TITLE
Recommendation to initiate a multi-year expansion of low-cost spay and neuter resources for both owned and free-roaming animals beginning with vouchers supported by local veterinarians, and working towards a City-run clinic under the direction of a full-time State Licensed Veterinarian, provided that costs can be fully off-set;
Provide direction to staff if cat licensing should be required in the City of Long Beach;
Develop a funding and implementation plan for regular adoption, microchip, and licensing clinics under the direction of a State Licensed Veterinarian; and
Develop a plan to implement a formal Animal Care Ambassador program to support adoptions, special events, license canvassing and humane education citywide. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City Council approved a motion on October 20, 2009 requesting the City Manager to recommend strategies for reducing euthanasia and increasing redemption of healthy animals at the City's shelter. The following recommendations were crafted with significant feedback from residents and animal owners from the City of Long Beach. In addition to conducting an online survey of community feedback which generated 82 responses, Animal Care Services staff discussed the City Council's direction with approximately 425 residents, at 20 community meetings held between October 2009 and March 2010.
For purposes of clarity, the following recommendations are organized by four related goals as defined in the original motion.
1. Goal One: Reduce the number of unwanted animals through the promotion of low cost spay and neuter procedures at local veterinary hospitals and clinics.
Consensus opinion is that too many healthy animals are euthanized each year at the City shelter. Reducing euthanasia of healthy animals is by far the highest priority of those participating in the survey and community meetings. Feedback clearly indicates that there is significant support for expanded spay and neuter resources as the strategy for reducin...
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