Madera County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Madera County Grand Jury Final Report 1516-02 Madera County Department of Animal Services

Published: June 22, 2016 17 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 12 findings

F1
The MCAS facility is old, in disrepair, and inadequate to accommodate the needs of the county.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Madera County Board of Supervisors allocate funds to build a new Animal Shelter within three years.
F2
Staffing levels at the facility are inadequate and the department is unable to deliver the services required by law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Madera County Board of Supervisors increase the budget for the Department of Animal Services to reflect budgets of like facilities in like counties by the 2017-2018 budget year.
F3
The MCAS budget is insufficient to allow the department to operate without relying on the support of volunteers and to be able to deliver the services required by law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Madera County Board of Supervisors budget enough money so that the Department of Animal Services does not have to rely on donations from volunteers and volunteer organizations to function.
F4
At the time of this investigation, the Board of Supervisors has not taken decisive action regarding recommendations of the 2013-2014 Grand Jury.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Madera County Board of Supervisors fund staff positions to a total of fifteen full-time employees at the Department of Animal Services now.
F5
No organized, detailed, written policy/procedure for orientation of new hires was produced nor did present staff know of a formalized orientation program. 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Madera County Board of Supervisors increase the salary of the Animal Services Department director commensurate with comparable positions in comparable counties by the 2017-2018 budget year.
F6
No organized, detailed, written policy/procedure for orientation of volunteers and extra help staff was produced.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Madera County Board of Supervisors authorize the immediate installation of a shelter over the outside area used to wash equipment and bathe animals.
F7
The Grand Jury could not substantiate that all full-time staff received an annual evaluation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Director of Animal Services develop standardized orientation programs for full-time staff, extra help staff and volunteers.
F8
The Grand Jury found that the Animal Shelter director was significantly underpaid compared to other similar counties.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Director of Animal Services ensure all full-time employees receive annual evaluations per Madera County policy.
F9
Pet owners experienced difficulties in complying with the Animal Shelters’ policies/procedures regarding showing proof of ownership (photograph) and/or having the monies to pay for redemption/adoption in full at the time of redemption.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The Director of Animal Services review, revise, and update a policy and procedures manual specific to the department. The manual needs to be dated. 5
F10
Euthanasia is mainly performed due to limited space at the facility. Euthanasia may be performed on a sick, injured, or vicious animal. Unclaimed pets may be euthanized.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
The Director of Animal Services with approval from the Board of Supervisors institute a method of assisting animal owners in the redemption of their pets when payment in full at the time of redemption is a hardship. A payment plan or community service in lieu of monetary payments should be considered.
F11
The Board of Supervisors specifically respond to these recommendations and not just reference responses that may be submitted by the director of the department.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
The Board of Supervisors specifically respond to these recommendations and not just reference responses that may be submitted by the director of the department.
F12
The Board of Supervisors identify a specific date for implementing recommendations they endorse and not state “in the future” or some such vague time frame. Commendations: The Madera County Grand Jury Commends:
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
The Board of Supervisors identify a specific date for implementing recommendations they endorse and not state “in the future” or some such vague time frame. Commendations: The Madera County Grand Jury Commends:

Commendations 2