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Findings and Recommendations 7 findings
F1
Based on the independent audit of AC&C and the Shelter, many changes and improvements had already been implemented when the Grand Jury began this investigation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Agricultural Commissioner should make sure that AC&C implements a working operational telephone system and website in Spanish. They should also generate informational literature in Spanish and make it available throughout the County.
F2
The AC&C does not adequately provide access to information in Spanish through its telephone system, literature or website. As a result they are not effectively addressing the need to further educate and inform the Hispanic population regarding the services available.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
AC&C should staff a full time Dispatcher at the Shelter or implement a part time arrangement of multiple personnel dedicated to this position of critical importance.
F3
The AC&C does not have a full time dispatcher working with its field officers, who respond to calls from throughout the County. Instead, staff members fill in as needed, and the Sheriff’s department and/or other law enforcement agencies handle dispatch during off hours. This can leave the field officer in a vulnerable position, as the dispatcher must effectively transmit information, and also provide necessary backup to the officer, should the situation warrant it.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Agricultural Commissioner should eliminate the use of inmate labor as recommended by the 3-Year Quick Start and Action Plan.
F4
The AC&C uses inmate labor from the Sonoma County Adult Detention facility as part of their housekeeping staff. The quality of this labor has proven to be unreliable and disruptive. It requires additional supervision for training and security issues.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
AC&C should assess the cost effectiveness of operating and leasing the MAC. If this is not fiscally prudent, it should consider divesting itself of the MAC.
F5
There are five other shelters within the County that provide additional service and work in conjunction with AC&C. As some of these shelters are private entities they have the prerogative to choose which animals to accept, unlike AC&C which must accept all animals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Board of Supervisors should consider developing a new Citizens’ group for animal welfare to render oversight more effectively, while also acting as advocates for AC&C. Alternatively, the current Animal Welfare Advisory Committee should meet regularly with AC&C and report back to the Board of Supervisors. Required responses Agricultural Commissioner: F-2, F-3, F-4, F-6, R-1, R-2, R-3 AC&C Director: F-2, F-3, F-4, F-6, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 Board of Supervisors: F-7, R-5 23
F6
The Mobile Animal Center (MAC) was purchased with donated funds prior to the independent audit. The MAC is not cost effective for its original intended use, which was to perform spay/neuter surgeries in the mobile unit throughout the community. Once the unit was put into operation, it was determined that it did not provide adequate space for the animals to recover. However, it is still being used in other ways and by other agencies.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was created to advise the Board of Supervisors on animal welfare. The members, who are appointed by the 21 Board of Supervisors, no longer hold regular meetings or play a significant part in the function of AC&C. Conclusions In order to adequately sustain and continue to improve services provided by AC&C, the necessary and appropriate levels of funding must be maintained. Special attention should be paid to adequate staffing levels, spay/neuter programs and the need for a full time dispatcher, as recommended by the 3-Year Quick Start and Action Plan. It is important to keep in mind that as the population and demographics of Sonoma County changes to a more urban environment, the likely increase in numbers of cats and dogs, necessitates more education and focus on spay/neuter programs. With these changes, the need to provide information in Spanish also increases. The Agricultural Commissioner must address this need with appropriate funding to implement Spanish language resources. The Grand Jury found that AC&C is functioning well and has a dedicated team of hard working, caring individuals serving the needs of the community. They found no evidence of animal abuse or use of unqualified rescue agencies. The AC&C staff must perform their jobs while facing ethical and emotional issues on a daily basis. They have made great strides in the quality of their service and this will become more evident as they continue implementing the Citygate recommendations. The Grand Jury believes it is time for the public to put past negative perceptions to rest and recognize the good work that is being done by AC&C. Appropriately, the name change from “Animal Regulation Division” to its current “Animal Care and Control” supports the many caring services provided by the staff and volunteers, bringing the joy of their work to the community. Commendations The Shelter staff is to be commended for its efforts in managing and supervising itself during stressful transitional times, with and without a Director. During that time, the launch of the 3-Year Quick Start Plan is evidence of its commitment to the care and service of the animals and the people of Sonoma County. Recommendations
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 4In order to adequately sustain and continue to improve services provided by AC&C, the necessary and appropriate levels of funding must be maintained. Special attention should be paid to adequate staffing levels, spay/neuter programs and the need for a full time dispatcher, as recommended by the 3-Year Quick Start and Action Plan. It is important to keep in mind that as the population and demographics of Sonoma County changes to a more urban environment, the likely increase in numbers of cats and dogs, necessitates more education and focus on spay/neuter programs. With these changes, the need to provide information in Spanish also increases. The Agricultural Commissioner must address this need with appropriate funding to implement Spanish language resources. The Grand Jury found that AC&C is functioning well and has a dedicated team of hard working, caring individuals serving the needs of the community. They found no evidence of animal abuse or use of unqualified rescue agencies. The AC&C staff must perform their jobs while facing ethical and emotional issues on a daily basis. They have made great strides in the quality of their service and this will become more evident as they continue implementing the Citygate recommendations. The Grand Jury believes it is time for the public to put past negative perceptions to rest and recognize the good work that is being done by AC&C. Appropriately, the name change from “Animal Regulation Division” to its current “Animal Care and Control” supports the many caring services provided by the staff and volunteers, bringing the joy of their work to the community.
Commendations 1
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CM1 Page 4The Shelter staff is to be commended for its efforts in managing and supervising itself during stressful transitional times, with and without a Director. During that time, the launch of the 3-Year Quick Start Plan is evidence of its commitment to the care and service of the animals and the people of Sonoma County. 22
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office