HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS2 - Animal Shelter ReportFebruary 22, 1999
Study Session Item No. 2
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT
February 22, 1999
TO: Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council and City Manager
FROM: Bob McDonell, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Animal Shelter Report
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Receive and file the attached report on animal control and animal shelter
operations.
2. Continue the existing contract for animal shelter services with the Dover
Shores Pet Care Center.
3. Consider directing staff to do the following:
a. Continue to work with interested persons and community groups as
staffing permits, to address and improve existing shelter
operations.
b. Periodically explore long -term strategies regarding the future of
shelter operations.
C. Work to improve adoption and care of animals housed in the City's
shelter.
d. Review existing licensing, impound, and adoption fees and
recommend revisions as appropriate.
4. Encourage interested community groups to consider forming a non - profit
entity, which could raise funds and potentially build and operate a shelter
facility, thereby becoming eligible for the City contract.
BACKGROUND:
The attached report from Captain Henisey contains information, which responds
to a number of concerns regarding animal control and shelter operations
submitted by Mr. Greg Ruzicka, on behalf of a community group interested in
changing the City's animal shelter operations. Also in the report is an analysis of
our current animal control operations and a discussion of animal shelter
operations in three other South Orange County cities. Finally, several
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alternatives to the current method of contracting for shelter services are
presented and discussed.
It is important to note that there is significant community interest in improving our
animal shelter operations. It is also important to point out that our existing
contract with the Dover Shores Pet Care Center operated by Dr. Bauersfeld has
been a cost - effective and efficient means of providing animal shelter services to
our community. Dr. Bauersfeld has developed a program to provide for a pro -
humane method of adopting out all animals suitable for adoption and obtaining a
relatively low rate of euthanasia that is comparable to other quality shelters. He
has been very successful with this program without cost to the City or the
taxpayer.
It is appropriate to continue to periodically analyze the methods of providing
animal control services to the Community. Volunteer services, donations of time
and money, availability of grant money, current revenues and existing operations
should be regularly reviewed to determine if there are more appropriate and
cost - effective ways of providing these services. We believe we have done so in
the attached report, and it is our intent to continue to study these alternatives
and recommend improvements as necessary.
Bob McDonell
CHIEF OF POLICE
0
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT
February 9, 1999
TO: Bob McDonell, Chief of Police
FROM: Paul Henisey, Patrol/Traffic Division Commander
SUBJECT: Animal Shelter Operations
Background:
The purpose of this report is to respond to two issues regarding animal shelter operations. First,
this report will address a number of concerns included in a letter from the law firm of Ruzicka,
Snyder and Wallace. Second, a number of community members are advocating changes in the
City's animal shelter operations. This report will identify current animal shelter operations,
discuss other cities' animal shelter operations and present various alternatives.
Response to the Letter:
Briefly, the City of Newport contracts with the Dover Shores Pet Care Center for animal shelter
services. The Dover Shores Pet Care Center is located at 2075 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa and
is operated by Dr. Bruce Bauersfeld, a state licensed veterinarian. The Center provides board and
care, including medical care, for all animals impounded by the Animal Control Officers of the
Newport Beach Police Department. The Center meets all state regulations. This agreement
provides cost - effective and efficient animal shelter services for the City. The Center is a Pro -
Humane animal facility that strives to adopt out orphaned animals without resorting to euthanasia
unless it is clearly in the best interest of the animal or the health and safety of others. The Center
accomplishes this policy through the PALS for Pets program. This program provides for long-
term board and care, necessary medical attention, and spaying or neutering as necessary and the
costs are recovered from the adopting family at the time of the adoption. This program has been
very successful at adopting out animals without passing on the costs of this care to the City or the
taxpayer. The PALS program is described in more detail in an attachment to this report.
In the letter from Mr. Gregory Ruzicka, one of the first items identified is the provision in the
agreement regarding having records available for inspection. The agreement specifically states
the records shall be open and available for inspection by the City. The Center complies with this
requirement and these records have been inspected at various times by City staff. There is not a
requirement for these records to be available for public inspection. Making these records
available for any member of the public and requiring the staff time to accommodate these
requests would be too costly and labor intensive.
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Questions were raised about the Spay and Neuter Fund and the make -up of the committee
responsible for these funds. The Spay and Neuter Fund consists of state - mandated fees paid
when an animal is adopted that is not spayed or neutered. If after the adoption the animal is
spayed or neutered the adopting family is eligible to request a refund of the fees paid. Otherwise,
the fees remain in the account and are available to be used to promote the spaying and neutering
of animals. The City has a Spay and Neuter Committee consisting of Dr. Bauersfeld, his office
manager Scott Hamilton, Civilian Supervisor Karen Weigand, Animal Control Officer Jayme
Rodgers, and City Management Analyst Craig Bluell. At the October 23rd meeting, a City staff
member suggested giving consideration to have Ms. Morgan serve as a member. The committee
concluded the existing makeup provides for efficient operations and effective decision - making
regarding the appropriate uses of these funds.
The Spay and Neuter Committee has authorized the expenditure of funds to reimburse qualified
spay and neuter operations, purchase equipment to assist in post- operative recovery, and to
promote the spaying and neutering of pets. These funds have been placed in a City account and
expenditures are approved and paid following normal City procedures. Based upon preliminary
analysis of recently passed state legislation, the Spay and Neuter fees will be eliminated in July
and there will be specific requirements placed upon each animal shelter regarding the spaying
and neutering of animals. Animal Control officers are scheduled to attend training in February
regarding this new legislation.
The Dover Shores Pet Care Center did receive donations from a number of citizens as indicated.
Ms. Morgan was reimbursed the $200 for the cost of advertising. The donation checks were
made out directly to the Center. According to the Center, there was no agreement as to what the
donations were to be used for. The Center purchased rubber- coated racks to raise the animals off
the floor and improve their living conditions. The racks provide for a cleaner environment and as
a result, reduce the need for bathing of the animals. The racks can be easily cleaned and
disinfected and do not harbor germs or diseases that blankets or other absorbent material would.
This issue of cleanliness was one we previously had identified for improvement.
The letter identified 13 additional questions. The responses to each of the questions are listed as
follows:
1. How many animals were impounded, (600 or 1200) and what happened to them
thereafter?
According to our shelter statistics, we lodged in the shelter a total of 749 animals in 1997 and
693 animals in 1998. Of the 1997 total, 638 were returned to their owners or adopted including
45 through the PALS Program, and 93 died in the shelter or were euthanized. In 1998, 598
animals were returned or adopted including 38 through PALS, while 79 died or were euthanized.
The animals euthanized were either injured too seriously to justify medical treatment, were
determined to be vicious and unadoptable, or were wild and could not be domesticated or
relocated.
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2. How many pregnant cats came in by the person who found them or the officer? Were
they allowed to have their babies? Who kept the cat for the two months it takes for the
babies to be big enough to adopt?
Detailed information such as whether a cat is pregnant or not at time of impound is not
computerized but noted in a card file. It is not feasible to manually search all of the records for
this information. However, the Animal Control Officers recall impounding a few pregnant cats
every year. The Center's policy regarding pregnant cats is that they are allowed to have their
kittens and then are kept approximately 2 months until the kittens are adoptable. This is done at
the Center's expense. Some of the costs for this care are recovered through the Center's PALS
program.
3. How many pups did you impound that were not yet weaned? Who bottle fed them?
According to the collective memories of the Animal Control Officers and the Center's staff, a
puppy has never been impounded in the Shelter that was not yet weaned without the mother
being there also. Puppies this young do not usually get out away from their mother and run at
large. If one did come in, it would receive the same treatment as when young kittens are brought
in. One of the Center's staff members would take it home and bottle feed it just as they have
numerous times with young kittens the ACO's have brought in.
4. /f a dog was hit by a car, but had injuries that could be surgically repaired, which vet
performed the surgery and how many dogs did you impound like this last year?
Again, the information is not available as to how many dogs injured in vehicular collisions are
brought in, but the ACO's state this probably occurs about twice a month. Many of these are
minor injuries and are treated by Dr. Bauersfeld at the Center. Sometimes these emergencies
happen at odd hours and the animal is taken to either Central Orange County Emergency Animal
Clinic or All Care Animal Referral Center for emergency treatment. In most of these
circumstances, the owner is located who will claim the animal and then pay for the treatment, or
they will obtain their own medical care. In the event an owner is not located, the City's
agreement with the Center provides for medical care at the City's expense up to a set limit. In
one instance several years ago, a dog was brought in that was seriously injured and no owner was
found. The dog was given four surgeries and was kept at the Shelter for six months before
finally being adopted, all at the Center's expense less several donations received from the public
for the dog's treatment.
