Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter



Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Field Services Division

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Policy and Procedure Manual

Effective May 29, 2014

Table of Contents

Section 1: Administration

1. Introduction to the Policy and Procedure Manual

2. Administrative Citation Program

3. Dispatch Absence

4. Duty Requirements

5. Firearms

6. Watsonville Money Transport

7. Officer Safety

1 Use of Force

8. Service Calls

9. Service Call Priorities

10. On Call Procedure

11. Trap Rentals

12. Ride Alongs

13. Activity Logs

14. Release of Records

15. County Memorandum of Understanding

16. Vehicle Accident and Damaged Agency Property

Section 2: Investigations

2.1 Animal Quarantines

2.2 Procedures for Quarantines

2.3 Aggressive Dogs

2.4 Dangerous Wildlife

2.5 How to Complete a Humane Notice

2.6 Veterinary Care for Seized Animals

2.7 Chameleon Notes for Humane Cases

2.8 Chameleon Notes on Nuisance cases

2.9 Requirements for Compliance

2.10 Standards for Proper Animal Care for Enforcement of Antic- Cruelty Laws

Section 3: Field Services

1. Veterinary Care for Sick or Injured Domestics

2. Door to Door Program

3. Handling Aggressive Dogs

4. Using a Control Pole

3.5 Animals at Large

3.6 Animals in Vehicles

3.7 How to Complete a Protective Custody Receipt

3.8 Witness Statements

3.9 Third Party Citations (Citizens Arrest)

3.10 Small Animal Handling

3.11 Use of Radio Communications

3.12 Emergency Operations Procedure

3.13 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements

3.14 Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reports

3.15 Use of Animal Shelter Vehicles

3.16 Return of Animals Impounded in the Field

3.17 Impoundment of Large Animals

3.18 Returning Animals to Owners from SCVH

3.19 Veterinary Care Agreements

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

This Policy and Procedure Manual incorporates the previous Policy and Procedure from the Field Services Division and information from outside of the Department, such as the County of Santa Cruz’s MOU and Intranet website.

The Policy and Procedure Manual is reviewed annually. However, suggested revisions are encouraged at any time and are not restricted to those periods of annual review. Current policies, procedures and rules of conduct in this manual supersede those contained in previous editions. This manual is not intended to be inclusive and will be subject to ongoing changes.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROGRAM

The Field Services Division of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will issue Administrative Citations for infraction violations that occur in our jurisdiction. The fines for these violations will be paid directly to the Animal Shelter.

Officers will carry Administrative Citations in the field and will issue the citations for the following code violations:

1. Failure to License

2. Failure to Provide Rabies Vaccinations

3. Failure to Display License

4. Failure to Spay or Neuter dog or cat over 6 months

5. RAL dog

6. Dog off leash

7. Failure to pickup animal defecation

8. Habitual Noisy Animals

9. RAL Livestock

10. Failure to Microchip

Client Services will continue to issue Notice to Appears as per normal Policy. Client Services can issue the citations for the following code violations:

1. Failure to License

2. Failure to Spay or Neuter a dog or cat over 6 months

3. Failure to Microchip

All citizen arrest citations (3rd party cites) are to be issued on a “Notice to Appear” citation. Citizen arrest citations should not be issued as an administrative citation.

Misdemeanor or felony violations should be issued on a “Notice to Appear” citation. Misdemeanor and felony violations should not be issued as an administrative citation.

City and County code violations that are not mentioned in the list of nine administrative citations above should be issued as a “Notice to Appear.”

Administrative Citations can be corrected or reduced as follows:

1. An owner buys a license or gets a rabies vaccination within 7 days, including day of issuance, the failure to license and/or failure to get a rabies vaccination citation will be dismissed.

2. An owner spays or neuters their dog or cat, or purchases an Unaltered Animal Certificate, within 30 days, including day of issuance, the failure to spay or neuter a dog or cat citation will be dismissed.

3. An owner gets a microchip implanted in their dog or cat within 30 days, including day of issuance, the failure to microchip a dog or cat citation will be dismissed.

4. All other violations will be reduced 50% if they are paid in full by 5:00PM of the first business day following issuance.

When an owner comes into client services to correct a citation or pay a fine, it is the client services staff member’s responsibility to check the date on the citation. The fine will be dismissed within 7 days for a failure to license and within 30 days for a failure to spay/neuter or microchip. Fines for first offense non-correctable cites are cut in half (50%) if paid in full by 5:00PM the first business day following issuance. We can give an extra day to pay the fine if our Live Oak or Watsonville Shelters are closed, and the owner lives closer to the shelter that is closed.

Client Services should make a copy of a ticket that has been “fixed” or paid for and place it in the Field Services Manager’s mailbox. They should also make a note under the persons PIN. Failure to do so may result in the person’s information wrongly being sent to collections.

A person issued an administrative citation has the right to appeal. If a person contests the citation, they should fill out the “Administrative Citation Appeal” paperwork. This paperwork should be forwarded to the Field Services Manager.

All administrative citations should be immediately put in the tickle file for thirty days. Those citations not corrected within 30 days will be sent to a collections agency.

Once the 30 day time period has elapsed, the Field Services Dispatcher will double check the citations to ensure non compliance. If non compliance is confirmed, the Field Services Dispatcher will forward the total fines and fees with animal owner name and address to the Shelter Auditor for collections processing.

If the unpaid fines are for “fixable tickets,” the Field Services Dispatcher will fill out a new Administrative Citation and have an officer sign. The citation will then be mailed proof of service. This process will continue until the “fixable” portions are corrected (ie: license, altering or microchip).

Administrative Citation fees:

Failure to license First offense in one year $100

Second offense in one year $200

Third offense in one year $500

Failure to provide rabies vaccination First offense in one year $100

Second offense in one year $200

Third offense in one year $500

Failure to display license (each dog): $50

Failure to spay or neuter dog or cat over 6 months unless owner has valid unaltered animal certificate

First offense in one year $100

Second offense in one year $200

Third offense in one year $500

Dog running at large

First offense $100

Second offense $200

Third offense $250

Dog off leash

First offense $50

Second offense $150

Third offense $250

Failure of owner to pickup defecation $100

Permitting livestock to trespass $200

3. DISPATCH ABSENCE

Policy

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter employs a full time dispatcher for the Field Services Department. This position works Monday through Friday and covers the emergency and non emergency phone lines, as well as responds to officer radio traffic from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Times outside of these hours on weekdays, as well as all day on weekends and official County holidays, these services are handled by Netcom.

If Netcom is utilized at anytime Monday through Friday during the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, they will charge the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter $460.00.

Procedure

In the event that the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Dispatcher calls out during one of his/her regularly scheduled shifts, the following guidelines should be followed:

1. If there are more than two officers on duty, an officer will cover dispatch.

(a) The Shift 2 (9:00-5:30) or Shift 4 (7:00-5:30) officer will cover dispatch.

