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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 5, 2014 I-01AGENDA ITEM T.010 CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Receive the 2012-2013 Annual Report from the Lodi Animal Advisory Commission MEETING DATE: March 5, 2014 PREPARED BY: Chief of Police RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive the combined 2012-2013 Annual Report from the Lodi Animal Advisory Commission. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City Council established the Lodi Animal Shelter Advisory Commission in 2008 to advise the City Council regarding matters concerning animal planning and programming. The Lodi Animal Advisory Commission prepared a combined 2012 and 2013 annual report that summarizes the Commission's activities during 2012 and 2013 and provides recommendations to the Council in response to areas the Commission has been asked to examine. A copy of the Commission's report and recommended Barn Cat program letter is attached for Council consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving the annual report from the Commission. Specific recommendations in the report have a variety of fiscal impacts including staff time and operational costs. FUNDING AVAILABLE: MH/CJ Attachments Not applicable at this time. Mark Helms Chief of Police APPROVED: Stephen chwabauer, n im City Manager Lodi Animal Advisory Commission ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013 Commission Members: Linda Castelanelli, Hayim "Hy" Cohen (Chair), Phillip N. Laughlin, John Primasing, and Rebecca Hernandez Purpose: To act in advisory capacity to City Council in all matters pertaining to animals; explore short- term and long-term needs of the Lodi Animal Shelter; make periodic inventories of animal services that exist and/or may be needed; aid in coordinating and promoting pet population control measures and explore funding opportunities for programs; and serve as an information and referral source on animals in the community. 2012-2013 Key Animal Shelter Statistics: Fiscal year July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 1. (Intake) Dogs- 909 Cats- 888 2. (Adoptions) Dogs- 331 Cats -153 3. (Transfers) Dogs -93 Cats- 115 *includes PALS and other non -profits 4. (Redeemed) Dogs- 216 Cats- 24 5. (Euthanized) Dogs- 254 Cats- 683 2012-2013 Highlights and Accomplishments: The Commission congratulates PALS, LSP, and Lodi Shelter on many accomplishments: 1. Implementing the Barn Cat Program to help save the lives of many feral cats as well as making more space available for adoptable animals. 2. Usage of the sign at the Shelter which makes hundreds of impressions each day throughout the community. 3. Decreasing the total intake of cats. The 2012 total was under 1000, the lowest number in the past ten years. 4. Exemplary implementation of the Community Development Block Grant funds. 2014 Goals: The Commission expects to address the following in future discussions: 1. Methods of increasing the number of vouchers for spay/neuter participation by locating and seeking additional funding and/or additional partners in the community. 2. Increasing public awareness of the needs of the animal shelter and the support provided by PALS and LSP. 3. Increasing public awareness of the Barn Cat Program focused on local businesses and wineries, increasing public involvement with the Shelter. 4. Increasing private donations and support of the Shelter. Specific Recommendations for City Council Consideration: 1. Council to review and approve Barn Cat letter, which will be mailed wineries and dairies regarding this program. Letter attached to this report. 2. Council to modify resolution 2012-210 a. Modify powers and duties of commission to include: periodic visits to other shelters in the area and make suggestions of procedures that shelters in area have found to be successful. b. Add to powers and duties: Council establish a place holder on the council agenda for the first March council meeting each year. c. Membership: Council to appoint a P.A.L.S. representative to the commission. d. Allow Lodi Animal Advisory Commission to consider two (2) members present as a quorum for discussion purposes. 12y, FAL5 Lodi Animal Services Barn Cat Program The Lodi Animal Shelter along with Lodi Shelter PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter) are starting a new program that we feel can benefit both the Animal Shelter as well as your business. Feral cats have become a concern of the staff at the shelter. These are wild cats that cannot acclimate to an indoor environment but can live outdoors very comfortably. In an attempt to have feral cats adopted and not euthanized, we are starting a new program called "Barn Cats". This program will provide your business with a feral cat, very effective/ green tool in the control of rodents that are common in large warehouses and surrounding areas. The cost to your business is $30.00 per feral cat. This would include vaccination and spay or neuter fees. Attached you will find more information about the program. Please consider this program for your rodent control and help us prevent euthanizing this valuable resource. Thank You in advance for your consideration in this matter. Jennifer Bender A.S.O Lodi Police Department Animal Services Supervisor 1345 W. Kettleman Lane Lodi, Ca 95242 209-333-6741 Office 209-333-5530 Direct 209-333-5599 Fax LODI ANIMAL SERVICES BARN CAT PROGRAM Lodi Animal Shelter receives numerous cats that cannot live as house pets. These cats are mostly feral or semi -feral cats that cannot acclimate to an indoor environment but can live outdoors comfortably. These cats help control mice, rats, lizards, snakes, gophers, mole, squirrels and other types of animals. They still need to be provided with shelter, dry food and water. All cats available for adoption through this program are spayed or neutered, are feline and rabies vaccinated and have an ear tipped for identification purposes thanks to donations from PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter). The $ 30.00 adoption fee for a barn cat covers the medical costs. This is what is needed to provide a proper home for a barn cat: • Shelter in a barn, stable area or outdoor buildings • Daily food & water as barn cats can't live on rodents alone • Long term veterinary care • A secure place to house them for 2 weeks while they acclimate to their new environment. This needs to be a secure indoor enclosure where they cannot escape. This program is an opportunity to save the lives of feral and semi - feral cats that would otherwise be euthanized. If you are interested in adopting a barn cat through Lodi Animal Shelter you can download a Barn Cat Application from our web site. The application must be completed and approved before an adoption is finalized. Donations towards this program are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to PALS- People Assisting Lodi Shelter via their, website at palslodi.org email: pals.lodiAyahoo.com