5. What happens to animals with ringworm or mange? Are they treated or euthanized?
How many were impounded in this status last year?
Animals impounded with mange or ringworm will receive treatment at the Center and are not
euthanized. In a recent case, Senior ACO Eric Metz impounded a small toy poodle. The dog was
found on the Corona del Mar Freeway and brought to the Corona del Mar Animal Hospital by a
private citizen. CDM Animal Hospital called the Police Department to have the dog impounded
as a stray. The dog did not receive any treatment during its short stay at CDM Animal Hospital.
The staff told ACO Metz they thought it had scabies. The dog was impounded at the Center and
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was correctly diagnosed as having sarcoptic mange. The dog was successfully treated and
adopted through the PALS program after approximately four weeks.
6. if you impound feral cats, ones that are wild and living on their own, do you euthanize
them? How many feral cats are impounded?
Any cat that is impounded will be placed for adoption if unclaimed unless they are deemed to be
wild and unsuitable for adoption. At this point it is likely the feral or wild cat will be euthanized.
It is unknown how many of the cats impounded were feral because the Police Department does
not individually track wild versus tame cats, however the Animal Control Officers state most of
the cats euthanized were feral. The primary concern with releasing feral cats back to the wild is
that they are usually trapped by a citizen because they were already causing a problem. It is
estimated about 80% of the cats impounded are collected from these traps. To spay or neuter the
wild cats and then release them back into our community would just re- introduce the problem
into another area. The City is very limited as to locations suitable for the release of wild cats
without altering the existing environment. Also, most feral cats have a short lifespan due to the
harsh nature of their existence. Because of these facts, it is our opinion euthanasia is the most
appropriate option for those feral cats unable to be domesticated and unsuitable for adoption.
7. Are all animals impounded if they are alive? Do animal control officers euthanize
injured animals or feral cats in the field? Do they all go to the shelter vet? What about
ones delivered to owners in the field?
With the exception of a few dead animals that we impound for necropsy examination by Dr.
Bauersfeld such as in an animal cruelty case, all domestic animals are impounded alive. Most
wildlife are relocated or if injured they are taken to rehabilitators. Occasionally, wildlife is
impounded at the Center, but this is usually only to hold overnight until the rehabilitators open in
the morning. Animal Control Officers do on rare occasions euthanize animals in the field. The
vast majority of these euthanasias are wildlife that are usually found in a morbid condition and
would likely not survive. Injured domestic animals are taken to the Center or one of the
emergency clinics for treatment. The Animal Control Officers prefer to let a licensed
veterinarian decide if the animal can be successfully treated due to their training and expertise.
Any injured animal delivered to an owner in the field is the responsibility of the owner. We will
assist owners in transporting animals to the veterinarian or emergency clinic of their choice, but
we do not euthanize them at the owner's request.
8. The euthanasia figure presented to my clients should include every domesticated animal
that was ever euthanized, including injured and feral cats. Does it? if animals are ever
euthanized in the field is that included in the 3% figure that Bauersfeld asserts?
The only knowledge staff has of a 3% euthanasia rate centered around a discussion of the
euthanasia rate for impounded dogs in 1997. The records for our shelter include all animals
euthanized or that died in the shelter due to injuries or illness. The euthanasia/died in shelter rate
in 1997 was 12.4% and in 1998 the rate was 11.4 %. These euthanasia figures include all of the
animals impounded by the Animal Control Officers including any domestic animal. The rare
euthanasia that occurs in the field is not included in the above figures.
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9. Are all animals held for a minimum of 72 hours before euthanasia or adoption?
Food and Agriculture Codes 31108 (dogs) and 31752 (cats) require these animals to be held at
least 72 hours at an animal shelter. The agreement between the City and the Center requires the
Center to hold any impounded animal for a minimum of five days if it has no identification. If
the animal has identification, the Center is required to hold the animal for six days although the
Center's policy is to keep the animal for seven days. Any adoptable animal still remaining will
continue to be available for adoption through the PALS Program.
10. Why are there discrepancies in the 'adoption' fees for puppies? The Dover Shores
paperwork shows $58.00 for the costs of puppies and adults to be adopted but puppies
are being 'adopted' for $253.00.
There are two categories of animals at the Center. The first category is those unidentified and
adoptable animals within the five -day holding period as required by the agreement with the City.
These animals are available at the regular adoption rates. The basic adoption fee is $38 not
including the Spay and Neuter Deposit Fee. Once the animal stays beyond the mandated holding
period, the animal is included in the Center's PALS program. These animals receive a thorough
medical exam and all necessary shots. The vaccinations are necessary not only for the animal's
health, but to prevent the outbreak of disease in other shelter animals and those animals that
belong to Dr. Bauersfeld's clients. Impounded animals are treated for any diseases and continue
to receive board, care and exercise. To reimburse the Center for the costs, which in many cases
can be extensive, the PAL adoption rates are increased to provide for this care. The cost to adopt
these animals out of the PALS program is based upon the specific care each animal has received
and the length of time the animal is in the facility. Puppies and kittens are generally more
expensive because the number of vaccinations required or recommended is greater and they will
usually require an increased level of care.
Dr. Bauersfeld has been practicing veterinary care for over 26 years and takes great pride in the
Center's ability to adopt out literally thousands of animals during his association with the City.
This program has experienced tremendous success without burdening the City or the taxpayer
with all of these additional costs. Those that benefit from the program, the individuals adopting
the animals, pay for the costs of the program, but they also benefit from discounted services
offered to them by Dr. Bauersfeld as part of the package. It is important to note the costs
assessed in the PALS program cover only the actual expenses incurred by the Center. It is not a
profit- generating program. Dr. Bauersfeld does derive additional business as many of those who
adopt the animals return for future veterinary services.
11. Why are animals being tranquilized?
Because the Dover Shores Pet Care Center also serves as an animal shelter, they are required to
accept animals that they would not normally accept for boarding from clients. If Animal Control
impounds a vicious pit bull, the Center is required to accept and house the animal. These types
of animals may be given tranquilizers for their safety as well as the safety of the Shelter and
Dover Shores staff, not to mention any citizen that might be in the kennel area looking for an
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animal. This prevents bites to staff and visitors and also keeps the animal from injuring itself by
charging the cage doors. It allows for the moving of these particular animals on a daily basis to
accommodate the cleaning of the cages. In addition, some animals that are excessively excited or
noisy due to being in the shelter with other animals, may on occasion be given a light tranquilizer
in an effort to calm them down.
12. Why are racks being used in the cages?
Many of the cages in the Center now have new soft rubber covered racks in them. The racks were
purchased to improve the living conditions for the animals. The racks keep the animals off of the
concrete floors and out of any urine or excrement deposited prior to the staff cleaning the cage.
The racks are easily cleaned and disinfected as opposed to an absorbent towel or blanket that
retains moisture and may harbor diseases. This also reduces the number of times an animal must
be bathed, as it keeps them off the floor and therefore cleaner.
13. 1f an animal has a treatable illness, is that provided for in the contract. Who decides if
the animal gets treated and at what dollar amount? How much money can be spent on
each animal for ear infections, skin problems, infected eyes, tumor removal, urinary
infections and other routine illnesses? Since the animal becomes the property of
Bauersfeld after five days, it appears he decides whether this animal gets a second
chance. 1f true this policy is unacceptable!
Per the Shelter contract the City will pay up to $47.50 per animal for treatment. Any additional
treatment is at Dr. Bauersfeld's expense, although some of these costs may be offset by donations
to the Center. There seems to be some concern that Dr. Bauersfeld is given the authority and
responsibility to decide which animals live and which die after their time in the Center.
However, who better to assess the medical condition and the adoptability of an animal then an
experienced and licensed Veterinarian. As an animal owner myself, a licensed Veterinarian
would be, and is, my choice to make decisions about the health of my animal. It is the Police
Department's opinion that based upon our experience with Dr. Bauersfeld and in consideration of
the euthanasia statistics, it is clear Dr. Bauersfeld decisions have been very appropriate in this
area and that this policy is in fact, reasonable and meets the needs of this community.
