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REVISED

Fact Checking Public Comments on Item #22 from March 22, 2016

OC Animal Care reviewed the comments and claims promoted by the speakers that have been actively

seeking to change the role of OC Animal Care. These groups have strongly held beliefs contrary to the

current role and scope of responsibility of the County animal shelter and systematically misrepresent of

OCAC data and processes. The following facts bring clarity to the claims that have been often repeated in

media, social media and at protests.

Source Claim Fact Check Miriam Penna-Cathorall

Save More Kill Less protest group Alarmed by October 2015 data provided to Sharon Logan showing 725 animals euthanized

True Report from October 2015 indicates 725 animals were euthanized in October.

35 Birds (majority for suffering)

538 Cat (majority not likely to survive)

102 Dog (majority suffering or aggression)

1 Livestock (reason was suffering)

49 Other (majority for suffering) OCAC documentation on file for each animal euthanized.

Miriam Penna-Cathorall

From Oct 2015- Feb 2016

233 dogs were killed on the day of intake

Average time from intake to euthanasia was 43 minutes

61 dogs euthanized were less than 1 year old

Partially True OCCR Budget analyzed data and reported the following results:

Number of owner requested dogs euthanized by OCAC on day of intake 231. (OCAC excludes 2 euthanasia’s performed by private veterinarians)

Average time from intake to outcome 64.6 minutes for owner requested euthanasia

58 dogs euthanized under the age of 1.

Some animals reported as under the age of 1 were originally impounded as puppies, adopted out and the Chameleon record was not updated to indicate the current age of the animal at the time of euthanasia.

Miriam Penna-Cathorall

OCAC is not adhering to Logan Settlement or the Hayden Law

False Hayden Law refers to 1998 changes to California Food & Agriculture code, Civil Code and Penal Code sections related to handling of stray animals.

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Source Claim Fact Check The data being cited is provided to Ms. Logan and her attorneys by OCAC in accordance with the settlement. Claims that Logan settlement imposed additional retention time or restrictions on euthanasia are inaccurate. OCAC adheres to requirements to hold stray animals, offer animals to rescues to promote adoption and document outcomes.

Miriam Penna-Cathorall

Requests a moratorium on euthanasia and new leadership at OC Animal Care.

Dr. James Gardner Numerous blog posts and comments accuse OC Animal Care of intentionally under reporting euthanasia rates.

False OCAC posts euthanasia rates online to be transparent. There is no intent to manipulate or hide true euthanasia rates.

Dr. James Gardner Dogs dead at intake are included in the 2014 calculations.

True This was a math error not intentional attempt to lower euthanasia rate. OCAC updated the numbers and posted corrections on January 12, 2016. 2014 Previously posted dog euthanasia rate= 9.86% 2014 Corrected dog euthanasia rate= 10.8%

Dr. James Gardner Excluding owner requests for euthanasia from the overall all euthanasia rate is improper

False OCAC uses Shelter Animals Count method to calculate euthanasia rate. This method is used by numerous government and community shelters. Owner requested euthanasia is NOT included when calculating euthanasia rate. Animal Control Services study by the City of Lake Forest in 2006-2007 reported that animals surrendered for the purpose of euthanasia should not be included in euthanasia statistics. Owner requested euthanasia requires the owner to submit proof that the animal is suffering or is documented as dangerous.

Dr. James Gardner OC does not have owner requested euthanasia. The surrender form says owner surrender and the shelter staff decide to kill the animal.

False Pet owners may relinquish or surrender an animal to OCAC for a variety of reasons.

Healthy and adoptable animals may be placed with rescues or offered for adoption.

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Source Claim Fact Check Owner requested euthanasia is a service

offered by OCAC. Owner is required to sign Animal Relinquishment form and specifically check a box to request euthanasia. This services is also available through a private veterinarian. Owner must provide documentation that.

a. Demonstrate animal is untreatable, or suffering or

b. Animal is dangerous (for example, Involved in an attack on a person or another animal)

Owner requested euthanasia is a legally permitted humane service. The law permits immediate euthanasia for animals with a history of vicious or dangerous behavior, suffering or newborn animals impounded without their mothers. (CA Food & Ag Code § 31108.5 and 17006)

Dr. James Gardner County use of census population data over estimates license compliance rates. Claims that County admitted being wrong.

False: OCAC used census population data to report licensing compliance rate as this information is readily available for all contract cities. OCAC does not have any intent to mislead. Based on input from Dr. Gardner requesting that OCAC use California Department of Finance population numbers which are updated annually, OCAC elected to switch to this source of population data for future reporting starting with the 2015 report. OCAC is transparent about source data and open to input. Willingness to change is not an indication of misconduct by OCAC. OCAC flexibility is mischaracterized as admission of wrongdoing.

Dr. James Gardner He received two bills for the same dog, which proves OCAC is incompetent.

Partially True License #256351 was issued for White Maltese named Tizzy. License was valid through 4/4/16 9/6/15 Rabies vaccination for Tizzy expired. Dr. Gardner went to update vaccination for Tizzy. 10/27/15 vaccination provided by Alicia Pet Care Clinic.

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Source Claim Fact Check 11/24/15 Alicia Pet Care Clinic electronically filed rabies vaccine certificate. Alicia Pet Care Clinic recorded certificate for Bichon mix named Tizzie. The change in breed and name triggered the computer system to generate “new” pet letter for Dr. Gardner’s dog. Dr. Gardner received a new pet notice in 2015 and subsequently a renewal notice for the expiring 4/4/16 license. 2/23/16 Call received from a member of Gardner household regarding error. OCAC records updated to correct error and credit renewal for current rabies certification. Second renewal notice was canceled.

Dr. Gardener has consistently advocated for the City of Lake Forest to change service models for animal control services.

Saskia Boisot, MD OCAC euthanized A1441672 a 2 year old female pit bull mix. OCAC will tell you that the dog was aggressive and not suitable for public adoption.

True Intake date on this dog was 2/22/16. She displayed aggression towards people at intake by growling and charging at the kennel and later displayed aggression toward other dogs. A1441672 was promoted to rescues as she was deemed not safe to adopt to the general public. 3/2/16 Adoption partner visited and elected not to adopt this animal. 3/13/16 euthanasia date set but time extended by OCAC 3/18/16 rescue indicated plan to visit. . OCAC provided adoption information. Rescue did not come. 3/20/16 Dog was humanely euthanized. No Kill Shelter Alliance initiated social media rebuke of OCAC.

Saskia Boisot, MD Claims to have supplied countless examples of staff’s incompetence at OCAC in accurately ascertaining animal behavior.

False While the No Kill Shelter Alliance (NKSA) has made numerous statements demanding the removal of Dr. Hawkins and shelter staff, they have not reported any substantiated instances of employee misconduct in determining animal behavior. OCAC secured a behaviorist under contract to assist OCAC staff.

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Source Claim Fact Check Saskia Boisot, MD Claim to have orchestrated

introductions with San Diego and Austin animal shelters.

False OCAC employees are active in professional associations and have well established relationships with many shelter directors throughout the country. At the suggestion of Chairwoman Bartlett’s staff, OCAC contacted San Diego and Austin for additional information on their service models.

Saskia Boisot, MD County declined offers of free evaluations by San Diego Humane Society and Austin Animal Shelter

False San Diego and Austin animal shelter directors stated that shelters did not offer free evaluation services to Orange County. County did not receive any free offers; therefore did not decline any offers.

Saskia Boisot, MD County contracted with a $150,000 contract with JVR Shelter Associates

True OCAC contract complied with Contract Policy Manual and was approved at the 2/23/16 Board meeting. NKSA previously recommended JVR in a presentation submitted to 5th District on 11/30/15.

