An Orange County Grand Jury report released
today criticizing management and operations at OC Animal Care was based in part
on unsubstantiated allegations.
“It is our belief that the report in its
totality does not accurately reflect the current OC Animal Care program or the
commitment of all County staff and our volunteers to the humane treatment of
animals,” County Executive Officer Frank Kim said.
Among recent improvements made to the
operations of OC Animal Care:
• Appointment
of respected veterinarian Jennifer Hawkins as OC Animal Care director.
• Reduction
in dog euthanasia rates by more than half and cat euthanasia rates by a third
for 2014.
• Replacement
of broken kennel doors and installation of cat “portals” to expand roaming
areas.
• Recommendations
for $454,000 in the FY 2015-16 budget to fill nine vacant Animal Care positions
and another $150,000 for shelter repairs, including replacement of the cat
isolation trailer.
The core mission of OC Animal Care is
caring for animals in need, Dr. Hawkins said. The County is committed to
improving conditions at OC Animal Care, including hiring new staff and
obtaining land at the former Tustin Marine base for a new animal shelter to
replace the County’s current outdated shelter.
The department continues to adapt to
community expectations to provide care, promote responsible pet ownership,
control rabies, address public safety related to potentially dangerous animals,
and investigate animal cruelty and neglect.
“As a practicing veterinarian, I have
dedicated my life to caring for companion animals,” Dr. Hawkins said. “As the
Director of OC Animal Care, I have and will continue to promote conditions at
OC Animal Care that benefit the animals in our care, acknowledge the work of
our dedicated staff and serve the community.”
The County will be providing formal
responses to the Grand Jury report within 90 days, as required by law.
This
article was released by the County of Orange.
June 18, 2015
Orange
County Breeze
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