Animal Shelter Analvsis and Discussion:
This section will discuss the organization and costs of the animal control and shelter operations
of the City of Newport Beach. Costs and operations of animal services in neighboring cities will
be presented to provide a basic understanding of animal shelter operations within the County.
Finally, various alternatives along with estimates of staffing and costs will be presented for the
City Council's consideration.
First, as stated previously, the City contracts for services with the Dover Shores Pet Care Center
under the direction of Dr. Bauersfeld. The basic cost of this contract is not to exceed $2,928.51
per month. The contract establishes limits on inoculation costs, boarding fees, medical care
expenses, quarantine rates, and spay /neuter deposits. The contract requires all dog license
revenue, all uncollected spay /neuter deposit fees, and one half of the impound fees to be turned
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over to the City on a monthly basis. One staff member, Maggie Thigpen, is assigned as the
PALS and Shelter Coordinator and serves as the liaison to the Police Department on animal
shelter issues. The agreement can be terminated by either party upon a 120 -day written notice.
The Dover Shores Pet Care Center is a full- service veterinary care facility. The Center consists
of a pet supply retail area, reception desk, examination rooms, operating room, intensive care
area, and shelter rooms for cats, dogs, and other animals. The shelter rooms consist of metal and
concrete block cages. All of the cages are indoors and climate controlled. Of the available cages
the Center uses on average about two - thirds of them for animal shelter purposes. Although the
Center is an older facility, it is clean, well maintained and meets or exceeds all applicable
standards.
For the 1998/1999 Fiscal Year, the City of Newport Beach budgeted $40,900 for Animal Shelter
and Veterinary Care Services. The Police Department budgeted approximately $250,000 in
personnel costs for the one Senior Animal Control Officer and three Animal Control Officers.
Additional maintenance and operations costs (including fleet rental charges), total $37,675 and
capital outlay costs are $7,200. The total costs of operation to the City of Newport Beach will be
about $335,755 in this fiscal year. These figures do not include any indirect costs for dispatching
of calls, processing dog licenses or other administrative services. Animal related revenues
include $43,260 for Dog Licenses and $4,100 in impound fees and miscellaneous income. Thus,
the net cost for all animal control services is approximately $288,395. There are currently 4,976
dogs licensed in the City of Newport Beach. In 1998, there were 693 animals taken to the shelter
of which 598 were returned to their owners or adopted while 79 (11.4 %) died or were
euthanized.
Ten years ago, the City of Newport Beach operated with a staff of six Animal Control Officers.
Currently, staffing consists of one Senior Animal Control Officer and three Animal Control
Officers. In 1998 these four officers handled 4,618 radio calls, 1,353 observation activities,
1,341 Problem Oriented Policing activities, and 7,118 other activities. Given these numbers,
each ACO averages 20 of these various activities each shift they work. Included in these
activities, the ACO's issued 899 citations, wrote 1,360 reports, issued 136 quarantines and
transported a total of 1,652 animals. The majority of citations issued were for leash law
violations, specifically in the beach areas where most citizens' demands for enforcement occur.
As with other city services, significant demands are placed on the Animal Control Officers
during the summer months because of increased tourist and seasonal resident populations.
The City of Irvine operates its own Animal Shelter. The shelter was built in 1984 at a cost then
of about $3 million and is a clean modern facility. The Animal Shelter is operated through the
Community Services Department. The staff consists of I Animal Care Supervisor, I
Veterinarian (currently unfilled), 11 part -time Kennel Assistants, 6 part -time Office Assistants, I
part -time Volunteer Coordinator, and I part -time Senior Account Clerk. The total cost of the
Shelter operations for this fiscal year is $606,950. The Animal Control field operations are
assigned to the Police Department. This unit consists of I Animal Control Supervisor, 3 Senior
ACO's and 3 part-time ACO's. The budget cost for these personnel is approximately $300,000.
Total program costs for the City of Irvine are $906,950 and are offset by revenues of $236,740
for a net cost of $670,210. During the 1998 calendar year, the Irvine Animal Care Center took in
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2,177 stray animals. Out of this number they returned 498 to their owners, adopted out another
1532 animals and euthanized 221 animals while another 21 animals died in the shelter. Their
euthanasia/died in shelter rate for 1998 is 11.1 %.
The City of Mission Viejo also operates their own shelter and provides animal control services to
the City of Laguna Niguel. The shelter facility was built in 1993 at a cost of $2.3 million. The
shelter includes a large reception area, service areas, and several offices. One office was
converted into housing for cats with the addition of portable steel cages. The dog shelter is an
outside facility in which the concrete floor of the dog cages is heated. The shelter has added
canvas awnings for additional shade in the summer and the awnings can be converted into canvas
walls during the winter to help retain the heat. There is a fenced grass play area for the animals
and a nice park setting immediately adjacent where the animals can be walked. Because of
insufficient space to house impounded cats, the shelter is planning a $300,000 expansion to
provide for the care and shelter of cats. The shelter is administered by the Animal Services
Supervisor who reports directly to the City Manager's Office. Additional staff includes 2
Clerical Personnel, 2 Kennel Attendants, 1 part-time Kennel Attendant, and 2 part -time License
Canvassers. Three Animal Control Officers and 1 Reserve ACO (currently not filled) report to
the Animal Services Supervisor. The operational costs for all animal services in this fiscal year
are budgeted at $609,449. These costs are offset by revenues totaling $300,150 for a net
operating cost of $309,299. During the 1997/1998 Fiscal Year, the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter
took in 2,086 animals. Out of this number they returned 739 to their owners, adopted out another
1,132 animals and euthanized 134 animals for a euthanasia rate of 6.4 %. The number of animals
that died in the shelter is not included in this figure.
The City of Costa Mesa contracts with the Orange County Humane Society for its animal shelter
operations. They have budgeted approximately $60,000 this fiscal year for animal shelter
services. The Costa Mesa Police Department has two full -time and two part-time animal control
officers. Direct costs for the Animal Control unit is estimated at $258,000. The City of Costa
Mesa estimates revenue from animal control services and licensing is approximately $48,500 for
a net cost to the city of $209,500. The unit impounded 882 animals, issued 300 citations,
licensed 6,420 dogs and handled about 5160 calls for service in 1998. Costa Mesa reported the
euthanasia rate for the Orange County Humane Society to be about 10% for dogs and 30% for
cats. The City of Costa Mesa is currently studying their existing method of providing animal
control services and contracting for animal shelter operations and has requested proposals from
outside agencies and private vendors to determine if there are effective alternatives.
There are two points worthy of additional discussion. First, both Irvine and Mission Viejo
receive considerably higher revenues while also having higher expenses. There are two reasons
for their higher revenues. The first is because they do not have to share any of the revenues with
a private vendor, the second reason is because their fees charged for dog licenses, adoption rates,
and impound and boarding fees are somewhat higher than those charged by the City of Newport
Beach.
The second point of discussion is the euthanasia rate. In 1998, our euthanasia/died in shelter rate
was 11.4 %. For the same period, Irvine's rate was 11.1 % including those that died in the shelter.
The rate for Mission Viejo/Laguna Niguel was 6.4 %, which did not include any animals that died
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in the shelter. Costa Mesa reports a euthanasia rate of about 20 % including both cats and dogs.
On this basis, our euthanasia rate compares favorably with the other pro- humane shelters in the
county. It is well know that large animal shelters such as the Orange County Animal Shelter,
Long Beach Animal Shelter, and the City and County of Los Angeles shelters all have euthanasia
rates far higher. It is also worthwhile to note that even the "No- Kill" animal shelters indicate the
no -kill policy applies to adoptable animals and not to those animals who are too seriously
injured, ill, vicious or wild for adoption.
Alternatives:
There are several alternatives to the current method of contracting out animal shelter operations.
However, there are positive and negative aspects to each of these alternatives. It is important to
note that currently, the Dover Shores Pet Care Center houses on average about 18 animals a night
as the animal shelter for Newport Beach and 3 animals a night as part of the PALS Program.
Therefore any shelter arrangement would entail the housing of on average, about 21 animals a
night. In 1998, the number of animals in the shelter at any one time ranged from as little as 5, to
as many as 46 based upon the end of month reports.
Certainly, one such alternative would be for the City of Newport Beach to build and operate its
own shelter. However, even a modest shelter would likely cost a minimum of $1 million in
capital outlay costs and would require additional staffing and operational costs estimated to be
about $250,000 per year. Recommended staffing levels would minimally include one shelter
manager and three part-time assistants. The shelter manager would also be responsible for the
coordination and scheduling of volunteer services. It is estimated there would be an increase in
revenue of about $100,000 above current levels because the City would receive all impound,
board and care, and adoption costs. All veterinary care would still have to be contracted out
because there would not be enough work to justify a full -time veterinary position. A question
was raised regarding the possibility of using an existing City building or land for a shelter.
However, no such available property could be located at this time.
Some of these capital outlay costs to build a shelter could be recovered through donations and
grants. One such available grant is through the Duffield Foundation. This particular foundation
has set aside seed money of $200 million to "help shelters develop their goal of finding homes
for every adoptable animal." This group's plan is to provide sizable grants that increase each
year as the shelters work towards achieving a five -year goal of finding a home for every animal
regardless of age, appearance, or physical disability. There are two groups within the City that
have expressed interest in helping establish and build a shelter. Both the Tailwaggers Adoption
Group Services of Newport (TAGS) and the Community Animal Network (CAN) have
expressed a sincere interest in assisting the City of Newport Beach build its own shelter. One
option may be for the City, instead of building its own shelter, to encourage the construction of a
new facility under the direction of a community group or in conjunction with a private provider
such as Dr. Bauersfeld. The City could then contract for animal shelter services through these
providers at this new, modem facility.
A second alternative would be to share the operation of such an animal shelter with another
jurisdiction. The only city that would be close enough to likely consider this type of
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arrangement, would be the City of Costa Mesa. As indicated above, Costa Mesa is in the process
of analyzing their current animal services operation. They would be open to other alternatives,
however, it is important to note they would be reluctant to increase either the number of City
personnel or their costs of operation, given the level of service they currently receive through the
Humane Society in Huntington Beach.
Another alternative would be to contract with an adjacent jurisdiction that currently operates their
own animal shelter. This alternative was examined back in October of 1993 with the City of
Irvine. At that time, their proposal would have cost the City of Newport Beach $5,288 a month
and this amount did not include any staff dedicated to our needs. As a result, the final cost would
have been well over $6,000 a month, which was over twice the cost of the contract through the
Dover Shores Pet Care Center. However, an even more significant factor is the distance involved
to the Irvine shelter. The shelter is located on Sand Canyon near the Santa Ana Freeway. This
would be a major inconvenience to the residents of Newport Beach to travel such a distance for
animal shelter services and would prove to be a significant hardship for the Animal Control
Officers who make multiple trips to the shelter on a daily basis. From many areas of Newport
Beach, especially the Peninsula and West Newport areas it could involve round -trip times of as
much as 1' /z hours to access this shelter. Given the current workload demands on the four
Animal Control Officers, this additional travel time would significantly impact their ability to
respond to calls and provide the existing level of service to the City. This alternative would
likely result in the need to add at least another Animal Control Officer with a corresponding
increase in salary and benefits of about $75,000.
A fourth alternative is to continue the existing contract with the Dover Pet Care Center. This
agreement has proven to be cost - effective and efficient for the City. At the same time, there are
some areas where there may be room for improvement. There is interest within the community
to increase efforts towards the adoption of unclaimed animals. Police Department staff is
working on setting up an Internet web page and has recently worked with the Daily Pilot on a Pet
of the Week article. In addition, organizing a volunteer group could be helpful towards
improving some of the aspects of the current shelter. It is important to note the City contracts
with a private vendor who operates the shelter in conjunction with his own business. This limits
the level of volunteer involvement and direction given to the vendor by the City under the terms
of the agreement. A volunteer unit also requires organization and establishment of various
policies and procedures. Currently, neither the Police Department, nor the Center has the staff
available to handle these duties. Both Irvine and Mission Viejo have paid volunteer coordinators
who direct the operations of the volunteer unit. To the extent possible, the Police Department
will continue to work with interested persons and community groups to benefit the shelter and
the adoption of unclaimed animals.
Conclusion:
This report addresses a number of issues raised by several concerned citizens. It also discusses
animal services of other neighboring cities in the South Orange County area. Various
alternatives regarding animal shelter services were explored. Given the City of Newport Beach's
efforts towards privatizing many city operations, careful study should be given to this issue
before commencing an effort to build and staff our own animal shelter.
Animal Shelter Operations
Page 11
It is recommended that the City of Newport Beach continue to contract for animal shelter
services with the Dover Shores Pet Care Center for the immediate future. It is also recommended
the Police Department and other City staff as appropriate continue to work with interested
individuals and community groups towards improving adoption efforts and shelter operations,
given current staffing limitations. At the same time, consideration should be given to how the
City can most effectively address animal services in the future. Based upon the fiscal realities of
building and operating our own shelter facility at this time, and all the other competing priorities
faced by the City, we believe there are not sufficient grounds to proceed down that course at the
present time. As conditions change, the City Council can certainly revisit the issue at some later
date. If local community groups are successful in raising sufficient funds to build and operate a
shelter as a non -profit venture, then the City should explore contracting with them, as our current
contract is re- evaluated.
Paul Henisey, Captain—_
PatroUTraffic Division Commander
Attachments:
1. Letter from Gregory Ruzicka dated November 25, 1998
2. PALS Program Flyer
3. Daily Pilot Article – "Saving Pets is the Year -Round Gift of Animal Lovers"
4. Orange County Register Article – "Pair's Pet Project Aims to Halt Euthanasia at Shelters"
5. 1997 Animal Shelter Statistics
6. 1998 Animal Shelter Statistics
7. 1997 Animal Control Summary of Field Activities
8. 1998 Animal Control Summary of Field Activities
,LI Vl 1JJU 11 YJ
GREGORY V. RUZICMA. I.L.M.
PAUL C. SNYDER
LACL R. WALLACE
November 25, 1998
John Noyes
c/o City Of Newport Beach
221 Marine Avenue
Balboa Island, CA 92662
Dear Mr. Noyes,
1 I I I I'I11 Nn.=Ko
THE LAW FIRM OF
RUZICKA, SMER & WALLACE
A LIMITED LIABILITY ✓ARTNERSNIP
130 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
5UITE 100
NEWPORT BEACH. CALIFORNIA 92660
TELEPHONE f949) 759-1060
FACSIMILE (9A8) 759-6813
r . ele. e�ti
01 CBYNiCL
RICHARD 3, SONTAG
KIRK D. SEAT y
EDCu3A L. GGORDE
JAMES M. SPELLMIRE
This law firm has agreed to assist Ms. Christine Morgan, and other concerned citizens of
Newport Beach, on a pro bona basis in an effort to improve the welfare of lost and/or abandoned
pets in our city.
My tentative research evidences that on June 26, 1997 an "Animal Control Agreement"
was entered into by i'ne City of Newport Beach ( "City") and Dr. Brace C. Bauerfeld
( "Bauerfeld "), DVM, and in his capacity as director of the Pet Care Center of Dover Shores. A
provision of that contract states that the agreement may be terminated by either party upon 120
day advance written notice, without cause.
Provision 9 of said contract entitles Bauerfeld to be compensated up to $2,928.51 per
month for contractually delineated services.
Additionally, Provision 10 requires Bauerfeld to keep accurate contemporaneous records
relative to services provided, and make those records available for public inspections.
Ms..M.organ, as well as other citizens, have expressed grave, and apparently well founded
concerns as to the quality of services now being rendered by Bauerfeld and Pet Care Center of
Dover Shores as mandated by said contract.
I trust the reports required per Provision 10, of the aforementioned contract, can be made
available to Ms. Morgan for inspection at once. I further trust Dr. Bauerfeld has complied with
his affirmative obligations, and the requisite reports were filed in a timely manner-
An informal meeting was convened on October 23, 1998 at the behest of Ms. Morgan,
and several concerned citizens to address their concerns relative to the quality of care currently
being rendered by Dr. Bauerfeld. At this meeting Ms. Morgan was asked by the city if she
wished to participate on the committee responsible for the spaying and neutering of animals. She
was told that she would be contacted within 14 days by the animal control officers and as of this
date, no one has contacted her.
\A
e'er. uti
One of the concerns of Ms. Morgan pertains to the spay and neutering fund. The law
states that money in the fund which is understood to be in the region of between $10.000 -
11,000 is not being used. The concerns are that animals are leaving the facility without being
spayed or neutered. The money is there to cover the costs and the service to perform the
necessary operations is available at the facility.
Donations were raised by concerned citizens, and sent to Dover Shores in care of Ms.
Morgan, due to an article which appeared in The Daily Pilot. Per the article, these donations were
intendcd for the use of advertising for homes for animals in the shelter, the purchase of treats for
the animals and to cover the costs of bathing the animals. The manager of Dover Shores
informed Ms. Morgan that the money acquired was in fact being used to purchase racks for cages
and not what was originally intended. Ms. Morgan has not received any statement showing the
amounts raised. However, she was. given 5200.00 by the manager to cover the costs of
advertisements that she had already placed.
After the meeting many important questions and concerns were raised. Paramount
amongst these issues was the disparity between animal control's figures for animals impounded
annually, and that of Dr. Bauerfeld's. Is it 600 or 1200 animals impounded? I am incredulous to
believe record keeping is so lax as to justify such a huge disparity.
1. How'many animals were impounded, (600 or 1200) and what happened to them
thereafter?
2. How may pregnant cats came in by the person who found them or the officer? Were
they allowed to have their babies? Who kept the cat for the two months it takes for the babies to
be big enough to adopt?
3. How many pups did you impound that were not yet weaned? Who bottle fed them?
4. If a dog was hit by a car, but had injuries that could be surgically repaired, which vet
performed the surgery and how many dogs did you impound like this last year.
5. What happens to animals with ringworm or mange? Are they treated or euthanized?
How many were impounded in this status last year?
6. If you impound feral cats, ones that are wild and living on their own, do you euthanize
them? How many feral cats were impounded?
7. Are all animals impounded if they are alive? Do animal control officers euthanize
injured animals or feral cats in the field? Do they all go to the shelter vet? What about ones
delivered to owners in the field?
8. The euthanasia figure, presented to my clients, should include every domestic animal
that was ever euthanized, including injured and feral cats. Does it? If animals are ever euthanized
in the field is that included in the 3% figure that Bauerfeld asserts?
..�.. ..� ��i.. � • �� \.I I I I II-II YI'YUGfCJ .. ..._ I C��i v��
9. Are all the animals held for a minimum of 72 hours before euthanasia or adoption?
10. Why are there discrepancies in the `adoption' fees for puppies? The Dover Shores
paperwork shows $58.00 for the costs of puppies and adults to be adopted but puppies are being
`adopted' for 5253.00.
11. Why are animals being tranquilized?
12. Why are racks being used in the cages?
13. If an animal has a treatable illness, is that provided for in the contract. Who decides if
the animal gets treated and at what dollar amount? How much money can be spent on each
animal for ear infections, skin problems, infected eyes, tumor removal, urinary infections and
other routine illnesses? Since the animal becomes the property ofBauerfeld after 5 days, it
appears he decides whether this animal gets a second chance. If true this policy is unacceptable!
These initial questions seem reasonable, appropriate and worthy of a timely and accurate
response by the appropriate city official within ten (10) days.
I look forward to your timely responses.
Cordially,
Gregory V.
Attorney At
GVR/fm
cc: Janice A. Debay
Norma J. Glover
Mayor Pro Tern Dennis D. O'Neil
Tom W. Thomson
Todd Ridgeway
Gary Adams
Dave Kiff
TOTAL P.04 `0
PALS For Pets
Dover Shores Pet Care Center
Home of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter
2075 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Telephone 949- 722 -8301 Fax 949 - 722 -2970
Pals For Pets ( PALS ) N Program Summary
Pals for Pets was formed in the spring of 1986 by Dr. Bruce Bauersfeld at
Dover Shores Pet Care Center.
PALS was established as a PET ADOPTION VEHICLE for local residents
who were in need of a new home for their pet. Our endeavor was to place
these animals with suitable new owners. We accepted donations but the
primary financial responsibility fell on Dr. Bauersfeld.
Only modest numbers of pets were adopted through PALS from 1986 to
1989. The program was put on hold for several reasons; the primary one
being lack of effective advertising with a commensurate low volume of
prospective new owners.
In the spring of 1991, The City of Newport Beach contracted with Dr.
Bauersfeld and Dover Shores Pet Care Center to provide shelter services, and
PALS was reborn.
How The Program Works; The City of Newport pays Dover Shores Pet
Care Center, a private business, to provide shelter services for lost and/or
injured animals. We are reimbursed for some of our costs to provide these
services.
The City shelter contract mandates that animals be held for a five -day period.
That time is extended an additional 48 hours, if the animal has any form of
identification. After that time, The City's funding and involvement ceases.
There are three alternatives or possible outcomes for impounded animals:
1. The pets are claimed by their original owners
2. The pets are adopted/pre- adopted by a new owner.
3. The pets remain here at the end of the holding time awaiting
euthanasia.
THIS IS WHEN THE PALS PROGRAM KICKS IN.
\1
HE PALS PROGRAM BEGIN
With the permission and blessing of the City of Newport Beach, we place
ALL adoptable pets into the PALS PROGRAM, after the prescribed holding
period. This has included dogs, cats, rabbits, iguanas, etc... Violent animals,
that is animals that are deemed dangerous to the public, are excluded from the
program. Geriatric or debilitated animals are not automatically excluded.
Animals remain in the PALS PROGRAM until they are adopted. Some are
here for a few days. Many are here for three to four weeks, some adult dogs
and cats even longer. Kittens born at Dover Shores Pet Care Center are not
euthanized. They are ALL cared for. Many require hand raising and extensive
medical care. The City does not reimburse us for any of these costs.
Although we continue to accept donations, the primary financial responsibility
remains with Dr. Bauersfeld. Why does he continue to invest his own time
and money into the program?
"I have been practicing veterinary medicine in this local area for
the past 26 years. I have been involved in helping sick and
injured animals for well over half of my life. The PALS
PROGRAM has successfully adopted thousands of dogs, cats and
other pets since its partnership with the City of Newport in 1991.
I consider this a tremendous success, due not only to my own
personal efforts, but also to the efforts of my staff, and my
generous and loyal clients, many of whom have adopted pets and
given of their time and resources as well. — Well -done, thou good
and faithful servants (Matthew 25:21). " — Bruce Bauersfeld D. V.M.
Program Benefits; All pets adopted by through the PALS PROGRAM
receive a 20% discount on all veterinary services at Dover Shores Pet Care
Center for the 12 months immediately following their adoption. In addition,
there is a special 80% discount which applies during the first 30 days of the
adoption on specific services.
Please Direct Questions or Inquiries to:
Contact: Maggie Thigpen, PALS & Shelter Coordinator
Send Donations To: Pals For Pets, Dover Shores Pet Care
Center, Newport Beach Animal Shelter
2075 Newport Blvd. #112, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627 Page 2
Newport Beach /Costa Mesa Daily Pilot pec�.>7aEez3, /9
Saving pets & the year -
round gift of animal lovers
Y
•Money will buy a pretty BEACH NOTE S
='good dog, but it won't buy the
wag of his tail." — Josh Billings - .._._...... _
INIMMINN
1457!
C ome Christmas morning,
lots of lids will find Santa
has answered their
Prayers and brought them a pup-
py or kitten. But when the
adorable bundle of fluff under
the Christmas tree (like the cute
little bunny or duckling at East-
er) grows into a mature animal,
the transition is too much for a
lot of people.
.; The end result is unwanted
'animals — lots of them. The
American Humane Society esti-
mates that more than 15 million
healthy and friendly but unwant-
ed dogs and cats will be put to
-death this year.
Except at certain havens such
-as the Newport Beach Animal
°Shelter. Lost and abandoned am-
mals lucky enough to be housed
in Dr. Bruce Bauersfeld's Dover
Shores Pet Care Center, in which
the shelter is, are held for seven
days (five if they don't have
tags), and then Bauersfeld claims
them for his Pals for Pets rescue
program.
If its a purebred, one of the
breed rescue organizations may
place the animal in their adop-
lion, program. if not, Bauersfeld,
a soft - spoken man with a palpa-
ble air of empathy, will keep'the
animal until it is adopted. For
one female German shepherd
mix, this meant six months with
extensive leg surgeries during
that period (all provided by
christin Carney
nancy gardner
appearing Saturdays in the Daily
Pilot.
There are a lot of animals that
need happy homes, and while
they may not be quite as
adorable as new puppies, they're
already housebroken, they don't
chew on everything, and like
Benjamin Franklin said of old
mistresses, they're so darn grate-
ful.
