DEPARTMENT: Animal Care Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Kathy Davis
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Proposed Changes to City Code by Amending Chapter 5 and Chapter 20 of the City Code
SUMMARY:
An ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the City Code to authorize the issuance of civil citations in addition to criminal citations for animal care violation.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In FY 2012, ACS began implementing its newly revised strategic plan by incorporating the three (3) strategic priorities of: enhanced enforcement, controlling the stray animal population, and increasing the Live Release rate. As evident in the drastic increase in the Live Release rate from 30% in FY 2011 to 77% in FY 2013, and an the increase in number of spay/neuter surgeries performed by ACS from 11,000 in FY 2012 to 17,500 in FY 2013, ACS continues to improve the services it provides to the community.
It is anticipated that ACS will continue its success in FY 2014 through the implementation of innovative solutions. In particular, ACS anticipates focusing its efforts and resources in FY 2014 by: (1) enhancing field enforcement; (2) increasing community spay/neuter services; (3) maximizing kennel capacity, and (4) maintaining its successful Live Release program. The following FY 2014 initiatives were presented to and recommended by the Quality of Life Committee on October 15 and the Animal Care Advisory Board on October 16.
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT: In September 2013, an amendment to the State Law permitted local agencies such as ACS the ability to issue civil citations in addition to criminal citations. Civil citations, which have already been adopted by Code Compliance, are adjudicated through a Hearing Officer and provide an opportunity to focus on long term compliance, rather than just the isolated infraction.
By adopting a Civil Citation process ACS will be able to promote, protect, and improve the health safety and welfare of the citi...
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