2018 Response to Grand Jury Report Report Title: Dogs on the Run Report Date: 06/26/2018 Response by: W. Honsal,

There is little communication across animal control jurisdictions regarding bite histories for dogs, which puts the public at increased risk for dog attacks upon people and pets. Response: We agree and improvements in our records management system are in the process of being implemented that should resolve this issue. Our new records management system (RIMS) will be able to interface with the records management systems for the City of Eureka, the City of Arcata, and the City of Fortuna who also use the RIMS record management system.

Due to inconsistent follow-through by Humboldt County Animal Control, the City of Eureka Animal Control, and the City of Fortuna Animal Control to ensure proper quarantine of dogs which have bitten people and pets, and verification of rabies for them, Humboldt County residents are at risk of contracting rabies. Response: Humboldt County Animal Control covers a large area. With the resources we have it is often difficult to conduct follow up when new in progress calls take priority. It is also common for dog owners to move or relocate their dogs making it harder for Animal Control to complete follow up in a timely manner. This is an issue we are aware of and we are conducting further analysis to find ways to improve in this area.

Lack of cross-reporting dog bites to the Humboldt County Public Health Department Local Health Officer by county and city animal control agencies places the county citizens at risk of a rabies outbreak. Response: We agree that the lack of cross-reporting is an issue but disagree that it places citizens at risk of a rabies outbreak. Whenever there is a question regarding the health status or location of a potentially rabid animal this information is reported to Environmental or Public Health.

Residents of Humboldt County are unaware if a potentially dangerous dog or vicious dog resides within their neighborhood, placing them or their pets at risk of being attacked or bitten. Response: 2 Unless an animal has been declared as potentially dangerous or vicious through a court hearing, we are limited in the information we can provide to the public. If the animal has been declared dangerous with court ordered restrictions we can and do make efforts to notify the complainant. Our new records management system, when fully implemented, will allow the public to search specific locations for potential hazards.