But even if you can't take in a
dog or cat, you can still help by
becoming a volunteer — or even
just dropping off your old news-
papers. As you can imagine, they
go through a lot of them.
So a rousing cheei for all the
rescue people — volunteers, vet
techs and veterinarians like
Baueisfeldl TYuly Santa's helpers
— all year - round.
For information, call the New-
port Beach Animal Shelter at
(949) 322 -PETS, the Costa Mesa
1�
If it's a purebred, one of the
breed rescue organizations may
place the animal in their adop-
lion program. ff not, Bauersfeld,
a soft - spoken man with a palpa-
ble air of empathy, will keep the
animal until it is adopted. Far
one female German shepherd
mix, this meant six months with
extensive leg surgeries during
that period (all provided by
Bauersteld), but she was eventu-
ally adopted by a loving family.
, ]n another incident, a preg-
nant cat was found to have a
ibroken pelvis must as she
Began labor. Her condition
meant she couldn't deliver, and
fhe kittens were born dead. Post
labor, Bauersfeld fixed the cat's
'Pelvis, and while she was recu-
perating, a litter of kittens came
fn whose mother had died. The
cat adopted the kittens and
raised them, was then spayed by
Bauersfeld and successfully
placed with a new family.
At the Newport Beach Animal
Shelter, no dog or cat is eutha-
nized unless feral and unable to
-be tamed. Ali eventually find
homes, sometimes with staff.
$auersfeld also offers a 20% dis-
count on the first year's care.
" 'We've all fallen in love and
had animals go home with us,'
said Maggie Thigpen, newly
appointed shelter coordinator.
Debbie Allison, another
employee, adopted a t0- year-old
Pomeranian found tied to a
'beach parking meter with the
pads nearly burned off his feet
by the hot asphalt.
. Keeping such animals
requires more than a place for
them to sleep, even with the
Care Center's animal - loving
employees — Tbny Barrett,
Renee Page and Amy Hesch —
helping as much as possible.
Thigpen is coordinating a new
volunteer program to meet these
needs. As shelter coordinator, it
Will be her role to organize vol-
unteers to walk dogs, clean pens,
bottle feed and socialize puppies
and kittens, and keep the ani-
'vals healthy and happy while
May await.their new families.
She will also work on publicizing
`the need for pet adoptions.
.. In the same vein, DiAnna
Qfaff- Martin works with Bauers-
feld and other vets In the area
with her Community Animal
Network. Martin publishes a
-monthly Community Animal
,Report that highlights adoption
needs and selects the annals
featured in -Pick of the Litter,'
17
nicle
r�
ore
NATURE: Their nation-
wide `no kill' goal is
ambitious, but they
may have the drive —
and, notably, the mon-
ey — to pull it off.
By MARTHA WAGGONER
The Associated Press
For the love of a dog, one man
helped a city transform the way
it treats abandoned pets. For the
love of a dog, another man is pro-
viding $200 million to try to trans-
form a nation.
Sido, an 11- year -old Sheltie
mix, proved to Richard Avanzino
that the city of San Francisco
loved companion animals
enough to save them from eutha-
nasia.
Maddie, a miniature schnau-
zer, loved Dave Duffield so much
that Duffield vowed to gear his
philanthropy toward helping ani-
mals.
Now the men are bringing to-
gether Avanzino's enthusiasm
and Duffield's money to work to-
ward a "no kill" goal. What it
means is that by 2010 every
adoptable dog and cat in Ameri-
ca's animal shelters and pounds
would be guaranteed a loving
home.
In a nation where an estimated
4.85 million dogs and cats are
euthanized annually, it's 'a tall
order.
"We are capital venturists who
say we will invest ... to save ani-
mal lives with the understanding
that the return on our investment
has to be measured in the reduc-
tion of animals killed on a quar-
terly basis," Avanzino says.
"We're not here to enrich stock-
brokers; we're not here for a
quarterly profit. Our goal is that
every healthy animal has a lov-
ing home."
Sido came into Avanzino's life
in 1979, three years after he took
over as head of the San Francis-
co Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals. Her owner,
who killed herself; stated in her
will that Sido should be euthan-
ized and buried beside her.
Sido went to the SPCA to live
her last days, but, when a lawyer,
showed up to take.her;aivav the
Lawyers, judges, legislators,
even then -Gov. Jerry Brown got
involved. Avanzino took her
home to live with him and his
wife while the legal war was
waged. Ultimately, her life was
spared.
"We were best friends for five
wonderful years, and we'were
never apart," Avanzino says of
the dog, who went to work with
him every day. "She was a won-
derful goodwill ambassador for
animals in need."
Maddie came into Duffield's
life in the early 1980s, lean years
when he and his wife, Cheryl,
were living in a condo in Walnut
Creek.
"She got to be a very good
friend during some really rough
times we were going through at
the company," Duffield says of
Maddie, who died of cancer in
March 1997. "I promised her that
if I ever had enough money, I
would return it to her and her
kind."
Through PeopleSoft, his
$5.5 billion computer software
empire founded in Pleasanton,
he now has that money.
He pledged the $200 million and
said it was just the beginning.
Duffield, 58, has eight children,
five of them adopted. But he said
his will provides that most of his
wealth — "we're talking the b-
word" — goes to the Duffield
Family Foundation.
Duffield's first donation to the
San Francisco SPCA came in
1994, when he gave $500,000, fol-
lowed by $1 million for Maddie's
Adoption Center, a wing at the
SPCA. He says he has contribut-
ed to 30 to 40 animal - protection'
groups, and in 1997 he donated
$20 million to the engineering
school at Cornell University, his
alma mater.
Avanzino took over Jan. 1 as
head of Duffield's foundation and
has 11 years to achieve his no -kill
goal — city by city, state by
state.
His plan for the Duffield mon-
ey is threefold: spaying and neu-
tering; finding each adoptable
animal a home through several
means, including better market-
ing of shelter animals; and help-
ing owners keep their pets under
adverse, unforeseen circum-
stances, such as illness or a
move.
"We've seen the pluses and
minuses of the conventional ap-
proach," says Merritt Clifton,
editor of Animal People, a maga-
zine based in Clinton, Wash.
"We've not seen what happens if
we try to do it Richard's way. So
... let's see."
Avanzino arrived at the San
Francisco SPCA in 1976 after in-
vestigations revealed high -vol-
ume killing of dogs and cats.
He ended the SPCA's animal -
control contract with the city.
The SPCA also began off -site
adoptions; programs to provide
dogs to the hearing impaired and
to help senior citizens and the
homeless keep their pets; behav-
ioral counseling and training;'
neutering feral cats for free; and
later, paying'people to bring in
feral cats for fixing. It also
helped homeless people keep
their animals by providing
health care, tags, leashes and
grooming.
His work has brought praise,
criticism avid some hurt feelings
from those who run traditional
shelters where adoptable ani-
mals are euthanized because of a
lack of space.
Much of the criticism centers
on semantics. What are the crite-
ria for an adoptable animal?
Who decides? Roger Caras, head
of the ASPCA in New York City,
last year . called no-kill "more
hoax than fact.
But ASPCA spokesman Peter
Paris says Avanzino may have a
chance.
"Will we get to the point where
the overwhelming majority of
adoptable animals won't have to
be killed because of a lack of
cage space? We hope so," Paris
says.
The �gister's Rental
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February 5, 1999
Mayor Dennis O'Neil
City Hall
3300 Newport Blvd
Newport City, Ca. 9266'
Mayor O'Neil,
I am planning to attend the City Council study session on 2/25/99 and would like
to share some thoughts for consideration in your deliberation regarding possible changes
in how your City delivers animal control services and animal sheltering services.
My interest in this matter is based on my genuine love for animals. Having served
on the Mission Viejo City Council, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to guide the
process in Mission Viejo that resulted in our own pro- humane program and Shelter.
At the invitation of Christienne Morgan of TAGS I have participated in
discussions with members of your staff at City Hall and most recently at your Police
Station. Captain Hennesey was most gracious in providing some vital information.
Newport City staff has visited our Shelter and others to glean information for your study
session. This process is similar to our own journey. Before we put our program together
we spent many days and hours with the staff of the San Clemente Shelter and gathered
information from shelters in several counties to begin comparing the many ways animal
control and sheltering services are delivered in other locals. In my opinion, Newport's
method for delivery of shelter services, for good or for bad, is definitely out of the
mainstream of how most jurisdictions provide service.