(b) The dispatching officer can leave the dispatch desk and respond to a priority level 1 or 2 emergency if the officer in the field has over a one hour ETA. If this happens the officers will “status check” each other in the field for officer safety.

2. If there is only one officer on duty, either the General Manager or Field Services Manager should be contacted to determine if there is another agency employee that can handle dispatch.

At all times, dispatch should attempt to give the Agency as much notice as possible that he/she will be absent so that coverage can be found. The dispatcher should contact his/her immediate supervisor as soon as they know they will be absent from work.

4. DUTY REQUIREMENTS

Policy

All officers are to report for duty in uniform and ready to work at their starting time. Unless officers have previous arrangement and have cleared it with a supervisor, they should arrive at the shelter at or before their starting time.

Procedure

The first 30-45 minutes of shift is considered administration time; officers should do the following during this time:

1. Collect gear and supplies

2. Make agency related phone calls and check e-mails

3. Do vehicle equipment/safety inspections

4. Make supervisor contact

5. Receive daily assignments

If the officer needs to stay at the office to write a report, or for any other reason, they must get approval from the Field Services Manager or General Manager and note those times on their Daily Activity Log.

Officers that have numerous phone details should handle these in the field at one of the assigned County or City Park patrols. The officer’s presence in uniform in their vehicle at the park shall serve as a deterrent to off leash violations.

Prior to leaving the shelter it is the officer’s responsibility to make sure their vehicle is fully equipped per the vehicle checklist. If there is a discrepancy in equipment condition and cleanliness, it is the officer’s responsibility to notify the supervisor. Officers should leave the shelter within 45 minutes of their start of shift by radioing dispatch with their 909 time, vehicle number and mileage.

During their shift officers are responsible for receiving, investigating and the disposition of their assigned calls. Any updated assignments will come via the radio by dispatch or by pager from Netcom.

The condition of all animals on the truck is the officer’s responsibility. If the officer feels the animal(s) need to come into the shelter or go to an emergency vet, they are to convey that to dispatch.

A supervisor can only authorize overtime, unless it is a priority 1 or 2 call. Officers will need to justify overtime unless requested by a supervisor or if they have a late assignment.

5. FIREARMS

California Penal Code 830.9 provides that paid animal control and humane officers are authorized to carry firearms for the purpose of performing animal control duties, if they have met the related training requirements of PC 832.

Officers employed by SCCASA must successfully complete the training requirements of PC 832, and have supervisor approval prior to using agency issued firearms.

SCCASA firearms are only to be used for dispatching critically sick or injured wildlife. Under no circumstances should an officer use a firearm to dispatch a domestic animal or livestock. In addition, only SCCASA approved firearms and ammunition may be used to dispatch animals.

SCCASA firearms are not intended to be used against people or animals for self-defense, nor for the defense of others. This is the jurisdiction of law enforcement and they shall be contacted immediately if a threat exists.

Prior to dispatching an animal, officers must ensure the scene is safe and clear. Officers should dispatch an animal by gunshot only when there is no risk to themselves or bystanders.

Under no circumstances are officers permitted to carry, possess or use personal firearms while on duty or on call.

When carried in a vehicle, firearms must be unloaded, stored in the case, locked with a gun lock and out of plain view. The vehicle must be locked when unattended. Firearms are not to be left in an unattended vehicle overnight.

Officers must sign firearms in and out of the agency gun locker before and after every shift. Upon sign out of the firearms officers must count the bullets, check the chamber for bullets, check for the gun clip and sign the gun out on the Firearm Use Report attached to the gun locker. Upon signing the gun in, officers again must count the bullets, fill out a “firearms report” if any bullets are used, check the chamber for bullets, check for the gun clip and sign the gun back in on the Firearm Use Report attached to the gun locker.

The officer should make an attempt to ensure the “safety” is on when putting the gun back into the locker. Since the gun could be bumped while in the locker, and the safety knocked off, this is recommendation and not a strict requirement. The gun MUST have its child proof lock engaged and the gun locker must be locked.

The gun locker MUST be locked when not in use and firearms must never be left unattended. When a firearm is brought home due to an officer being on call, the gun should be brought inside the house and hidden from view. The gun lock must remain on the gun while it is in the home.

Officers shall complete an agency issued “firearms report” after every use of the firearm. This report includes the officers name, date and time the firearm was used, which firearm was used, number of shots, location the gun was used on the animal, type of animal, animal id (if one is created), the reason for dispatching the animal, location description and actions taken to insure officer and public safety.

Any discrepancies found during bullet counts or damaged firearms must be reported to the Field Services Manager immediately.

Members of the public who see an officer shoot an animal may misunderstand the reasons, or object to the euthanasia. If it is not practical to shoot the animal outside the view of the public it is important to make an effort to explain the reasoning behind the shooting of the animal. When communicated in a professional and compassionate manner most people will agree that dispatch by gunshot is the most humane way to stop the suffering of a sick or injured animal. Because the public can see euthanasia negatively, it is strongly recommended that officers ask the public to leave the area before euthanizing.

Animal suspected of carrying rabies are not to be shot in the head. The brain must be intact to be tested for the virus.

Violations of any of the above policy may result disciplinary action, up to or including termination. Illegal or irresponsible use of the firearm may result in criminal prosecution or civil liability.

6. WATSONVILLE MONEY TRANSPORT

Policy

It is the policy of Santa Cruz County Animal Services (SCCAS) to deposit all revenue in a timely fashion. SCCAS has a satellite shelter in Watsonville that generates revenue for the Agency. Due to the security of transporting money from the Watsonville Shelter to the Live Oak Shelter, a SCCAS Animal Control Officer will be responsible for the transport.

Procedure

1. The money transport will occur every Sunday.

2. The early shift officer will be responsible for the transport.

3. The keys for the money safe will be stored in the Watsonville gun cabinet.

4. The officer will take the keys from the gun cabinet, open the safe and place the money in their clipboard or blue money case.

5. The officer will re-lock the safe and put the keys back in the gun cabinet.

6. The officer will drive the money straight to Live Oak without making any stops.

7. The officer will bring the money to the administrative section of the Live Oak Shelter and deposit the money in the safe.

7. OFFICER SAFETY

In rescue situations the safety of the rescuer is crucial to avoid adding to the number of victims. In law enforcement, officers are trained to be aware of and prepare for potentially dangerous situations. Since animal control officers (ACOs) perform both rescue and law enforcement functions, the SCCAS places top priority on officer safety. The following information is intended to address some of the safety issues that officers are likely to encounter and offer guidelines on how to proceed. Unfortunately, it is not possible to present every kind of officer safety risk in this format, and situations are likely to arise that have not been covered by this material. In those cases, common sense and the help of others may be necessary.

PRIORITIES

1. Your own safety is your first priority. You can’t help anyone if you are hurt or incapacitated, and if you are injured it compounds the original problem.

2. The safety of other people is the next priority. An ACO is expected to protect other people from dangerous animals by using approved skills and equipment (to maintain his/her own safety). Do not ask citizens to help with dangerous situations or aggressive animals unless it is to do something that won’t pose a risk to them (like calling for an ambulance). Assistance should come from other ACOs, or emergency service agencies.

3. The safety of animals is third on this priority list. For example, an aggressive dog may have to be handled in such a way that it may become injured if there is no other way to prevent it from hurting someone. We always try to use the minimum amount of force needed to control a dangerous animal.

SELF-DEFENSE

ACOs have two defense options:

1. Leave the scene (walk, run, crawl, drive, etc.) and call for help.

2. If you cannot leave the scene, such as being cornered or held, you are expected to fight to defend yourself and are able to leave the scene. You may use defensive tactics skills, as well as issued equipment such as pepper spray, if the use of those skills and equipment items is reasonable and not excessive to defend against an attack.

ARRESTS

ACOs are authorized by state law to make arrests with probable cause for animal-related violations (PC 830.9). SCCAS policy is that our officers will not use physical force to detain a person or affect an arrest. If physical force is needed to detain or affect an arrest the officer will call for assistance from the Sheriff’s Office or police agency in that jurisdiction. ACOs should make a note of any information that will help identify or trace a subject that refuses to comply with a lawful order (description, vehicle type & color, license number, etc.). Officers may follow a subject at a safe distance and speed until a police officer or deputy arrives to affect the arrest.

ALERTNESS

A crucial part of officer safety is staying alert and anticipating potential risks. This requires the use of all your senses to observe the surroundings, hear a threat, speak persuasively, or feel that you are about to be attacked. Being alert applies not only in the field, but also at the shelter where security is an issue. People have committed violent acts against animal control personnel and damaged property and vehicles.

• Pay attention to the people who come to the shelter. Making eye contact and greeting them tells them that you have noticed them, so they may think twice before stealing a kitten or reclaiming their dog through the back door.

• Watch for unusual circumstances and check into them. If you find someone in a restricted area ask him or her why s/he is there. If you find a strange package in an unusual place notify a supervisor and don’t touch it until it can be confirmed to be harmless.

• Plan an escape route. Every time you make a contact, consider what your options are if something goes wrong. This is extremely important when dealing with aggressive dogs.

• Know your location. If you need help quick, you won’t have time to look at the map.

• When talking to people try to maintain at least an arm’s-length of distance and a bladed, balanced stance on firm ground to be able to dodge a sudden lunge, punch or kick.

• Avoid standing downhill, facing the sun, or at the edge of something that could trip you.

• Be aware of nearby objects that could be used as weapons against you, such as garden tools, screwdrivers, knives, 2x4s, pipes, etc. Move these kinds of objects out of reach or ask the person you are talking to step to a more neutral area.

ANIMAL RESCUES

• Animals in distress pose a significant risk to people, especially to ACOs who respond to help them. Wild animals are a threat when approached at any time and domestic animals are dangerous when sick, injured, frightened or unsocialized. The most common risks include bites; scratches; being kicked or trampled by livestock, equines and deer; being gored by livestock or deer; and being pecked by bird beaks.

• Special precautions and/or equipment are needed to handle some animals (muzzles, control poles, nets, tongs, gloves, blankets, etc.). A second person may be needed to help deal with animals in certain circumstances, such as a loose aggressive dog or multiple loose livestock.

• Large livestock can kick or run a person down. Avoid the kick zone of equines and cattle. Other animals such as llamas, alpacas, ostrich and emus can kick too. Don’t try to block the path of a large running animal unless you can easily move away before it reaches you.

• When dealing with an injured deer, never stand next to its hooves or antlers. Even a deer with broken legs can leap several feet in a moment of panic, and can gore or kick with deadly results. It is best to keep a distance away whenever possible.

• Don’t take on an adult mountain lion alone. Call the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

• Beware of animals on or near a roadway, where they or you could be hit by a car. When pursuing animals on the roadway, give them space to prevent them from panicking and running into traffic. Follow at a distance to keep them moving toward an exit or area of less traffic. Assistance from another law enforcement agency is often needed to deal with loose livestock on or near a roadway.

• When handling quarantines or nuisance complaints be prepared for the dog to become aggressive and try to bite you (especially when the owner tells you it doesn’t bite). If in doubt, tell the owner to secure the dog.

• Be careful when lifting animals. Keep your back straight and bend your knees. If the animal is too big, ask for help. A stretcher or blanket is often useful. Another option is to encourage an animal with treats to walk up a ramp (provided in each vehicle) and into or out of the vehicle.

ENFORCEMENT/HOSTILE PEOPLE

• Wearing a uniform and enforcing the law can lead to confrontations with members of the public that present serious officer safety risks. One big risk is that a person who is on the run from the law may take desperate, violent action if he thinks he is about to be apprehended. When approaching people it is important to clearly identify yourself as an ACO and to avoid making them feel cornered. Be aware of the person’s hands and watch for signs of a weapon. Be conscious of your escape routes and/or objects for cover.

• Some people have a strong resentment for authority and will do what they can to interrupt, intimidate or threaten you. They may try to assault you or liberate a dog you just impounded. Often, you can persuade an obnoxious person to comply with your instructions if you articulate them clearly and respectfully. Failing that, when faced with a person who is posing a risk to your safety, call for another officer to assist. If the risk is great or if no one is available to assist, you should withdraw or leave the scene until you have the support you need to safely re-contact the subject.

• Many other people are just plain difficult to deal with and will yell, jump up and down, walk away, deny, or argue with you. The important thing to remember is to prevent the situation from escalating to the point of violence. It takes skill and concentration to treat an angry person calmly and with respect, and to side step their verbal jabs.

• Crowds of people can pose significant officer safety risks. Especially when something has happened to stir up emotions. A neighborhood can become violently polarized after an incident such as a dog biting a child, and an ACO may get caught in the middle, unable to please either side. The officer should call for back up and/or leave the scene, if possible, at the first sign of mob behavior.

• If you know you have to deal with a hostile person or patrol a crowded area ask another ACO to assist or call police/sheriff dispatch in advance and arrange for another officer to assist. After-hours you can also let the dispatcher know what you are doing so they will hear you if you ask for help.

• If you have to call for emergency assistance and someone else is on the radio you can interrupt with “BREAK...EMERGENCY TRAFFIC...” and then call the dispatcher.

VEHICLES

The most common risk of injury to an officer is from vehicle accidents. Officers spend a lot of time driving and their exposure to traffic accidents is increased. It is crucial to remain alert at all times when driving or when working near moving traffic.

