CLEARLAKE >> After fielding continual complaints about stray animals roaming the streets of Clearlake, some who reportedly have attacked residents, the Clearlake Council approved the creation of an Animal Control Ad Hoc Committee.
The board will aim to reduce the abandoned animal population and create a new facility to house strays. The board will work closely with city staff, Clearlake Manager Greg Folsom said.
Mayor Bruno Sabatier and other council members said they would like to hear from people with concrete suggestions and varied experiences. Duringlast week’s city county meeting, he read a brief list of the types of people he would like on board.
“I would like to see our police department, since they are in charge of Animal Control, the Animal Coalition, two council members — I offer myself and Phil Harris — and have a nonprofit on there,” he said.
Additionally, Sabatier mentioned he would like one Clearlake resident, who provided an extensive list of recommendations to improve the facility, join the board.
Some residents present at the meeting shared their input on the approval of the ad hoc committee. Among them was Rita Laufer who said, “We have so many animals running around … It’s not going to happen overnight like everybody thinks. It’s going to take time, but I know that we can achieve it.”
Another Clearlake resident said she has witnessed improvement after communication amongst community members on social media has increased, including one incident that led to the awareness of a two-story abandoned Clearlake building that was home to seven dogs and over 30 cats and kittens. The animals, found in poor condition, were rescued by the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit organization Soft Paws Rescue. After posting a video of the devastating scene on Facebook, with over 130 shares, the organization helped match some of the rescued animals with foster homes.
The resident who spoke at the council meeting said although communication on Facebook was helping some dogs and cats find homes, “an official ad hoc committee could allow more transparency and input from the community.”
Before announcing that applications would open up for those interested in joining the committee, the council discussed whether they wanted to have a board solely of Clearlake residents or members from anywhere in the county. Councilmember Harris voiced his opinion, saying he believed Clearlake citizens know about the issue better than anyone outside the city and would be best to provide input. Councilwoman Overton disagreed, however. She said “we would be selling ourselves short,” in that there are people outside the city who could provide vital feedback. The council did not decide on the matter that evening.
Folsom confirmed the City would accept applications until Thursday, Feb. 8.
“Clearlake residents with knowledge, experience, or connections with animal rescue operations are encouraged to apply. Must be able to attend meetings during normal city business hours,” he added in a prepared statement on Saturday.
Applications are now available at City Hall or online at clearlake.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/949.