I would like to highlight those unique differences because it is important to take
them into consideration when determining what it may cost your City to set up a new way
to deliver service.
It would be difficult to compare budgets of Mission Viejo, Irvine, or San
Clemente to your service for the following reasons. All animal control and sheltering
services require certain functions i.e. licensing, dispatching calls and field service.
Personnel, irrespective of their title, are required to answer general inquiries that may or
may not require officer assistance, i.e. wild life inquiries, information on pet care, referrals
to private organizations for pet problems, barking dog complaints, general license
information. In your City those duties are performed by individuals in different
departments and those salaries and benefits are absorbed into at least two departments
budgets. Licensing is the part time function of an individual in the revenue department
and those costs are absorbed by that department. Therefore it is impossible to compare
your costs to any City's total cost for animal control and sheltering service because of your
unique way of delivering and budgeting service. Your current budget numbers are really
reflective only of the costs relating to the animal control officers.
��,kp
The cost for Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel to provide animal control,
licensing, canvassing, and sheltering service was $680,000 for fiscal year 1997 -98.
Laguna Niguel's share was $245,502. Depreciation on the building, kennels, vehicles etc.
accounted for $65,000. (This is not money spent but rather dollars set aside for eventual
replacement of buildings, kennels, vehicles etc.) The budget includes the costs for a full
service animal program including animal control, shelter services and licensing, i.e. staff
salaries and benefits, insurance, cleaning service, landscape maintenance, medical care for
animals, dog food etc.
Our cities' service needs are vastly different. Our program serves 2 cities
with a population of approximately 160,000 people and 20 square miles and requires 9
full time employees. We have one supervisor, one dispatch/receptionists, one admin/office
manager, one license clerk, 2 kennel attendants and 3 animal control officers. (Our
kennel attendants assist visitors at the counter and answer the phones when they have
finished cleaning kennels.) We also have 2 canvass clerks part time and one part time
kennel attendant who are hired through a temp agency and do not receive benefits. It is
important to note that the Shelter has approximately 100 volunteers who come in shifts
weekly and perform every job in the Shelter except those of the Field Officer.
When comparing your service area and the approximate 600 animals impounded
last year to our service area and the 2,000 animals we impounded last year, it would stand
to reason that Newport's costs for service should be far less than half of our costs for
both cities. When you compare our 3 Animal Control Officers with Newport's 4 Animal
Control officers, it would appear you are overstaffed. It is important to note that with the
exception of a Shelter Manager, the position of ACO is the highest paid position in our
program.
Should there be interest in reconfiguring staffing assignments, Newport is likely to
already have adequate personnel to operate a shelter. Your animal control officers spend
a great deal of time handling general inquiries that are currently handled in Mission Viejo
by volunteers. With a well trained volunteer force in place, the public's general inquiries
could be handled at that level making it possible to direct the energies of a highly skilled
Animal Control Officer to supervise your Shelter. Their duties would need to include
managing aggressive animals but nearly all other shelter duties could be performed by
volunteers.
Maximizing revenue is critical. Mission Viejo takes in $253,000 annually in
licensing revenue with 16,000 dogs licensed. Our fees are only slightly higher than yours:
Altered dogs are $12, Unaltered dogs are $24 and Seniors get a 50% discount on each
dog. We have a number of ways of increasing licensing revenue which are very well
received by the community and based in education rather than enforcement. It is
interesting to note that Newport's animal control officers wrote 1,300 court citations last
year compared to MV's 100. It might be more advantageous to work toward voluntary
compliance with leash laws etc. and take a little more aggressive approach to licensing
which will result in increased revenue to the City. Licensing is a State mandate not a local
ordinance. A majority of people want their animals to be identified so they can be
returned to them if lost. It's all in the packaging but we have had tremendous success. Our
canvass clerks do not currently go door to door looking for unlicensed dogs. They do
follow up on every dog nuisance complaint received by the City to determine if an owner
has licensed their dog, and routinely follow up on every rabies vaccine certificate. This
effort has resulted in an additional $20,000 in licensing revenue in each of the past 3 years.
Contracting out for sheltering services has drawbacks. Your current
contract with a local vet for sheltering service has what I believe to be some inherent
problems. Because impounded animals become the property of the vet after 5 days, there
is no requirement that the vet maintain records of what happens to these animals after 5
days. It so happens that a paper trail exists and your staff is relatively certain they have a
reasonable idea of the final disposition of the animals but frankly that is questionable
because record keeping has been somewhat lax.
Medical costs should be donated. The second unusual part of this
arrangement is that the vet can provide medical treatment for orphaned animals and then
attempt to recover some if not all of those costs by changing the adoption fee to include
medical care. The PALS program was set up by the vet for the purpose of recovering
costs for treating animals while in his care. This is extremely dangerous and circumvents
the fee structure set by Council. In one particular case, fees to adopt a puppy were over
$260 rather than the fee set by Newport Council of $58.00 No shelter I have ever
visited or spoken with attempts to recover medical costs other than reimbursement for
vaccines. Those costs are paid for by private donations or donated by vets. While it is
understandable the vet would like to recover his costs, this practice creates a question of
whether the vet is being reimbursed for his own out of pocket costs or is being paid for
professional services rendered.
Adoption fees could include some of the costs for spaying and neutering
animals but fees should be in line with what other shelters charge. Of the 1,090 cats and
dogs adopted from the Mission Viejo Shelter last year all were spayed and neutered prior
to their adoption with the exception of 32 animals that had medical reason requiring
surgery to be deferred. (In all of those cases the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group paid
for those costs after the animal was adopted.) About 500 free surgeries were donated by
22 vets and because large K -9 surgeries are generally the most costly nearly all of those
surgeries were for dogs. Some of the cats received donated surgeries and the balance
were paid for by DAWG. This year however, the adoption fees have been increased to
$70.00 for an altered dog, ($50.00 + $20 for rabies and DHLP2 for a total of $70.00) and
$55.00 for a cat ($45.00 + $10.00 for FVRCP for a total of $55) The increase in fees
allows the Shelter to receive enough revenue to spay and neuter all animals after donated
surgeries are depleted. These fees are in line with those of most shelters in our area.
3
When TAGS volunteer Tina adopted her cat from the Newport Shelter in November of
1998 she could see the cat was sick. Although the cat had been at the Newport Shelter
for one and one half months the staff said they only treat medically when it is critical.
They did urge her to use this vet to buy needed medical care and concurred medical care
was necessary. Tina took the cat who was later determined to have pneumonia, to her
own vet and paid for it's care. At the MV Shelter donated money, for the most part, pays
for these services but even when the City pays for care, this amount is never recovered
from the person wishing to adopt the animal. When an animal is adopted from our Shelter
a list of vets who donate services to the Shelter is provided along with a coupon for a free
visit with any vet but a specific vet is never recommended.
I would urge the Council Members to take the plunge and begin
your own shelter services. Perhaps a building not in use at your maintenance yard
could be improved for a modest sum of money. I recommend that you increase your
licensing efforts. Veterinarians are required to give you a copy of every rabies vaccine
certificate they issue so that you can send a friendly reminder to residents to purchase a
license. You can create a public awareness program that can be fun and friendly and result
in greatly increased revenues. Your City only has 3000 dogs licensed currently. There is
a great deal of room for improvement there. A reallocation of staff may be all that is
necessary to staff a shelter. Staffing your new shelter with community volunteers will
create excitement in the community and result in a warm and friendly environment that is
good for animals and people who visit the shelter. I highly recommend a matching fund
program for your capital costs to build a new Shelter much like what you achieved already
with community support for your new library. I believe community interest is strong. The
volunteer base with TAGS is talented, resourceful, energetic and most capable of getting
the job done.
cc: Captain Paul Hennisey, for distribution to all Council Members (to be included with
the staff report for study session 2/25/99).
-X,7- 9a�
6 CP-
4
-- r1
rII' I (!/
The Mission Viejo
Animal Services
Center is a "state -
of- the - heart"
facility conve-
niently located one
block south of the
intersection of
Crown Valley and
Marguerite
pkwys., at 28095
Hillcrest. Situated
on 3.66 parklike
acres, the center is
surrounded by
landscaped slopes
and open space.
Specially designed
by architect
Richard Rauh, it
includes both an
Animal Shelter
and an Animal
Urgent Care
Clinic.
t i
xs` r" (. DS... fED eve F-r_
An integral part of Mission Viejo's Animal Services Center is the Animal Urgent Care Clinic of South Orange County.
