Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 7, 2020 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-e <br /> SUBJECT: Resolution Regarding Orange County Becoming a Socially Conscious Animal <br /> Community <br /> DEPARTMENT: Animal Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Resolution Bob Marotto, Director, Animal Services, <br /> Socially Conscious Animal Community 919.932.4963 <br /> Fundamentals (Infographic) Amanda Schwoerke, Chair, Animal <br /> http://scsheltering.org/shareable- Services Advisory Board, <br /> information/ 203.815.5481 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a resolution regarding Orange County becoming a socially conscious <br /> animal community. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County has made a strong commitment to progressive and innovative <br /> animal services for its residents and their animals. This is evident in the creation of Animal <br /> Services as a free-standing county department (2005); the opening of a state-of-the-art Animal <br /> Services Center (2009); the creation of an award winning Community Spay and Neuter Program; <br /> and the positive community relations including ongoing collaboration between policy makers, <br /> staff and the Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB). <br /> A significant development in the field of animal services and animal welfare over the last few <br /> years has been the development of a perspective committed to creating a socially conscious <br /> animal community. Animal Services staff and the ASAB believe that this perspective is overdue <br /> and very beneficial to animal welfare and the human-animal bond in the community and beyond. <br /> This perspective has emerged as a result of community experiences animal shelters, animal <br /> welfare and historic efforts to save animal lives around the country. The perspective is well <br /> described as follows in its public presentation (http://scsheltering.org/shareable-information/): <br /> "The Socially Conscious Animal Community is a framework that allows each of us to <br /> understand our role in creating best outcomes for pets. This concept is based on respectful <br /> treatment of animals. It's about placing every healthy and safe animal that ends up in a <br /> shelter or rescue. It's about transparency and leadership. It's about thoughtful public policy. <br /> It's about safe communities. We must work together to create the best outcomes for all <br /> animals while nurturing the human-animal bond." <br />