Saskia Boisot, MD County completely ignored No Kill Shelter Alliance objections to contract

False 3/15/16 Response from County Procurement Officer is posted on the NKSA Facebook page demonstrating that Dr. Boisot received a response from the County.

Saskia Boisot, MD Demands moratorium on euthanasia True NKSA consistently advocates for an animal sanctuary model without euthanasia. OC Animal Care does not hold animals with poor life quality or dangerous behaviors for extended periods. OCAC recognizes that animal welfare and humane euthanasia are not mutually exclusive.

NKSA is very committed and passionate about seeking a ban on euthanasia at OCAC and calls for removal of anyone perceived as an obstacle to the goal of having OCAC operate a no-kill animal sanctuary.

Summer Parker Using data provided to Sharon Logan by OCAC, the Save more kill less group presented alternative analysis of data from October 2015 through February 2016. 233 dogs killed

Partially True OCCR Budget analyzed data and reported the following results:

Number of owner requested dogs euthanized by OCAC on day of intake

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Source Claim Fact Check 61 less than 1 year old 231. (OCAC excludes 2 euthanasia’s

performed by private veterinarians)

58 dogs euthanized under the age of 1. Some animals reported as under the age of 1 were originally impounded as puppies, adopted out and the Chameleon record was not updated to indicate the current age of the animal at the time of euthanasia.

Summer Parker 3 yr old pit bull inappropriately euthanized for head test which is an unrecognized test in shelters. 18 month Lab mix euthanized inappropriately for a head test

False “Head Test” refers to the examination of brain tissue for the rabies virus. This is a recognized method of detecting rabies. Proper procedure requires rabies testing on any dog that is euthanized within 10 days of a documented bite. California Rabies Compendium states, “The biting dog or cat must be either a) Observed daily for signs of rabies for ten

(10) days following the exposure date, regardless of the animal's vaccination status, or

b) Euthanized immediately and tested for rabies in a public health laboratory.”

Head test is consistent with law. A1436424 3 yr old PIT BULL

Owner surrendered for euthanasia for biting.

Owner signed the request for euthanasia slip.

A bite report is on file verifying the attack and skin break.

Additionally, the owner and a witness both completed sworn statements documenting two separate bites/attacks on two different individuals within a 14 day period.

This dog was euthanized and processed for rabies testing “Head Test”

A1435745 18 month LABRADOR RETR

On 1/12/16 call from Anaheim Police referencing a dog vs dog incident and bite.

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Source Claim Fact Check 01/12/16 23:37 Owner Victim bitten by

1yr 6 month old "Mastador" (Bull Mastiff x Labrador) while trying to stop it from attacking his other dog.

Bite Victim received multiple punctures and lacerations on both hands. Biting dog "German," was impounded and transported to Garden Grove E-Clinic for treatment of wounds sustained from dog fight. Other dog needed treatment for wounds sustained in fight.

At time of impound Owner stated desire to owner surrender dog for euthanasia as he does not trust it anymore. Owner went to the hospital to care for bite wounds.

Dog impounded for bite quarantine on 1/12/16 and a bite report was completed. The bite report is on file verifying the skin break and injuries.

On 1/13/16, the dog owner surrendered this dog for euthanasia.

On 1/15/16, dog euthanized and processed for Rabies testing “Head Test”

Records indicate that euthanasia is consistent with law and Logan settlement. Ms. Logan could have requested the record for this animal and received this information.

Summer Parker 18 month old German Shephard owner requested euthanasia was complete within 10 minutes of intake.

Partially True

A0549968 German Shephard mix, owner requested euthanasia with intake on 1/16/16 15:49 and euthanasia time 1/16/16 15:59.

This dog was adopted from OCAC in 2003. The animal ID number was corresponds to the dog’s age in 2003 when record was created.

Dog at time of surrender was aged 14.

OCAC has notified intake staff to update the age of the animal if it is returned to the shelter to improve accuracy of the reports.

Surrendered to OCAC on 1/16/16 for euthanasia

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Source Claim Fact Check Examination confirmed advanced age,

arthritis, tumor and poor quality of life and supported humane euthanasia

The assertion that this was inappropriate or illegal is false. OCAC records indicate euthanasia in this case is consistent with law and Logan settlement. This was a successful adoption where the dog lived 13 years with a family.

Summer Parker Dogs euthanized on day of intake violate the Logan settlement, California law and community expectations

False Settlement agreement with Sharon Logan did NOT establish new euthanasia restrictions or retention periods beyond requirements of California Law. Settlement does not indicate OCAC euthanasia practices failed to adhere to the law. Settlement provided Ms. Logan with OCAC polices and monthly euthanasia data from OCAC and the ability to request additional documentation on up to 5 animals a month. CA Food & Agriculture Code § 17006 Animals that are irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe injury shall not be held for owner redemption or adoption. Newborn animals that need maternal care and have been impounded without their mothers may be euthanized without being held for owner redemption or adoption. CA Food & Agriculture Code § 31108.5 (b) Upon relinquishment, the dog may be made available for immediate euthanasia if it has a history of vicious or dangerous behavior documented by the agency charged with enforcing state and local animal laws

Summer Parker Want housing and care to make them adoptable.

OC Animal Care does not hold animals with poor life quality or dangerous behaviors for extended periods.

Save More Kill Less protest group frequently disputes the observations and decisions by OCAC employees regarding special needs animals and advocates for keeping homeless animals if the facility has empty kennels. Save More Kill Less seeks to compel Orange County to hold animals indefinitely, house them at taxpayer expense, train animals with behavior issues, and keep the kennels full while

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Source Claim Fact Check advocating for cities to leave the County system, lower fees, replace the shelter and replace the County employees.

Danielle Parker Female Pitbull posthumously named Sia was euthanized during March 19-20 weekend adoption event

Partially True

Intake date on this dog was 2/22/16. She displayed aggression towards people at intake by growling and charging at the kennel and later displayed aggression toward other dogs.

A1441672 available to rescues as she was deemed not safe to adopt to the general public.

3/2/16 an adoption partner visited the dog and elected to not adopt.

3/8/16 inter-animal aggression was observed.

3/13/16 dog was set for euthanasia but OCAC extended time.

3/18/16 a non-registered adoption partner planned to visit the dog and was provided detailed information on how to adopt the dog. The rescue never came.

3/20/16 dog was humanely euthanized due to having demonstrated aggression to both humans and animals.

Danielle Parker OCAC lies about promoting life and adoption.

False OCAC works very hard to promote life and adoption via various programs such as:

Diversion program—removes barriers to facilitate keeping animals homed

Hosts low cost spay/neuter services

Holds low cost adoption events at least monthly

Works closely with 501c3 adoption partners which adopt 30% of difficult-to-place animals

Medical Pets Program—works closely with private vets to provide care for special needs animals

Animal Cruelty investigations—98% conviction rate on cases submitted to DA

Danielle Parker Snoopy 2 year old pit mix was mis-identified by OCAC. Rescue ID her as Jack Russell-Corgi mix. She did not observe aggressive behavior.

Partially True A1446465 Listed at Pitbull/Corgi mix. The dog is a mix. Difference of opinion on breed is reasonable.

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Source Claim Fact Check Indicated that animal had swelling behind the eye that was not noted by OCAC.

2/29/16 turned in as stray. Vet staff unable to perform full examination as it was resistant to restraint and growling at staff. Scanned for microchip. Dog held thru retention and monitored for behavior. 3/4/16 reporting party contacted and advised dog would not be available for public adoption due to behavior. 3/5/16 Dog lunged and tried to bite kennel staff during morning cleaning. 3/5/16 Place on euthanasia list. 3/6/16 Removed from euthanasia list and extended to 3/9/16 3/9/16 Rescue took dog.