Built and operated by a group of local veterinarians, this clinic is open at night and on weekends and holidays to provide
emergency care for sick and injured animals during the hours when most veterinary offices are closed.
The purpose of this center is
:o to provide humane shelter for lost and homeless animals,
:o to provide life- saving treatment for animals that are injured or ill, and
to to find homes for "orphaned" animals without resorting to euthanasia unless it is in the
best interest of the animal or is necessary to protect the health and safety of others.
The Animal Shelter is operated by the City of Mission Viejo. Members of the shelter's
professional staff are aided in the performance of their duties by more than 100 dedicated
volunteers.
Animal Services Officers Linda Greaves and Marcus Nieto respond to calls for help from
people whoare concemed about strays like Busteror are startled tofind a snake orother
wild creature in their yard. Their duties include calming jittery nerves, rescuing
frightened or injured animals, talking with school children about animal care, and helping
people learn how to live safely near wild animals and take better care of their pets.
r
Volunteers donate time
weekly to
answer telephone
inquiries,
welcome visitors to the
shelter,
groom animals,
walk and play with dogs,
hold and stroke lap cats,
clean kennels and cages,
reunite lost animals with
their owners, and
`5 help people seeking pets
get acquainted with
animals looking for new
homes.
r�
Since the shelter opened its doors in October
1993, it has been in.strunlental in: reuniting
more than 12st pets with
their owners or finding families ' .
for those needing new homes. � I
// ICI c% Me.5v oolnc%eiss conrc�fiY�nc9
The volunteers at the Animal Shelter are recruited by the
City of Mission Viejo and by the Dedicated Animal Welfare
Group (DAWG), a nonprofit corporation. In addition, DAWG
raises money to pay for medical care for abandoned animals
after the first $100 and boarding costs for animals who
remain at the shelter for more than 30 days.
DAWG also supports the
shelter by
;® providing foster care for
sick or young animals,
!j promoting adoption of
animals through a televi-
sion program called
Animal House, shown
regularly on Channel 31,
and a weekly newspaper
feature aptly entitled "Pet
of the Week,"
?® conducting educational
tours of the shelter, and
?® informing pet owners
about the importance of
spaying and neutering to
prevent pet overpopula-
tion.
` / / %uP sc iaic •ca
Cw/v
/11 -oo([k P
The Animal Urgent Care
Clinic was established in
1979 by a group of local
veterinarians to provide
emergency off -hour care for
sick and injured animals.
Fully equipped with the
latest surgical, anesthetic,
laboratory, and monitoring
equipment, the clinic is
staffed by an experienced
veterinarian who stands
ready to assist animals and
their owners in any emer-
gency.
Kennel Attendant Susan Paul has herhands full. Because the number of cats and
kittensabandoned daily has far outpaced projections, shelterfelinesare currently
housed in a temporary building, and a new cattery is urgently needed. You can
help by providinga fosterhome fora kitten, adoptinga cat, ormakinga contribution
to DAWG's capital fund.
Dogsat the shelterare housed in 32 four - foot -by- eight -foot outdoor kennels specially designed foreasy cleaning. Each group
of 16 kennels is covered with protective roofing and equipped with roll -down canvas, which provides a barrier against wind
and rain.
� sm
ENZ "imb 9-ImMa
91�J & &ocz oaiz p,
.6 Join DAWG. Send a check for $25, payable to DAWG, to 27427 Capricho, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.
Give Time. If you love animals and have some hours you could donate to give them a second chance,
call either 470-3061 or 470-3045.
Send Money. Funds are needed to cover the costs of boarding animals, paying medical bills, buying cat
cages, and building a cattery. Arrangements can be made to affix your name or that of a beloved pet or
person to a cage, kennel, or room. For more information call 582 -9332.
Donations in any amount are welcome and are tax deductible.
Animal Control .......... .......................470 -3045
Animal Urgent Care Clinic .............. 364 -6228
Dedicated Animal welfare Group ... 582 -9332
Mission Viejo Animal Shelter.......... 470 -3045
CLINIC HOURS
Mon.-Fri ....... •6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Weekends..... From noon on
Sat. until 8 a.m. on Mon.
Mission Viejo Volunteers ................ 470 -3061 All Major Holidays .24 hours
This printing of the Shelter Story was sponsored by Animal Urgent Care. Western Waste Industries, and by TAMS. the food of choice for all of the animals at the shelter.
u•.
2/10/99
Council Member
Newport Beach City Council
P.O. Box 1768
Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915
Christi Coker
503 Marguerite
Corona del Mar. CA 92625
Dear Council Member,
?ECE:IV J
'99 FEB 11 A10:29
OFFICE OF T!i CITY CLERK
CITY "':LrVrORTBEACH
I am writing in support of T.A.G.S.. the "no kill" animal shelter proposed by Tina Seri and
Christienne Morgan. A shelter of this kind could only benefit our community and our pets.
Newport Beach has the money, the space and the concern of the people to make this happen.
Our pets mean a great deal to us and providing a safe and comfortable, "no kill" facility for them,
should they become lost, is a most logical and humane idea.
The integrity of our city relys on your good, sound judgement for the appropriate spending of
funds and I'm sure you've heard all the arguments for the need of such a facility so I will not
make this a long and heart wrenching plea.
So on behalf of the concerned pet owners of this city, I ask you to please make room in your
hearts and in our community for T.A.G.S.
Thank you so much for your time,
Christi Coker
Date
Copies Sent To:
yor
�,,�a
until Member
�anager
Attgrne p�
o V
0
0
Date
Cope Sent To:
Cap-
Q� ncil Member
Manager
❑ orney
February 10, 1999
LAW OFFICES OF
KELLY S. JOHNSON
ATTORNEY AT LAW
ISO NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
SUITE 100
NEWPORT BEACH. CALIFORNIA 92660
TELEPNONE (9491 729-8014
FAC51MILE 19491 729 -8050
Newport Beach City Council
3300 Newport Boulevard
Raach, CA 92663
e�
'99 FEB 12 h 9 :46
Re: Why We Need a Top Quality New Shelter for Newport Beach
Dear Newport Beach City Council:
'C,4T BEACH
As a long -time business owner in and former resident of
Newport Beach, as well as a multi -pet family, we wanted to
contact you with our support for a new animal shelter in the City
of Newport Beach. The time is right, the need is there and the
community is anxious to support a quality facility, which would
benefit the City, its residents and its furry- friends. There are
many reasons why a new animal shelter is needed and some of those
reasons, related issues and considerations are set forth below.
Thank you for your prompt consideration thereof and I look
forward to meeting with you regarding the new shelter at upcoming
City Counsel Meetings.
The Location of the new shelter is of extreme importance.
The shelter should not be located in a "For Profit" business. It
needs to be at a separate location so animals can receive the
care they will need. No one in the community knows we currently
have a shelter. Rather, they think of Laguna Beach, Irvine or
Mission Viejo. We reed and want. a shelt, -r that is located c.n the
map as well as in the hearts of the citizens of Newport Beach.
The contract with the City apparently now relinquishes
animals to a Vet after 5 days. However, why would the City
absolve itself from making decisions on what happens to these
animals such as: medical care (ie. who gets treated and who does
not), who gets adopted, who gets euthanized, etc.
With respect to medical care, it is important that the burden
to examine and /or treat the animals at the shelter be fairly
shared by the local vets, who can both assist and benefit from the
new shelter.
Newport Beach City Council
February 10, 1999
Page 2
Also, the new facility needs to have room for an exercise
area and a get acquainted area to evaluate the dispositions of the
animals.
In addition, all animals need to be spayed or neutered before
being adopted at the new shelter. Otherwise, the problems
associated with animal overpopulation will continue. Furthermore,
animal cages and runs need to be larger at the new shelter. The
new shelter also requires the support of a volunteer program that
will assist Cite functions of the shelter, i.e.:
walk and exercise the animals to keep them in good
spirits while waiting for new homes;
• evaluate the animals;
• drive them to Vet's for medical care;
• answer phones and greet people;
• handle adoptions and screen applicants;
• give all the animals T.L.C. daily.
Overall, the City wants to have a shelter with a friendly and
inviting atmosphere so that the community will think positively of
the shelter and it will encourage people to come by and adopt.
Please contact me if you have any questions with regard to
the foregoing and thank you for your cooperation herein.
Very truly yours,
K-4.
KELLY S. _HNSON
KSJ: smm