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Shelter Operations <br />Within this work area, the Study Team was provided an opportunity to observe the <br />impoundment, adoption and redemption process, sanitation and disease control, animal <br />feeding schedules, euthanasia and shelter safety procedures. As a direct result of these <br />observations, the Study Team has offered several recommendations to include: <br />J The County of Hawaii should explore the possibility of expanding and renovating its <br />current animal sheltering facility in Kailua-Kona within the very near future. <br />ID HIHS should proceed with plans to expand and improve the Waimea animal <br />sheltering facility as soon as possible. <br />[i HIHS should ensure that all kennels are separated by a solid partition of either steel <br />or concrete, both inside and out. Such partitions must be a minimum of 4 feet in <br />height, with an additional 2 feet of fencing on top of the wall. <br />Q The agency should purchase an animal tracking software program which would <br />capture vital data regarding impounded and reclaimed/adopted animals. This <br />software should also provide knowledge of prior offenses and name queries. <br />Computer and printer upgrades should be offered in all work areas. Additional <br />computer training should be offered to those employees who require it. Workers <br />should be trained in computer usage and software. <br />0 HIHS should develop uniform animal tracking procedures for all 3 shelters. The <br />Study Team observed varying tracking methods among the facilities (ie: the Keaau <br />facility placed numbered metal identification tags on incoming dogs, while the <br />Kailua-Kona and Waimea shelters did not). Tracking methods should always be <br />consistent and reliable to minimize errors and prevent the agency from being placed <br />in an uncomfortable (liability) situation. In addition, the agency should perform a <br />morning and evening "headcount' of impounded animals to reinforce inventory <br />procedures. <br />❑ Although not legally required, HIHS should reevaluate its animal holding period for <br />cats. The Study Team felt that the minimum holding time for cats was unusually <br />short, and is not consistent with otherAnimal Control/Care agencies. In addition, the <br />Study Team would recommend the same holding period for both dogs and cats. <br />Field Operations <br />The importance of an Animal Control operation to a community is paramount. Whether <br />measured by the number of Animal Controlpersonnel involved, the portion of budget <br />allocated to field services, or the reality that the Animal Control Officer has over 4 times <br />more public contacts than a police officer, the field officer is the mainstay of Animal Control <br />work. The way in which these individuals carry out their duties affects not only the quality <br />Executive Summary - 3 <br />