County Delivery of Animal Care Services*

"Organizational separation of Animal Control and Animal Care has led to discord between the two factions resulting in delivery-of-service problems." I disagree partially. I cannot answer for Animal Care, but I believe the Sheriff's Office provides a better service to the public and we have trained with Animal Care for disaster training. The communication between both departments could be improved by having regular briefings.

"Animal Care gives the impression to Animal Control that they would rather not have Animal Control bring in animals. This results in Animal Control working with owners longer than usual in cases of abuse or neglect rather than confiscating the animals." I disagree partially. Due to overcrowding at Animal Care they have no room to properly house animals when brought in. The overcrowding at Animal Care has no determining factors in removing an animal from an abusive situation or our investigation.

"The overcrowding has a very serious effect on staff morale and is severely detrimental to the well-being of the animals." I (we) agree with the findings numbered "F5".

"The relationship between the management of the two organizations has become acrimonious hindering the possibility of meaningful dialogue." I (we) partially disagree. I believe that both management teams strive to have a good working environment with Animal Care and have assisted and attended numerous trainings at their facility. Because of having each department in charge of a very important function, there is a need for closer infrastructure to prevent miscommunication.

"Senior staff at the Animal Care Facility appear to want to make the facility a no- kill facility. Keeping a dog in a 4 x 8-foot kennel or a cat in a 2 x 3-foot cage for up to or more than a year is cruel treatment." I (we) disagree partially. I do not know if they want to make the Animal Care a no kill facility, but housing the dogs/cats in the manner described above, the animals often get anxiety related illnesses and display erratic behavior. I have talked to Animal Care staff for the last few years to ask they obtain the Haz-Mat Facility located behind them for day yards, which would allow the dogs to socialize and exercise and maintain their mental and behavioral suitability for adoption.