Save More Kill Less protest group frequently disputes the observations and decisions by OCAC employees regarding special needs animals and advocates for keeping homeless animals if the facility has empty kennels. Save More Kill Less seeks to compel Orange County to hold animals indefinitely, house them at taxpayer expense, train animals with behavior issues, and keep the kennels full while advocating for cities to leave the County system, lower fees, replace the shelter and replace the County employees.

Rose Tingle The 20 year delay in replacing the animal shelter is caused by the Board of Supervisors and Financial Oversight Advisory Board.

False County of Orange has never stopped working on plans to replace the animal shelter. Many of the delays were related to environmental issues with the property and talks the Navy. The Board supported and encouraged efforts of County staff.

Rose Tingle Steve Franks was wrong in stating that the contract cities had not expressed a desire for multiple shelters in the County.

False The contract cities have not approached county asking for multiple shelters. The County is open to having satellite adoption centers. RFI for adoption centers is pending.

Rose Tingle Orange County is the only county that requires contract cities to share the cost of the animal shelter.

OCAC is unable to comment on the funding practices of other Counties.

As Citizens for Animal Shelter, Orange County, Ms. Tingle is a longtime local advocate seeking a replacement for the 1941 OC Animal Shelter. She would like to see the County build multiple shelters at county expense and also encourages cities to withdraw from the County system.

Sharon Logan Claimed the October 2015 report from OC Animal care erroneously reported

False

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Source Claim Fact Check that in October OCAC euthanized 491 animals

OCAC provided Sharon Logan with a list of animal ID numbers for euthanized animals. The settlement allows her to request up to five (5) files a month for detailed review. If a litter is euthanized, the entire litter is assigned one ID number because the records are contained in one file. The records will contain an accurate count of the number on animals in the litter.

Sharon Logan Voice of OC reporter Nick Gerda obtained a different number from Katie Ingram for October 2015 of 725 animals.

True Voice of OC requested the number of animals euthanized not the number of records. The information provided to Voice of OC was responsive to the question and represented each animal euthanized.

Sharon Logan OCAC accused of concealing the real total from Ms. Logan.

False Information provided to Ms. Logan pursuant to settlement agreement is different from the total count. OCAC gave her information with animal ID numbers to help her request details on any 5 cases she wished to see.

A former OC Adoption Partner, Ms. Logan operates the Paw Protectors Rescue. The adoption partner status for the rescue was suspended following an incident where Ms. Logan filmed and challenged a member of the public seeking services at OCAC. Ms. Logan often reports that she is not allowed on shelter property and not allowed to adopt animals. That is not accurate. She has the same access and rights as any member of the public. Her organization no longer receives discounted adoptions but does continue to receive special needs e-mails. She adopted at least one dog from OCAC last summer. Ms. Logan filed suit against OCAC claiming euthanasia and intake procedures violated the law. OCAC practices did not violate any laws. Settlement with OCAC allows her to receive monthly euthanasia data, request 5 detailed records a month and see OCAC euthanasia policies. The information provided to her and her attorney are also available to the public through the Public Records Act. Logan settlement did not create new restrictions on euthanasia or extend holding time for animals beyond requirements in California law.

Brenda Calvillo Wants to know how OC Animal Care staff have time to monitor the circus or rodeo.

OCAC has employees assigned to inspect animal related businesses with in our service area.

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Source Claim Fact Check Brenda Calvillo Submitted a records request on the

circus that showed OCAC saw the show and nothing happened.

False OCAC has responded to three Public Records Requests from the speaker for information related inspections for the circus. Request #14-0122 3/14/14 requestor was provided with approximately 400 pages of documents related to a circus permit. Request# 14-0495 7/31/14 requestor received 16 pages of records related to the circus. Request #14-0609 Requestor received a field inspection record for the circus.

Ms. Calvillo appears to be most concerned with the welfare of animal performers associated with the circus, rodeo and other animal related shows.