• Obey all traffic laws and drive defensively. Be extra courteous to promote good public relations and to avoid traffic confrontations. Be aware that some people may act aggressively toward a marked SCCAS vehicle. Don’t let their behavior affect your professional demeanor.

• SCCAS vehicles are not authorized to exceed the speed limit at any time.

• ACOs are not permitted to initiate traffic stops.

• If you have to stop along the roadway, park so that you are not obstructing traffic. If that is not possible, use the emergency lights, flares, and/or call for traffic control.

• When working near traffic at times of darkness or low light, use flares or other lighting device.

RENDERING ASSISTANCE

While on duty there may be a time that officers come upon a bad car accident where you will need to pull over and assist. These are guidelines on what assistance may be rendered.

• Get off to the side of the road as far as you can, make sure you are safe and will not cause more problems. Face towards oncoming traffic at all times while talking to people to ensure there are no cars coming towards you.

• Check to see if anyone is hurt, because when the police are called they will ask.

• Either have dispatch call police or you can call using your cell phone.

• Get out 3 flares and set out a pattern to ensure the traffic is routed around the accident. Start the first flare at least 25 feet away from the accident making sure there is no fuel spillage around.

• Once police arrive you may depart and continue your work

ENVIRONMENT

• The weather can affect officer safety by causing overheating when it is hot and hypothermia when it is cold or wet. Pay attention to your body and make adjustments as needed. Use cold water to cool down and protective clothing or a heat source to warm up. If these do not work, ask for help.

• Calm or moving water can be deceptively dangerous. Many people drown each year because they did not anticipate what could go wrong or because they underestimated the power of moving water. Many people who die in the water do so because hypothermia drains their energy and they cannot help themselves. Often, a would-be rescuer jumps in and becomes another victim. Officers should not go into the water unless there is no question that it is safe to do so. If there are elements of danger the officer should request the assistance of qualified water rescue trained people, such as lifeguards.

• There is a risk of falling when walking over slippery surfaces and on steep terrain. There have been times when climbing equipment is needed to gain access to an animal. This equipment must be used correctly to work effectively. It should not be used unless a qualified person is supervising. Remember that it is much easier to lower a person down a steep cliff than to pull one back up, so do not go down until you are sure you can get back up. Again, rescue experts should be called before committing to a serious rope rescue.

8. USE OF FORCE

POLICY

It is the policy of this Department that the use of force shall be restricted to circumstances requiring self-defense or defense of others and only to the degree minimally necessary to avoid bodily harm.

Department personnel should not become involved in an argument, or engage in physical conflict with any person, including an arrestee. If circumstances justify physical arrest, police or sheriff personnel should accomplish any restraint required.

BATON TRAINING

In accordance with Penal Code Section 12002 (g), prior to receiving authorization to carry a baton, officers must successfully complete a course of instruction relating to the use of batons as protection. Such instruction shall be in the format prescribed by the Department of Consumer Affairs as delineated in the bureau’s “Baton Training Manual” (Business and Professions Code Section 7585). Successful completion of the course of study required by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training as outlined in Section 832 of the California Penal Code shall also be required.

CARRYING AND STORAGE OF LIQUID CHEMICAL AGENTS AND BATONS

Every patrol officer shall be equipped with a Department approved liquid chemical agent (over-the-counter type) for protection from animals.

Officers shall carry Department issued or approved batons only, which shall not be altered in any way. The baton must be carried properly in the officer's baton ring or clip. The baton and liquid chemical agent shall be carried at all times when the officer is outside the vehicle on a patrol action.

Batons shall be stored securely while in a Department vehicle. Whenever officers leave a baton within a Department vehicle, the vehicle shall be kept locked. Batons shall not be carried in private vehicles.

USE OF BATON OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT

When practical to do so, patrol officers should use a catchpole or liquid chemical agent rather than a baton. Officers shall not, however, use a liquid chemical agent on a confined animal.

The baton may be used as protection from an animal which presents an unreasonable risk of immediate bodily harm and when the use of a catch pole, liquid chemical agent, or other safety measures have failed or have been determined by the officer to be inadequate

When confronted with a situation that may necessitate the use of a baton, consideration should be given to calling additional cover officers for assistance.

Officers are permitted to use only that force which is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from bodily harm.

1.9 SERVICE CALLS

The following are ONLY GUIDELINES and not set in stone. Additionally, the following is not entirely comprehensive as there are an unlimited amount of possible requests for service. As always, staff must contact a supervisor if they are ever unsure of whether or not to accept or respond to a call for service

Calls We Will Respond To:

• Pick up confined stray dogs, cats and other small animals, including but not limited to: rabbits, chickens, turkey, geese and ducks. We also pick up livestock with the use of the livestock trailer.

• Pick up injured or sick stray dogs, cats and other small animals. Injured livestock should remain on scene and a large animal vet should be called to the scene.

• Pick up injured or sick wildlife for transport to NAR and/or for euthanasia. We do not pick up confined healthy wildlife. Baby wild animals can be taken to NAR by reporting parties.

• Pick up dead domestics and dead wilds from public streets and private property. Caltrans or County Roads picks up dead deer on public roads. San Jose Tallow can pick up dead deer on private property at cost to the RP.

• Animal bites to humans and domestic animal contact with high-risk wildlife.

• Assisting law enforcement officers that request our response.

• Nuisance complaints (running at large, defecation, etc).

• Animal abuse or neglect

• Animals in hot cars

• Dangerous or viscous animals

• Citizen arrest tickets

• Facility checks of chronic loose dogs

• Rescue of animals down cliffs, in the ocean, etc (have the Fire Department assist)

Calls Done as Extra Service:

• Pick up owned animals (dead, alive or euthanasia request) with an additional pick up charge (in addition to disposal and/or euthansia fees).

• Bring cat or dog traps to those without cars.

• Patrols of parks or other areas with dogs off leash problems

Calls We Do Not Respond To:

• Barking dogs

• Nuisance wild animals

• Injured owned animals. Owners are responsible for taking their own animals to the veterinarian

1.10 SERVICE CALL PRIORITIES

Priority 1: Person in danger or at risk – We should respond as soon as possible (striving for a 30 minute response time).

• Bite or attack against human in progress (law enforcement should also respond)

• Bite or attack against human is over, but bite animal UNCONFINED in the area

• Animals threatening human safety

• Assist law enforcement, fire department or paramedics

Priority 2: Animal in danger or at risk- We should respond as soon as possible (striving for a 30 minute response time).

