Agenda 02-15-24; 1 - Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plan Summaries

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42 Brief Statements of Board's Assigned Charges and Responsibilities The ASAB is a sounding board for policy issues raised by residents or identified by the BOCC. Residents are referred to the ASAB as critical first step in any consideration of stakeholder concerns, before proposing an item to the BOCC. Also integral to this responsibility, is receiving feedback from the board members who serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. The hearing panel is responsible for overseeing citizen interactions with OCAS in declaring a pet dog as dangerous in response to aggressive behavior, or other appeal processes such as denial of a kennel permit. Finally, the ASAB is concerned with the human side of animal welfare issue. A fundamental value for the ASAB is the concept of One Health, the relationship of animals to public health, safety, the environment, and community welfare. One ASAB member must also serve as veterinarian for the Orange County Health Board, spanning a critical bridge between human and animal health challenges in an area marked by enhanced concerns of zoonotic diseases. What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? The ASAB has been working with a local nonprofit "Friends of Animal Services" to determine an impactful donation for Animal Services. In 2023, with suggestions and communication from the ASAB, this nonprofit donated $2,000.00 to create an outside enrichment pathway where staff and volunteers can walk dogs and improve the dog's welfare via scent trails and physical challenges. The ASAB worked with staff on the review of applications for the annual Pat Sanford Award. Two ASAB members participated in an appeal process where a kennel permit was revoked. The appeal board upheld the decision to revoke the kennel permit based on the facts of the case and the inability of the facility owner to offer basic standard of care to the animals at the kennel. Finally, ASAB continued to assist the BOCC in ensuring that board vacancies are filled in a timely and effective manner. We routinely make recommendations to the BOCC and provide each new member with an orientation. This orientation includes an introduction to the board, a review of county policies for boards and commissions, and an overview of Animal Services operations. List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually • Support the annual Clear-the Shelters adoption event in person and collectively in the community. • ASAB members attend and provide dessert for the Animal Services Holiday Potluck Party. • Support and volunteer (ASAB Chair) at scheduled rabies vaccination clinics.