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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 14-20, 2024 as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Solano County (Supervisor Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff’s Office requests that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 14-20, 2024 as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) has designated the second full week in April as National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. This week of appreciation is designed to give recognition to the hard-working men and women of Animal Care and Control agencies across the country who dedicate themselves to protect the health and welfare of animals and pets that are rescued from injury, disease, abuse and starvation; as well as those who enforce animal control laws, protect the public from diseases such as rabies, and who educate the public on the proper care of the community’s pets.
In Solano County, staff of 30 animal care & control officers, kennel staff, contract veterinarians, clerical staff and numerous volunteers protect public safety, ensure humane treatment of animals, provide quality professional services to the public including microchipping, spay and neuter and vaccination clinics. In addition, Animal Care and Control staff respond during emergencies in the community such as wildfires or floods where they work to ensure animals stay safe and reunite lost and frightened animals with their owners. They respond to situations where domestic animals may be neglected or abused, or a dog or wild animal may have bitten or injured someone.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are minimal and included in the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Animal Care provides animal care services at our shelter, located at 2510 Claybank Road in Fairfield, through the following activities: care, shelter, and placement of stray and/or abandoned animals; spay and neutering of adoptable animals; and countywide dog licensing. Animal Care also provides the public with low-cost spay/neuter and low-cost vaccination services.
Animal Control provides animal control services and promotes responsible animal ownership through education and enforcement to the City of Vallejo and the unincorporated areas through patrols in areas of jurisdiction, enforcement of animal codes and regulations, and investigation of charges of animal abuse. Animal Control administers the countywide rabies control program that is legally mandated by the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 17 and CCR section 2606 and associated State regulations.
Recognizing April 14-20, 2024 as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Solano County acknowledges the devotion and care provided to the animals brought to our shelter and encountered in the field. In 2023 alone,
• 1,068 animals were adopted to their “forever homes”
• 1,884 animals were turned over to nonprofit partners and partner shelters
• 632 lost animals were reunited with their owners
• 692 animal bites/exposures were investigated (Animal control)
• 453 animal welfare checks were completed (Animal control)
• 43 cases of animal cruelty were investigated (Animal control)
Animal Care and Control staff’s dedication to the well-being of all animals in Solano County has resulted in the annual increase of the shelter live release rate from 39% in 2011 to 78% in 2023, and euthanasia numbers have declined dramatically from 6,013 to 994 in the same period. These achievements are largely due to the dedication and passion of the Animal Care and Control staff and volunteers promoting adoptions and live releases of all the animals entrusted in their care. This dedication has led to strengthened partnerships with rescue organizations and increased opportunities to transfer animals to other shelters to fill adoption demand opportunities elsewhere by partnering with other California counties, as well as shelters in other states and Canada.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution, however, that is not recommended as this is an opportunity to recognize and raise awareness of the dedicated professionals who perform animal care and control services in Solano County and thank them for their service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION