CLEARLAKE >>To continue efforts towards stable animal control services, the Clearlake City Council will introduce and discuss a new ordinance that would reform regulations regarding the adoption, return, and impoundment of animals under the city’s care.
If passed, the law would remove the current codes for impounded animals and their reclamation and create a new section that updates and clarifies these regulations.
“Now that the City of Clearlake has resumed full control of the Animal Control function, the ability to adopt out as many animals as possible is paramount,” City Manager Greg Folsom wrote in the related staff report. “The existing animal control ordinance lacks the ability to adopt animals to either individuals or animal rescue/adoption organizations.”
Under the present municipal code, impounded dogs and cats without licenses have 72 hours to be adopted or “humanely destroyed.” The law didn’t appear to clarify when that time limit started.
The proposal would extend the time to four business days, while horses, burros, mules, and bovines will be held for five. Other animals will be held for six business days before action is taken under the discretion of the Animal Control Officer.
According to the ordinance a “business day” is defined as a weekday when the shelter is open for at least four hours.
Regarding adoption regulations, the new proposal would fill a void in the present law that doesn’t define any guidelines for adoption. Those proposed guidelines require the owner to pay for the spay/neuter and adoption fees. It would also release animals to official 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations such as animal rescues and other pet adoption groups.
“In the past we have contracted these services; the need for detailed, specific regulations hasn’t been ther,” Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson said. “Now we are working towards a full functioning departmemt.”
In his mid-year report given at a special city council meeting last week, Folsom said that the city is using its prior animal control facility near Old Highway 53 and refurbished it to temporarily to take care of impounded animals.
The city has recently commenced negotiations for a permanent site, Folsom said.
Additionally, the city council also approved an allocation of more than $34,000 in additional funding for Animal Control’s budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, ensuring that cash is provided for the temporary facility’s improvements and its two staff members: a full time office assistant and a temporary kennel tech.
