Napa County*

R1

In order to resolve animal behavior problems more rapidly, this Grand Jury recommends that the Shelter secure a contract with a Certified Animal Behaviorist. This specialist would be asked to commit to a defined period of time each week/month to develop a program for each such animal that may ultimately lead to adoptability. In the contrary situation the Behaviorist, with concurrence from a Shelter supervisory person, may determine that no amount of behavior modification training will guarantee that an animal will be able to thrive in a home environment without the possibility of future aggression or unpredictable impulsive actions. Response, Director of Public Works: The recommendation has been implemented. Napa County entered into an Agreement with an animal behaviorist on January 12, 2022. The Contractor performs on-call services including but not limited to: conducting in-person behavior assessments and preparing written reports, behavior modification plans, and placement/adoption/euthanasia recommendations; assisting with placement of difficult dogs; and training for Animal Shelter staff and volunteers. Since the Agreement was executed, the behaviorist has provided trainings to staff and volunteers and volunteers are now effectively equipped to assist in behavior modification training. Because staff and volunteers work with the dogs daily, this training is critical to providing the on-going training that is needed to support behavior change.

R2

The Ordinance currently states that two county personnel, neither of whom reports to the other, have the authority to euthanize animals after seven specific steps outlined in the Ordinance have been completed regardless of health, injury, feral nature, or age. An exception to these conditions should be made when the suffering cannot be relieved, i.e., irremediable suffering. In this instance, this Grand Jury recommends that the two county personnel (a Shelter Attendant and the Shelter Manager) should have the authority to euthanize an animal without having completed these steps, if it has been determined that an animal is suffering needlessly. A ballot measure with voter approval would be required to expand this exception to include Animal Shelter staff. Shelter personnel are fully trained and competent to perform owner requested euthanasia; this Grand Jury recommends that they should have the authority to do so when necessary to relieve irremediable suffering. Response, Board of Supervisors: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the response from the Director of Public Works. Response, Director of Public Works: The Director agrees in part with this recommendation. The Director does agree that the Ordinance, adopted as Napa County Code 6.04.230, may create additional suffering for animals while Shelter staff obtain a determination of irremediable suffering from a licensed veterinarian. In addition, the Director is concerned that the Ordinance may unintentionally require the Shelter to release a dangerously reactive dog to a <math>501(c)(3)</math> animal welfare organization even if a behaviorist has determined that the dog is not a good adoption candidate and may pose a threat to the community due to aggression or unpredictable impulsive actions. With the exception of a dog that has physically attacked a person, and then been determined to be dangerous by qualified staff or a pro- bono dog trainer/behaviorist provided by a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization, all other dogs, regardless of feral or aggressive/dangerous behavior, must be released to a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization upon the request (Napa County Code sections 6.04.230(A)(4)(b) and 6.04.230(A)(3)(d), respectively). Given concerns for the welfare of animals and the safety of the community, the Director would support a change to Napa County Code. However, as the Grand Jury notes, these required practices and procedures are in place as a result of a 2016 ballot initiative that was passed by the people of Napa County. Because the voters of Napa County considered and passed these requirements, the Director is inclined to allow the voters of Napa County to suggest revisions if it is determined that the practices and procedures are no longer in the best interest of the community and the animals receiving care from the Shelter. Response, Napa County Sheriff: The Napa County Sheriff agrees with the responses from the Board of Supervisors and the Director of Public Works for both Recommendations.