HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-Animal Control
....
'.
"
CIW OF SAN BERNAROWO - REQUptJT FOR COUNCIL A~ON
From:
Honorable Mayor and Council
Subject: Preliminary Report - Enhanced
Adoption Programs at Animal Shelter
Dept: Anima 1 Control
Date: July 30, 1986
Synopsis of Previous Council action:
At the July 7, 1986 meeting of the Mayor and Common Council, staff was
directed to report on alternative programs for enhanced adoptions of dogs
and cats from the city shelter, by August 4, 1986.
Recommended motion:
That this matter be continued to the regularly scheduled meeting of
October 6, 1986.
Contact person:
Paul E. Turner
Phone:
383-5275
N/A
N/A
Supporting data attached:
yes
Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Amount:
N/A
Source:
Finance:
Council Notes:
75-0262
........... No_ 0) ,
\.
cae, OF SAN BERNAR"'O -
"
REQU"T FOR COUNCIL Ace ON
STAFF REPORT
This matter was discussed, briefly, by the Animal-Advisory Commission at their
July 18, 1986 meeting and a special meeting was held on July 24, 1986 with
other concerned individuals and groups.
At the July 24 meeting, three area veterinarians, four Animal Advisory Commis-
sioners, four representatives of local animal welfare/rights groups and other
concerned individuals met to discuss this subject.
It was, unanimously agreed, the concept of enhanced adoption programs, especially
those targeted for the e1der1~,and/or disabled, .is an encouraging undertaking.
However, it was felt that only through a "total commitment" would such a program(s)
be effective, for the adoptor, the pet and the city.
A program offering pets at reduced cost or no cost, in itself, could possibly be
detrimental and counter-productive. ' Often, persons adopting pets are unaware of
the (often high) on-going costs of pet-ownership i.e., feeding, veterinary care,
licensing and necessary "maintenance'! equipment (collars, food bowls, shelter,
litter and, litter trays.) After discovering the costs, the animals could be
returned to the shelter or possibly abandoned.
It is essential, before the shelter undertakes any enhanced adoption program,
that it include the following: a screening or application process whereby
interested individuals are required to, at least, complete a questionaire which
would forewarn them of the commitment required,jn dog/cat pet ownership.
An educational program (possibly tied into the screening/application process)
whereby interested individuals would receive initial (and on-going) information
relative to care, training and maintenance of their adopted pets.
A spay/neuter enforcemen~'pro~ram.'Current state law requires a spay/neuter
deposit (refundable) be collected on all dogs and cats sold (or given away) by
any public pound or shelter. After a certain period, those deposits are considered
unclaimed. A small percentage of persons who adopt animals do not get the
animal surgically altered and we have no program in af~ect to follow-up for
compliance. It is felt, enforcing the intent of the law is crucial to the long
term effect any adoption program will have.
Provide a "support program." By soliciting throughout the community, various
veterinarians, pet shops, grooming parlors and to include local humane organizations
who would commit to providing services, equipment and other related support to
potential adoptors at reduced or no cost.
Several other humane societies/animal shelters have been identified as having
programs designed to assist the elderly adopt pets and we have contacted them
requesting information.
75-0264
i'""l'1'l'}:""~"'" -
--_......,.....-~~~- -----T-;~..~-
!,it':' :~,,:> :. .,::;....d,:;-.
C. OF SAN BERNAR,,-O - REQU.T FOR COUNCIL A~ON
STAFF REPORT
Page 2.
We have yet to identify any programs (at shelters) designed to promote
adoptions to disabled persons. However, we will be working with our Parks and
Recreation/Community Services Department personnel to discuss development of
a program.
Mayor and Council has directed animal control staff to. report back on October 6,
1986, with what effect (if any) the recent increase in adoption fees had on
the number of adoptions.
Continuance of this matter to that meeting will allow us sufficient time to
investigate, document, analyze and develop program proposals for enhanced adoptions.
,
75~0264