• Animal attacking another animal in progress

• Animal attacking another animal is over, but the attacking animal is UNCONFINED in the area

• Animal in immediate distress, i.e. hit by car, tangled in tie out, in hot car, etc

• Bite animals not checked into quarantine within five days of bite

Priority 3: Non-emergency next available officer – Should respond as soon as possible, but ok to have an approximately 2 hour response time

• Pick up aggressive animal that is CONFINED

• Pick up bite or attack dog where the animal is CONFINED and the victim is safe

• Bite follow-ups

• Take animals to County Health for Testing

• Pick up animals from SCVH

Priority 4: To be completed today

• Stray confined animals

• Animal neglect calls

• Owned aggressive where the animal is not currently RAL, but habitually RAL

Priority 5: Normal Response

• Dead animal pickups

• Patrol problem areas

• Municipal or County Code enforcement

• Nuisance complaints

Priority 6: Extra Service

• Take traps to those who need assistance

• Take citations to courthouse

• Any other extra service

11. ON CALL PROCEDURES

The following are guidelines regarding emergency conditions for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter on call system.

We have a limited number of officers in our agency that handle on-call. This means that the officers on call during the night are the same people who are working the following day. Our goal is to keep the call outs to a minimum so that our staff will be as rested as possible and be able to work safely during their daily routine. Additionally, we want to ensure that we are only being paged for legitimate emergency calls, as officers receive overtime for these services. When we are paged for non-emergencies, our agency is forced to pay unnecessary overtime.

At 5:30 PM our dispatcher will turn the phones over to Netcom with the officer line-up for the evening. Our dispatcher will let Netcom know the time our officer will be off duty, and when they will go on call. During the hours that our officers are on duty, we will be paged with any calls that come into Netcom. When our officers go on call, we will be paged ONLY with emergencies.

When you get paged from Netcom, you should call Netcom at 471-1182 to check in that you received the page and to get the RP’s name and number. You should ALWAYS call the RP first to confirm that the story Netcom tells you is the true story. REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE PAGED DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED TO RESPOND! Follow the guidelines below and use your best judgment as to whether a call is truly an emergency.

The following represent calls we respond to after hours.

• Aggressive dogs attacking people or other animals - If the dog is potentially injuring a human, local law enforcement will also be dispatched.

• Injured domestic animal- Before paging the on call officer Netcom will ask the RP to transport the animal to Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital at 2585 Soquel in Santa Cruz, 475-5400. If the RP cannot transport, Netcom will ask the RP to place a box or hamper over the animal to ensure it does not wander away.

• Injured wild animal – Before paging us, Netcom will ask the RP to place a box or hamper over the animal to ensure it does not wander away. In the case of a large or aggressive wild injured animal (deer or coyote) Netcom will ask the RP to standby on scene with the injured animal and place a blanket over the animal if possible. If the RP is unwilling to standby or place a box, hamper or blanket over the animal, we should not be paged.

• Protective Custody – We can be paged for any request of Police, Sheriff, Fire or Medical

• Loose Livestock – We will respond to livestock at large calls on any roadway in Santa Cruz County.

The following represents calls we do not respond to after hours and should not be paged for.

• Stray loose dogs - We will not respond to the report of stray loose dogs, unless the dogs are on Highway 1 or Highway 17. CHP should do an area check for the animal prior to paging us.

• Stray dog confined by citizen – The dispatcher should tell the RP to take the animal to SCVH or hold the animal overnight.

• Dead animals

• Dog living in a vehicle – A dog is only in distress in a vehicle if the vehicle is in direct sunlight and the animal has no water. A dog is fine sleeping in a vehicle overnight.

• Barking dogs

• Animals crying or whining in pain when the RP has no idea where the animal is

• Dog bite where the owner of the dog has contained the animal – We only respond to dog bites if no known owner is in the area and the dog is loose and vicious

• Wildlife in someone’s house – The dispatcher should tell the RP to turn on all the lights in the house and open all the doors and windows. The animal will leave on its’ own. If it does not, the RP can call pest control in the morning.

• Any nuisance animal complaint

Remember if the RP is unwilling to place a box or hamper over an animal, and unwilling to standby for our officer, Netcom should not page us. If we get paged, call the RP and confirm they will standby or confine the animal. If not, go back to bed.

1.12 TRAP RENTALS

Policy

• Traps will be rented out for the purpose of trapping cats and dogs only. SCCAS does not rent out traps for the purpose of trapping wildlife.

• Clients are only permitted to rent one trap at a time.

• We take a $70 deposit for the use of the cat trap and a $250 deposit for the use of the dog trap.

• If a trap has not been returned by the end of the ten-day rental period, SCCAS has the right to process the deposit.

• The client must agree to only trap during the day so that we will be open to accept the animal. Also, trapping during the day only decreases the likelihood that the client will accidentally trap a wild animal. The client must also agree to leave the animal in the trap for no longer than a few hours.

• The client must be given the handout on trapping guidelines.

• The client must be made aware that it is her responsibility to notify neighbors of her intention to trap cats. If a client traps a cat and knows who the owner is, she must either return the cat to the owner or give SCCA the owner’s information upon impound of the animal.

Procedure

• When a client asks for a trap, first ask her what they are planning to trap. If the client plans to trap anything besides a cat or dog, kindly inform them that we do not rent out traps for wildlife. This should be followed up with recommendations on how to deter the type of wildlife that is causing a nuisance for the client. You may also recommend that the client call a pest removal service if they are unwilling to try the deterrents. We recommend that people contact a pest removal service that will use live traps to relocate the animals.

• If the client plans to trap only cats or dogs, proceed with the rental.

• Give the client the trap rental guidelines and have them complete and sign the trap rental agreement. Make sure they are given a copy as this is their receipt.

• Bring out the trap and show the client how to use it. If you are renting out a trap that has an opening back slat, make sure you show the client how to put it in the locked position as many trappers lose cats out of that back slat.

• Make the client aware of specific guidelines: do not trap at night and do not leave the cat in the trap for more than a few hours. Also give the client some trapping tips: cover the trap with a sheet, towel, or blanket; cover the lever with newspaper or something similar to make it less obvious to the cat; use strong smelling food.

1.13 RIDE-ALONGS

The Ride-Along Program enables citizens who live, work or go to school within our service area to get a first-hand look at the Department and gain a better understanding of the role of the Animal Control Officer. It is also an opportunity to exchange ideas, enhance cooperation, and promote improved community relations.

A ride-along is any third party who is not an Animal Control Officer employed by the County of Santa Cruz.

No one shall be permitted to participate in this program if he/she arrives with the odor of alcohol on his/her breath or has taken a drug or medication, which might adversely affect his/her conduct or impair his/her judgment during the ride-along period.

Citizens who participate in the Ride-Along Program should be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

As a general rule, ride-along participants will be expected to ride for a full shift.

Officers must have all participants, including visiting Animal Control employees or other officials, read and sign the “Ride Along Form.

Before going into the field, ride along participants should be instructed in basic safety precautions including the use of the seat belt and radio, the officer’s radio identification (“king”) number, and how to determine locations.

In the event of injury or any other emergency involving a ride along, existing Departmental procedures should be followed.

The ride-along shall not be permitted to:

1. Be present during interviews with criminal suspects or informants.

2. Be immediately present at the scene of any situation that may cause embarrassment for either the victim or the ride along.

3. Ride in an Animal Control vehicle without wearing the seat belt.

4. Have access to confidential material such as criminal records.

5. Drive any Animal Control vehicle.

6. Enter any residence that an officer enters under exigent circumstances. (Officers should exercise discretion and allow a third party to enter a residence only after obtaining permission from the owner.)

7. Enter a home during the execution of a search warrant. This policy protects the homeowner’s Fourth Amendment rights. Any violation of the policy may result in an officer losing his/her “qualified immunity” and subject that officer to personal civil damages.

8. Civilian ride along participants should not be permitted to accompany the officer to a disaster scene or any situation that foreseeably presents an unreasonable risk of harm.

1.14 ACTIVITY LOGS

The Officer’s daily activity log shall accurately reflect the actions and responses taken by the officer while on duty.

Officers shall ensure that their log entries are accurate and reflect all relevant information, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Time of arriving and departing from the activity;

2. The location that they responded to;

3. Who the officer spoke with, including names if available;

4. Any and all actions taken by the officer.

5. Times of short codes and lunch break

If an officer is on call after their normal shift, they should use the same acivity log to document after hours calls.

1.15 RELEASE OF COPIES OF RECORDS

It is the Department’s policy that all requests for records that are received by the Department shall be processed in accordance with the California Public Records Act guidelines established by County Counsel.

Any questions as to whether a record can or cannot be released should be referred to the employee’s supervisor. The supervisor may contact County Counsel for further assistance or guidance.

Citizens that are requesting records shall fill out a “Records Request Form” and pay the applicable fee. The form shall be put in the Animal Shelter Dispatchers inbox.

16. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter employees are unionized employees who operate under a MOU. Rules regarding sick time, vacation time, holiday pay, overtime, shift differentials, discipline issues, employee performance appraisals, computer usage, reimbursement policies and other employee related matters can be found on Santa Cruz County’s Intranet.

17. VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND DAMAGED AGENCY PROPERTY

All personnel will report, investigate, and process accidents involving County-owned vehicles according to the following procedures.

Driver of the Involved Vehicle

A. Immediately notify the Dispatch Communications Center regarding any injuries, the location and extent of vehicle/property damage, and request a traffic investigation by the responsible agency. Photographs are to be taken of the scene and the vehicles involved, even if no damage is noted.

B. Complete the Vehicle Accident Report, explaining the circumstances of the accident. The driver of the vehicle will submit this report to his/her supervisor before going off duty. .

C. When damage to a County vehicle is discovered, the assigned driver will notify his/her supervisor. If the damage appears to be the result of a hit-and-run accident, the appropriate agency having traffic enforcement jurisdiction shall be notified and a report requested

Dispatcher

A. Notify the law enforcement agency having responsibility for traffic accident investigation in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.

B. Notify the supervisor of the driver of the vehicle.

C. Make any other necessary calls (tow truck, ambulance, etc.).

D. Arrange for the vehicle to be sent to Fleet Management for an inspection and/or repairs.

Damaged Agency Property

Any agency property that is found damaged or missing shall be immediately reported to the employee’s supervisor.

2.1 ANIMAL QUARANTINES

General Provisions

The Field Services Department will investigate complaints of animal bites or attacks on humans including the completion of a bite report, interviewing the parties involved, quarantining animals which have bitten humans, preparing and transporting biting animals for rabies testing and investigating alleged violations of quarantine.

Purpose

The purpose of bite investigations is to determine if the person or animal bitten has been exposed to rabies. If the bite was of significant nature to warrant an investigation into the viciousness of the biting animal, that aspect will also be investigated.

Type Of Bite Investigated

Bite investigations will be conducted whenever a mammal has bitten a human, except when the biting animal is a member of the order Rodentia (rats, mice, squirrels, etc) and Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares and opossum). Bites from rodents or lagomorphs will only be investigated if unusual circumstances, such as abnormal behavior, indicate the animal was possibly rabid at the time of exposure. Animal to animal bites will only be investigated if the biting animal is wild, or is a domestic pet that has been exposed to wild animals.

Enforcement Policy

Bite investigations are a public health necessity. Cooperation from the public is imperative to most effectively complete this task and protect public safety. The investigating officer’s demeanor will often determine the willingness of victims and owners to cooperate. The officer shall treat all contacts with professionalism and respect. A friendly, helpful attitude can help diffuse a potentially difficult situation, and instead create a positive experience for all involved.

Response To Report Of Bite

Time is the most critical factor in the investigation of rabies exposure. The officer will begin enforcement action within 24 hours of the initial report of the animal bite. This enforcement action shall include interviews with both the victim and the owner of the animal (if known). Of utmost importance is the rapid quarantine of the biting animal.

During the investigation, the officer will document the following information:

Victim:

• Name; home address and zip code (P.O. boxes are not acceptable); cross street; home and work telephone numbers; age; date of birth and gender

• Date and time bitten; address where victim was bitten; location and extent of bite wound(s); identification of who verified the skin was broken

• Description of the biting animal; where the animal, if stray, was last seen; victim’s statements regarding the circumstances of the bite; witness statements, if relevant; others known or suspected of being bitten. Include facts pertinent to evaluate provoked/unprovoked behavior of the animal.

• Bite reported by – name, address and telephone number

• Treated by – name of treating hospital. If treated by a private physician, that doctor’s name, address and telephone number.

Owner:

• Name; home address and zip code (P.O. boxes are not acceptable for identifying the location of quarantine, but should be taken for future correspondence); cross street; home and work telephone numbers

• Description of the biting animal; whether the animal has bitten before; license number and citation number (if applicable)

• Rabies vaccination history of the animal (date of the last two, if given, rabies vaccination and name of the vaccinating veterinarian(s)); written proof (rabies certificate) that the animal was vaccinated against rabies (rabies tags alone will not suffice as proof of vaccination, as they do not prove that the animal wearing them is the animal to who the tags was issued). If the owner is unable to immediately provide this proof, the officer will interview the veterinary hospital to corroborate the owner’s claim. If rabies vaccination cannot be proven, the animal is considered unvaccinated.

• Owner’s statement regarding the circumstances of the bite, witness statements, if relevant.

• Health status of the biting animal, based on the officer’s personal observation of the animal and statements of the owner regarding the animal’s behavior and health, and whether this health and behavior is normal for that animal. The officer will document any unusual health conditions of the animal, such as cancer, seizures, injuries, illnesses, etc.

Issuance Of Quarantine Order

Any domestic animal that bites shall be isolated in strict confinement in a place and manner approved by the officer, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, section 2606. The animal will be observed for signs of rabies infection during the quarantine period. The office will instruct the owner or caretaker of the animal regarding the conditions of quarantine and that person’s responsibility to comply, the symptoms of rabies infection, and consequences for violations of the quarantine order.

