COM 0022.013 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

_ '1 ,npounded stray dogs are held for a minimum of 48 hours. excluding those days in which the impounding ~ . shelter ~s closed Impounded stray cats are not legally ' t.t~i ~ ~ required to be held for any minimum period of time. w~ - ~wned dogs and cats are typically held a minimum of _I, 7 days. then placed up for adoption ar destroyed rf unclaimed (current policy requires o~mner notification, by phone or letterl, The Study Team fell that the average holding time for stray dogs and cats is unusually short ~ and is not consistent with other Animal Control agencies. In the Study Team's experience, holding times are usual{y based upon the "72-Hour Rule", in which impounded animals are held for a minimum of 72 hours, and can he adopted or puthanised on the 4'^ day of im~d~--- -r__.._._._. I This is the first time in any NACA evaluation it which local or state law did not regwre a holding period for Waimsa Cat Ards ~ , cats.ln several States, cats and dogs are considered I "property" and retain some monetary and emotional value for the pet owner. The Study '1 Team would caution HIHS on its continued practice of immediately euthanizing some ~ incoming cats (for temperament, lack of space, etc.). Since HIHS can be considered a \ °quasi-public" organ~ration when acting in an official capacity, the agency is subject to the 1\\ same constitutional requirements as any other govemment.agoncy and thus must respect a pet o~a~ne~'s due process rights. AS with any loss piece of property recoveretl by an official r 1 govamment agency such pmperty must oe held for any potential claim by its rightful i ov.~ner. A!thnugh local ar state laws do net regwra the cat balding period, the Study Team fears that any challenge by citizens of the current policy may place HIHS in an uncomfo-table ;fab~lity) position. In short. the Study Team would recommend the same i 'I twldiny period for. bath doffs and cats, regardless of current legal requirements. r I ¢ ' ~he date o~ adoption availability is the day after the loyal imaound time expires, which is F ~ dependant open the type of animal (s~ncE the balding penaas for dogs and cas are rot the aamej. HIHS also accepts anin that are ne longer wanted by fneir owners. Unclaimed, tte13`as long as they siether pa-ce~,~_y__~ The maximum ienyth of time an animal may stay at the shelter varies. The length of the 1 stay ~s dependant upon space available at the shelter, t^e temperament and health of the 1 animal, and interest expressed py the put;lic. N Health assessments begin when an animal is first handled by held and kennel workers. A "quick" physical inspection is given tc all incoming animals. If the staff recognizes a problem, the Animal Health Technician, Shelter Manager or Staff Veterinarian provides further examination. Special instructian is given to workers regarding disease recognition. shhelter Gparations 4-17 r' ~ ^Ct1 G i/!- ~44fi On