Sonoma County Civillerand Hury 2017 2018 Pet

The County of Sonoma lacks a comprehensive animal emergency response plan that 420 identifies Animal Services as lead department to coordinate the response to the 421 emergency. The Animals in Disaster Response Plan; an Annex to the Emergency 422 Operations Plan of Animal Services was intended to accomplish this, was in revised draft 423 form at the time of the firestorm, and was implemented effectively. 424

The lack of an alternative power source at the Animal Services facilities, and the 425 malfunction of radios for the use by mutual aid agencies, hampered communication and 426 operations throughout the emergency. 427

Animal Services' emergency response was hindered by its assignment to Health 428 Services' Department Operations Center instead of the County Emergency Operations 429 Center. The Department of Health Services lacked a plan to ensure that Department 430 Operations Center members completed the required Incident Command Center training. 431

The lack of a formalized Emergency Response Plan and training for the Fairgrounds led 432 to some confusion and disorder in the early phase of the animal sheltering operation. 433

Without formal Memoranda of Understanding between the County and non- 434 governmental organizations, reimbursement of costs by FEMA may be more difficult. 435

Following the firestorm, Animal Services, the Fairgrounds, and non-governmental 436 agencies have begun to develop formal protocols for animal disaster response, including 437 alternate animal evacuation sites should the Fairgrounds be unavailable. Animal 438 Services has plans to improve the volunteer program to train and certify animal 439 disasters volunteers which will enhance animal rescue capabilities. 440

Animal Services is a first responder that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 441 works in conjunction with law enforcement, and exercises the powers listed under 442 California Penal Code 830.9 including the use of firearms. Animal Services management 443 was fully trained and experienced in emergency response, but much of Animal Services 444 staff lacks Incident Command System training.