Once an animal is quarantined, the quarantine paperwork should be immediately faxed to the Health Department at 454-5049.

Multiple Animal in Household: When there are multiple animals susceptible to rabies in a household that have routine contact with one another; all will be quarantined.

Domestic Animal to human Bites: Any domestic animal other than a dog or cat which bites a human shall be isolated in strict confinement and observed for at least 14 days, from the date of the bite. Dogs and cats that have bitten a human will be quarantined for 10 days, from the date of the bite. The domestic animal may be quarantined at a Veterinary Clinic or at the shelter.

Guide dogs serving blind owners shall not be quarantined unless it exhibits abnormal behavior consistent with rabies. The dog’s owner shall keep the dog available for examination at all reasonable times and notify animal control if the dog exhibits any abnormal behavior.

A dog used by any federal, state, county or city law enforcement agency shall not be quarantined after biting any person if the bite occurred while the dog was being used for any law enforcement purpose. The law enforcement agency shall make the dog available for examination at any reasonable time. The law enforcement agency shall notify animal control if the dog exhibits any abnormal behavior.

Ferret to Human Bites: Since ferrets are currently illegal in California, biting ferrets must be confiscated and the quarantine conducted in the shelter. Any ferret quarantined for a human bite must be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Biting ferrets are quarantined for 10 days. Stray domestic ferrets that have bitten may be euthanized after the hold period for the purpose of laboratory examination for rabies.

Wild/Exotic Animals to Human Bites (includes wolf hybrids): Wild or exotic animals will not be quarantined. These animals will be euthanized and tested for rabies immediately. A legally permitted captive wild or exotic animal that bites or otherwise potentially exposes a person to rabies shall be euthanized and the brain tested for rabies.

Wild Animal to Domestic Animal Bites: Dogs and cats that are bitten by a high risk animal and are currently vaccinated must be immediately (within 48 hours) revaccinated against rabies and quarantined for a period of 30 days. Animals that are not current on vaccination will not be vaccinated and must be quarantined for six months. If the biting animal is located and tests negative for rabies, the victim animal will be released earlier from quarantine.

Domestic Animal to Domestic Animal Bites: Dogs, cats and ferrets that are bitten by other dogs, cats or ferrets will not be quarantined unless the biting animal is ill with symptoms consistent with rabies or is euthanized and found positive for rabies.

Exceptions to The Above

Animals who are current on their rabies vaccinations who bite a human can be quarantined via phone. For purposes of rabies exposure assessment, a dog or cat (or other domestic animal for which a rabies vaccine is licensed and labeled) would be considered “currently vaccinated” if it meets either of the following criteria:

 

1) Received one dose of rabies vaccine no less than 30 days and no more than 365 days prior to the bite incident

2) Received one initial dose and at least one booster dose, the most recent no more than the 1, 2, or 3 years for which the vaccine is labeled prior to the bite incident.

If an animal’s vaccination status can be verified as per the above, an officer should contact the owner via phone and explain the rules regarding the quarantine. The quarantine fee shall not apply. The officer will write “via telephone” and the date where the owner is supposed to sign. The animal must still be quarantined as per California Law, and failure to quarantine is still a misdemeanor. .

Location Of Quarantine

Animals may be quarantined at the owner’s home, animal shelter or a veterinary hospital. It is the officer’s discretion where to quarantine the biting animal. If there is a known owner, the animal may be quarantined at its home only if the owner or caretaker is able to demonstrate his/her ability and willingness to comply with the quarantine order. If the owner is unable to satisfy the officer of his/her ability and willingness to comply with the quarantine order, the officer will seize the animal for quarantine at the animal shelter. The owner will not be allowed to reclaim the animal until the quarantine period has ended and the animal is released from quarantine.

In special circumstances, the owner may be allowed to quarantine the animal at the owner’s expense at a veterinary hospital. In these cases, it is the owner’s responsibility to immediately transport the animal to that location. The officer will then verify the quarantine of that animal by independent contact with that hospital or facility, and inform the responsible party (manager, veterinarian, etc) of that person’s responsibility for quarantining an animal pursuant to state law. Quarantines at a veterinarians officer shall be for five days.

When documenting the location of the quarantine on the bite report, the proper address must be given. Locations given as “Owners home” or “ABC Vet Hospital” are not acceptable.

Release From Quarantine

At the end of the quarantine period, the owner will be contacted via phone. The animal will not be considered released from quarantine until the owner can verify to an officer that the animal is behaving normally.

If the animal is quarantined at a private home, animal shelter or non-medical facility, an animal control officer will perform the release. If the animal is quarantined at a private veterinary hospital, that veterinarian will release the animal.

Home quarantine cases in which animals become ill or dies will be referred to the local health department immediately by calling 454-4114.

Fees

The fee for quarantines performed at the biting animal’s home or at the shelter are based on the current fee schedule. There is no fee to quarantine an animal at a private veterinarian. The fee is due and payable at the time of quarantine unless other arrangements are made with the animal owner.

The fees for testing a domestic animal at the Health Services Agency are $119 and checks shall be made to HSA. We also need to collect euthanasia fees and disposal fees if applicable, and those checks made payable to SCCAS.

Issuance Of Citations

The investigating officer will issue the applicable citations when the offending person refuses to cooperate with the bite investigation, has failed to properly immunize or license their animal, or fails to comply with any other state law or municipal code applicable to the investigation.

Notification Of Victim

Bite victims will be notified of positive or negative rabies tests results by the dispatcher. If the rabies test is positive, the dispatcher will coordinate the notification with Public Health (the Communicable Disease Unit during work hours, the Health Officer through the Emergency Call Center after hours.) If victims contact the department regarding the vaccination status and ownership of the biting animal, they may be given that information.

Locating Stray Animals That Have Bitten

Whenever a person is bitten by a stray domestic animal, the Field Services Department will attempt to locate and capture that animal. The officer will patrol the general location in an attempt to locate the animal. Every effort will be made to conduct the patrol at approximately the same time of day that the bite occurred. If the animal is not located within 10 days, the case will be closed as “animal not located” and the victim will be notified.

Refusal To identify Animal

Any person who willfully refuses to divulge the identity and/or location of the biting animal can be charged with the applicable municipal codes or state laws. The investigating officer will not desist from issuing applicable citations when the offending person refuses to cooperate with the bite investigation.

Refusal To Quarantine Or Produce Animal

Any person who violates any order concerning he quarantine of an animal, or fails to produce the animal upon the demand of the bite officer, can be charged with the applicable municipal codes or state laws. The investigating officer will not desist from issuing applicable citations when the offending person refuses to cooperate with the bite investigation.

