Solano County Sheriff's Office Thomas A. Ferrara, Sheriff-Coroner*

- The area designated for stray dogs exhibits evidence of rodent infestation, creating an unhealthy environment for both the animals and staff. <b>Response to Finding 1</b> <math>-</math> I agree with this finding. <b>Recommendation 1</b> – Clean the area and rid it of rodents. Response to Recommendation 1 – This recommendation will be implemented in part. In the last couple of years there has been significant construction (Lewis Homes) around The Shelter Campus. We believe this has increased the rodent activity to higher than normal levels. The County has successfully used a contracted pest control service for over ten years and with the construction we have doubled the service calls. This has reduced significantly the rodent activity. We will continue to monitor and rid the area of rodents to the extent feasible.

- The cages for stray dogs are cold and contain puddles of standing water creating an unnecessarily uncomfortable and unhealthy environment for the animals. <b>Response to Finding 2</b> – I agree with this finding. <b>Recommendation 2</b> – Rid the cages of the puddles of standing water. Response to Recommendation 2 – This recommendation has been implemented. The temperature control (cold cage) issue has been resolved. A new HVAC system has been installed which will correct the temperature control issues the shelter experienced. The puddles of standing water are caused by the <b>Dedicated to Community Service</b> dogs knocking over water bowls in the cage. The shelter is approximately 50% complete with an automatic water bowl installation which will eliminate water spillage in the cage.

– All the cages for the stray dogs were littered with feces, creating an unhealthy environment. <b>Response to Finding 3</b> – I partially agree with this finding. <b>Recommendation 3</b> – Clean the cages as often as the cages for the adoptable animals. Response to Recommendation 3 – This recommendation will be implemented within the next two months. The shelter cages are cleaned at minimum once a day. Our experience has shown that as soon as you complete a cleaning of the entire shelter several of the animals have soiled their cage. With that said, I will change the policy to include mandatory multiple cleanings per day. I would like to thank the Solano County Grand Jury for their time invested in the review of the County's animal care services and their report of findings and recommendations. As always, the recommendations and comments of the Solano County Grand Jury are greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Thomas A. Ferrara Sheriff-Coroner Solano County Grand Jury cc: County Administrator's Office