Public Hearing and Council Legislation/Environmental Committee Report September 11, 2007 Agenda Items 9.03/10.01 “The greatness of a nation, and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Background Pet Overpopulation Task Force formed by the Legislation/Environmental Committee at the 10/16/05 Committee meeting Response to proposal entitled “How to Become a No-Kill Community” Purpose to develop a plan to reduce the pet over- population problem in Stockton and San Joaquin County

Task Force Members Tammie Murrell, Stockton Police Dept. Sue Brause, City of Stockton Jenifer McCullum, RVT, City of Stockton Dr. Julie Damron John Geer Rod Attebury, Neumiller/Beardslee Patricia Sherman, Animal Friends Connection Humane Society

Pet Overpopulation Task force has attempted to formulate a realistic plan to lower euthanasia numbers to: Save animals, Save money, and, Make our community a better place to live by lowering calls for service regarding roaming, noisy, and abused animals.

Task Force Work Obtained a $10,000 PetsMart grant to fund a low-income resident spay/neuter voucher program Assisted SASF in refining their existing spay/ neuter voucher program Drafted revisions to SMC Animal Regulation sections Pre-applied for a Maddie’s Fund Grant (anticipate grant application 2007)

Proposed Ordinance Revisions Replace references to “Pound” with the word “Shelter.” Replace references to Animal “Control” with Animal “Services.” Require a permit (license), rabies vaccination and identification collar or microchip for cats as well as dogs. Addition of a Litter Permit requirement.

Litter Permit Litter Permit: required for pet owners who want to breed, or have bred (intentionally or unintentionally) their pets Recommend $250 non-compliance fee; $500 for second occurrence; misdemeanor charge for third occurrence Recommend revenue be used to add a Compliance Officer to Animal Care division for enforcement

Litter Permit Exemption from the litter permit requirement and a reduced unaltered license fee if the owner can show proof of participation in a sanctioned kennel club or breed club activities Include an administrative hearing process for appeals of litter permits or penalties Recommend increased license fees for unaltered animals to $100 (like Oakland & Stanislaus Co.)

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Neutered/spayed (per dog) 1 Year/Senior citizen$6/New$10/$6 2 Years/Senior citizenNew/New$15/$9 3 Years/Senior citizenNew/New$ 25/$12 Unaltered (per dog) 1 Year/Senior citizen$12/New$100/$50 2 Years/Senior citizenNew/New$120/$60 3 Years/Senior citizenNew/New$ 150/$75

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Neutered/Spayed (per cat) 1 Year / Senior citizenNew/New$10/$6 2 Years / Senior citizenNew/New$15/$9 3 Years / Senior citizenNew/New$25/$12 Unaltered (per cat) 1 Year / Senior citizenNew/New$100/$50 2 Years /Senior citizenNew/New$120/$60 3 Years /Senior citizenNew/New$150/$75

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Potentially dangerous and vicious dog permit New$125 Penalty for 2 nd and each subsequent inspection New$50 Delinquent registration fee$20$30 Unlicensed/ unaltered dog/ cat impounded New$100 Second offense – requires sterilization (spay/neuter) Replacement dog tag (each tag) / Sr. Citizen $1/New$8/$2

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Micro Chip for Dog/CatNew$15 Transfer Fee for Ownership Change $1$20 Boarding (quarantine/day) Cats/Dogs$5/$8$20/$20 Service fee for pick-up of animals (per animal) $17.80$20 Disposal of dead animalsNew$3 Small Animal and Skunk Traps Late Fee New$5 Disposal of dead animalsNew$3

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Sale of Dogs/Cats$10/$10$15/$15 Adoption Preparation Fee for any Dog/Cat New$10 Shelter Animal Vaccinations Rabies (dog or cat)New$8 Bord VxNew$5 6-1 Vx (dogs)New$5 4-1 (cats)New$5 Deworm (round)New$5 FeLV/FIV TestNew$10 Pain Medication(s)New$25

Proposed Fee Changes CurrentProposed Pet Supplies Cat CarrierNew$5 E-CollarNew$15 LeashNew$1 Dangerous or Vicious Dog Warning Sign New$8 Claiming a Dog/Cat 1 st / 2 nd / 3 rd Impoundment Within a Year $26/$52/$104$40/$80/$160 Dog or Cat not requiring medical care/requiring care $4.50/New$15/$18

Proposed Fee Changes Neuter a Male Dog or CatCurrentProposed Male dog$40$65 Male dog/cat for a licensed not-for-profit rescue group New/New$32.50/$15 Spay a Female Dog or Cat Female dog/Cat$40/$30$75/$45 Female dog/Cat for a licensed not-for-profit rescue group New/New$37.50/$22.50

Public Hearing Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to amend the Police Department section of the City’s fee schedule, pertaining to Animal Services

Legislation/Environmental Committee Recommendations to City Council 1)Adopt proposed Part V, Division II, Sections through of the Stockton Municipal Code pertaining to the Pound and Poundmaster; 2)Authorize revenue generated from the revised ordinance to be used exclusively to fund spay and neuter efforts;

Legislation/Environmental Committee Recommendations to City Council 3)Authorize the Pet Overpopulation Task Force to submit an application for a Maddie’s Fund Grant, and other potential grants; 4)Authorize the City Manager to take necessary steps to solicit voluntary donations to the Spay/Neuter Fund through the yearly City dog licensing bills (reevaluation after one year).