📋
Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 3 findings
F1
Page 21
Trinity County Sheriff Schmidt and Animal Control Officer Whitcomb provided the Grand Jury with a good overview of this division and were most responsive to questions and issues raised by the members. Although the division is extremely small, Ms. Whitcomb in par- ticular appeared to all present to be very dedicated, hardworking and innovative. Ms. Whitcomb is a professional officer, knowledge- able abort both state and local animal ordinances, and she assisted the BOS and county Counsel in the development of the newly enacted Trinity County animal regulations. As with many county departments, the Animal Control Division is in need of additional resources but appears to be well served under the management of the Sheriffs Department and Ms. Whitcomb. The Grand Jury believes the repeal and re-enactment of the out- dated county animal regulation codes were warranted.
F2
Page 21
The tracking of pet licensing, dog bits, impounds, adoptions, etc., within Trinity County is currently conducted manually by the Ani- mal Control Division. The 1991-1992 Grand Jury report recom- mended the purchase of an animal control software program to pro- vide automated tracking of these records. In 1993 the BOS ap- proved the purchase of a software program called PetNet to put in place a tracking program; and the 1992-1993 Grand Jury concluded that revenues between $6,000 and $7,000 would be generated/an- ticipated. In response to the 1993 Grand Jury report, Sheriff Schmidt wrote that the “...PetNet license renewal program has been ordered and should be here by August 1St.” To date, the tracking system is not automated and continues to be done manually.
F3
Page 21
The new Trinity County Animal Shelter is an excellent facility, clean and well maintained. However, on the day that members of the Grand Jury toured the facility, it was raining and there were large accumula- tions of water and mud on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the facility. The parking area has numerous potholes that need filling and grading. Ms. Whitcomb advised members of the Grand Jury that there is a need to fence off both the front and rear entrances to the animal shel- ter due to vandalism and individuals throwing rocks and trash at the animals in the outdoor runs when department members are away for short periods. The Grand Jury was advised that the General Ser- vices Division is aware of the drainage issues at the facility and is working toward a resolution of the problem. The jury further ob- served that there is currently fencing already purchased and ready to be installed for this project but was advised by General Services that this effort could not be completed until the drainage issues were re- solved.
Recommendations 3
-
R1Page 21The Board of Supervisors, County Counsel and Sheriff’s Depart- ment are commended for working together to update the animal control regulations for the county.
-
R2Page 21The Grand Jury concurs with the decision of both the 1993 BOS and the previous Grand Jury’s recommendation that animal control soft- ware be obtained to facilitate the licensing of animals within Trin- ity County, the tracking of officer response, and facility manage- ment within the animal Control Division.
-
R3Page 21The Grand Jury concurs that the parking area and fencing at the animal shelter need further work. The jury also recognizes that the General Services Division is aware of the issues, is committed to resolving the problems and needs time to obtain the necessary infor- mation and funding to complete the project. The jury recommends that both divisions continue to work together toward a successful and timely resolution of the fencing and drainage projects. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to re- spond to the listed findings and recommendations within the re- quired time period. ENTITY FINDING RECOMMENDATION DAYS Trinity County Sheriff 1,2,3 2,3 60 Director, Trinity County General Services Division 3 3 60 Trinity County Board of Supervisors 1,2,3 2,3 90 Responses TO: The Honorable John K. Letton Presiding Judge of the Superior Court FROM: Trinity County Board of Supervisors J.C. Erikson, Chairman DATE: September 12, 2002 SUBJECT: 2001-2002 Trinity County Grand Jury Judicial Com mittee Report of the Animal Control Division The Grand Jury Judicial Committee has requested a written response to their Trinity County Animal Control Division Re- port. The response of the Board of Supervisors is as follows: