of pets. <br /> <br />Upon adoption they should be provided educational information about pet care, medical care for <br />pets, and the responsibilities of pet ownership, with the possibility of periodic visits by Animal <br />Services to verify the condition of the newly adopted pet during a probation period of one year <br /> <br />Those who become ‘repeat offenders’ (surrendering regularly) should be placed on a permanent <br />do not adopt list and the information shared with other shelters in the area, and with surrounding <br />Animal Services departments in other counties. <br /> <br />Pet Retention Resources <br /> <br />Animal Services and the Animal Services Advisory Board fully understand that pet care and pet <br />retention depends upon economic and other resources that are not available to all residents of <br />Orange County. As part of the developing effort in the fields of animal services and animal <br />welfare, Animal Services is committed to assisting economically challenged pet owners and to <br />making this commitment a fundamental part of its strategic planning for the future. This