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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.
Calaveras County Grand Jury
• 2006-2007
Calaveras County Animal Shelter Facility
⚠️ 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 5 findings
F1
Page 47
A facility upgrade recommended by a special audit in 2006, remains unresolved. The proposed plan submitted by Nacht & Lewis Architects to the County Administrator includes acquisition of space, construction of a new animal shelter, and repairs to the existing facility. A timeline to review the plan has not been developed. Repair and renovations to the existing facility have not been made because the Board of Supervisors has not allocated funding.
F2
Page 48
A recent visit to the animal shelter revealed a new modular building has been placed at the animal shelter site and the office is operational to provide the necessary services to the community. The building was found to have adequate space for the staff with a much larger foyer area where visitors can conduct business at the facility. The Grand Jury recognizes the positive effort and commitment of the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff for the much needed improvements.
F3
Page 48
Not all kennels have been replaced or repaired and no time frame has been designated to complete the projects. The heating element in the kennel floors is inoperable. Staff reported that three standing heaters have been ordered but as of the date of the Grand Jury tour, the heaters were not in place. The Plexiglas fixture to cover the front panel of the quarantine kennel had not been completed and continues to need repair.
F4
Page 48
Written procedure manuals have been developed to standardize procedures in the areas of: 1. Safety Training and Universal Precautions 2. Euthanasia policy 3. Staff dress code, grooming, and equipment 4. Feline shelter protocol 5. Pet of the Week procedure 43 A problem exists in maintaining the procedure manuals in a centralized location and in the proper format. These procedures should be reviewed as needed, revised on an annual basis and approved by the Sheriff. Three of the existing procedures are in proper format and contain signature approval of the Sheriff. The Pet of the Week procedure is in proper format but does not contain signature block for the Sheriff. The Feline Shelter protocol is not in proper format and does not have a signature block for the Sheriff approval. The procedure manuals were not located in a centralized location, available for all staff. Although the procedure manuals have been developed, there is no indication staff has been provided training or read these procedures to ensure they are familiar with the requirements of these procedure manuals.
F5
Page 49
A review of the visitor logbook revealed that not all volunteers are signing in as required.
Recommendations 5
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R1Page 47Safety Training and Universal Precautions
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R2Page 48Centralized location in the Animal Control office
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R3Page 47Staff dress code, grooming, and equipment
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R4Page 47Feline shelter protocol
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R5Page 47Pet of the Week procedure 43 A problem exists in maintaining the procedure manuals in a centralized location and in the proper format. These procedures should be reviewed as needed, revised on an annual basis and approved by the Sheriff. Three of the existing procedures are in proper format and contain signature approval of the Sheriff. The Pet of the Week procedure is in proper format but does not contain signature block for the Sheriff. The Feline Shelter protocol is not in proper format and does not have a signature block for the Sheriff approval. The procedure manuals were not located in a centralized location, available for all staff. Although the procedure manuals have been developed, there is no indication staff has been provided training or read these procedures to ensure they are familiar with the requirements of these procedure manuals. RECOMMENDATION The Grand Jury recommends the Sheriff develop a training program for staff assigned within Animal Control, including a method of written substantiation that this training is being provided on an annual basis and part of orientation for newly hired staff. Policies and procedures should be reviewed and revised annually as needed in a consistent format. All policies and procedures should contain the Sheriff signature for approval prior to implementation. The policies and procedures should be available as follows: