City of Long Beach - File #: 19-0451

• File #: 19-0451
• Version: 1
• Name: CD2 - LBACS Compassion Saves Policy Direction
• Type: Agenda Item
• Status: Approved
• File created: 4/29/2019
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 5/7/2019
• Final action: 5/7/2019
• Title: Recommendation to direct City Manager to work with the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department to implement the Compassion Saves model as the operational approach for Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) ensure that this direction is reflected in the LBACS Strategic Plan and provide a report on the existing relationship and recommendations for improvements in policies and practices between SLCAla and LBACS to maintain facilities and financial conditions which are most conducive to promoting increased adoptions at the LBACS facility.
• Sponsors: COUNCILMEMBER JEANNINE PEARCE, SECOND DISTRICT, COUNCILWOMAN LENA GONZALEZ, FIRST DISTRICT, COUNCILWOMAN SUZIE A. PRICE, THIRD DISTRICT, COUNCILWOMAN STACY MUNGO, FIFTH DISTRICT

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
5/7/2019	1	City Council	approve recommendation	Pass

TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to work with the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department to implement the Compassion Saves model as the operational approach for Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) ensure that this direction is reflected in the LBACS Strategic Plan and provide a report on the existing relationship and recommendations for improvements in policies and practices between SLCAla and LBACS to maintain facilities and financial conditions which are most conducive to promoting increased adoptions at the LBACS facility.

DISCUSSION
Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department (PRM) presented the Compassion Saves approach at the April 16th City Council Study Session as the recommended option for the operational direction of the Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS). The presentation included a review of audit recommendations, current changes in policy that are underway, and policies to be incorporated in the LBACS Strategic Plan.

The Mayor's Animal Care Visioning Task Force, PRM staff, among other stakeholders involved, have had continuous discussions on the state of our animal care services and have been developing a Long Beach unique approach to further develop LBACS as a forward-looking shelter. These measures include a reduction of euthanasia cases with live release rates that will make LBACS comparable to cities such as San Jose and Sacramento, among others.

The City of Long Beach has the opportunity to affirm this unique Compassion Saves Long Beach approach to be implemented by the LBACS. The key principles of this model are:

1. Comply with the state law (California Food and Agriculture Code 17005) regarding animal care and the values of saving every life that is treatable. The Compassion Saves approach requires a strong commitment to saving lives through innovative programming.

2. Provide a report on the existing relationship and recommendations for improvements in policies and practices between SLCAla and LBACS to maintain fa...