EDITOR: I read with interest your recent editorial on
streamlining animal control services. I thought your readers would
appreciate some history on animal control services in South County,
and what the county has been doing to identify strategies for
regional animal control.
EDITOR:
I read with interest your recent editorial on streamlining animal control services. I thought your readers would appreciate some history on animal control services in South County, and what the county has been doing to identify strategies for regional animal control.
Since 1993, when the county’s budget shortfall forced us to discontinue animal control services within cities, our animal control has focused exclusively on those animals abandoned or found in unincorporated areas.
Shortly thereafter, most of the cities contracted with the Santa Clara Valley Humane Society or developed their own animal control services. The cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy chose to establish their own animal control services.
Currently, there is one animal shelter in San Martin that serves the unincorporated area of the county. It operates at maximum capacity most of the time, but does accept animals brought in by emergency personnel from Morgan Hill and Gilroy, admitting up to 480 animals per year between both the cities. The cities pay for the service, but are credited back for animals that are eventually adopted.
The county recently initiated an animal services needs assessment study. That study is nearly completed, and is expected to address the issues mentioned in the editorial, including potential expansion of the existing San Martin facility, and how to maximize the use of county resources currently allocated for animal control services.
Once this study is published, I will make certain to share it with your readers and welcome your comments. I know animal control service issues are longstanding, and the county is exploring what it can do to address any areas of improvement.
If your readers have any questions or concerns on this or any other matter, please feel to email me at do*****@ga****.com or to call me at 299-5010.
Donald F. Gage,
Supervisor, District One