Quarantine Breaks

When this department receives a report that an animal under quarantine is not properly confined pursuant to the quarantine order, the report will be treated as a Priority 1 call. An officer will be immediately dispatched to capture and impound the animal. The animal will be held at the animal shelter for the duration of the quarantine. The animal will not be returned to the owner or person who had responsibility for the quarantine of the animal until the quarantine period has ended and the animal is released from quarantine.

The owner/keeper of the animal can be charged with H&S 121710 (misdemeanor) and any applicable municipal codes. The investigating officer will not desist from issuing applicable citations when the offending person willfully or negligently failed to obey the order of quarantine.

Quarantine Of Animal At The Animal Shelter

All animals quarantined at the animal shelter will remain under strict isolation for the duration of their quarantine period. Only one quarantined animal will be allowed in each cage, unless they came from the same home. If at any time a quarantined animal exhibits abnormal behavior or signs of illness, staff will alert the Field Department immediately.

Owner Release Of Biting Animals

When an owner surrenders ownership of an animal that has bitten a person within the previous ten days, they animal may be euthanized and sent to rabies testing. If, in the opinion of the Animal Care Supervisor, the bite circumstances do not indicate malicious or deliberate aggressive behavior on the part of the animal, the animal may be quarantined and evaluated by staff after the quarantine period.

Identification Of Quarantined Animal In The Shelter

Animals quarantined at the shelter shall be identified with a red quarantine sign.

Transportation of Animals to County Health for Testing

Animal Control Dispatch shall contact County Health prior to 9:00 AM on the day the animal is to be tested to confirm that it can be transported. The assigned officer shall transport the animal to testing prior to 12:00 PM and pick the animal up before 5:00 PM. County Health should contact dispatch when the animal’s body is ready for pickup.

Home Quarantined Animals Brought to Shelter For Remainder of Quarantine

Whenever an animal, which has been quarantined at a location other than the animal shelter, is brought to the animal shelter during its quarantine period for the purpose of completing the quarantine at the shelter, client services shall notify dispatch immediately. The animal will then be placed on quarantine for the remained of the quarantine period.

Animals that MUST be tested:

(a) Any wild mammal (except rabbits and rodents) that has bitten or otherwise exposed a human or domestic animal. *

(b)Any bat that has bitten or otherwise exposed a human or domestic animal. * *

(c) Any bat found in a room with a sleeping/unconscious/unaware person or in a room with a young child (i.e. unable/unreliable to accurately describe a potential exposure).

(d) Any bat that is found down or freshly dead in a busy place frequented by the public (e.g. school, parking lot, Boardwalk, etc).

(e)Any animal ill with signs of rabies.

An Animal Control Officer can make a judgement call on wild animals, but this must be approved by the local health officer. The Animal Shelter Veterinarian will make decisions on domesticated animals by documenting that the animal is ill with signs compatible with rabies for which a veterinarian had determined that rabies is a likely diagnosis or for which other more common diagnoses have been ruled out.

* Examples of non-bite exposures to rabies include direct mucous membrane or broken skin (e.g. scratch) contact with infectious material such as saliva or brain tissue.

* * Examples of non-exposure to bats: seeing a bat flying overhead, being near bats in an attic roost, touching the fur of a live bat.

Don’t test:

Don’t test currently vaccinated dogs or cats. Currently vaccinated means written documentation, i.e. vaccination certificates or veterinary medical records of having:

(a) Received one dose of rabies vaccine no less than 30 days and no more than 365 days prior to the bite incident.

(b)Received one initial dose and at least one booster dose, the most recent no more than the 1, 2, or 3 years for which the vaccine is labeled prior to the bite incident.

Don’t test caged animals that are raised indoors (e.g. gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.)

Don’t test rabbits or rodents unless extraordinary circumstances exist which indicate rabies infection is likely.

When an animal susceptible to rabies exposes a person or domestic animal in circumstances that are NOT described above the Communicable Disease Unit or the Health Officer should be contacted to determine if testing will be conducted by the Public Health Lab.

Animals for which testing is not recommended by the Health Officer may be tested at the expense of the person/agency wanting to the animal tested.

When an animal is sent to the County Laboratory for Testing, the section “Circumstances of Animal Bite” MUST be filled out and include information that indicates bite exposure, non-bite exposure, or no exposure involved.

2.2 PROCEDURES FOR QUARANTINES

For Animal Control Dispatch:

When a complaint is received a hardcopy bite report will be completed. The dispatcher will then log onto Chameleon and create a bite number from the Bite Screen and an activity number from the Activity Screen. These numbers will be written on the top of the hardcopy bite report. The dispatcher should immediately contact the animal owner via phone (if known) and attempt to set an appointment for quarantine. The dispatcher will attempt to make contact via phone with the animal owner for three days (officers if on a weekend). After the third day, an officer should knock on the door.

If a person reports a bite directly to our Agency, they are required to submit a photo of the bite and fill out a witness statement in order to affect a quarantine.

The dispatcher will place the bite report forms in the officer box located on the dispatch desk. When the complaint is from a medical report from a physician or hospital, the forms must be kept with the bite report form.

When the officer makes contact with the owner and quarantines the animal, the dispatcher will clear the call as COMP (completed). Dispatch should also use other result codes pertinent to the call (i.e.: license sold, reporting party contact, etc). The call should then be re-sequenced for bite release.

If there is no contact with an owner, dispatch will put the call into pending as UTMC (unable to make contact) and NOTIC (notice). When the call is put into pending it will automatically make a sequence two for the next day.

After the owner is contacted and the animal is quarantined, the officer shall place the bite report in the “Bite Start” box on the dispatch desk. The officer will update the computer records with any new information obtained on the bite report.

Once the date of release arrives, an officer will release the animal from quarantine via phone.

The dispatcher is responsible for all information entered in the Bite Screen in Chameleon.

For Officers:

When officers receive calls for the day and they have an INV BITE in their dispatch box, they must pick up the bite report from the officer box located on the dispatch desk. Officers should look over the bite report to ensure that it is completely filled out and has a bite number and an activity number. It is the officer’s responsibility to complete any information that dispatch was unable to obtain, and to quarantine the animal. Owners should be contacted by phone on the first three days after receiving the bite in an attempt to schedule an appointment to quarantine. After the third day, an officer should knock on the door.

If a person reports a bite directly to our Agency, they are required to submit a photo of the bite and fill out a witness statement in order to affect a quarantine.

The officer will attempt to make contact with the owner in order to quarantine the animal. If the officer is unable to make contact with the owner, a notice shall be left at the residence, and dispatch shall be alerted and told to re-sequence the call. The bite report form shall be returned to the officer inbox on the dispatch desk.

After the owner is contacted and the animal is quarantined, the officer shall place the bite report in the “Bite Start” box on the dispatch desk. The officer will update the computer records with any new information obtained on the bite report. Officers should enter all notes into the computer regarding how the bite occurred, the animal involved and other information pertinent to the case. Officers should also attach a photo of the animal to its Animal ID in Chameleon.

Once an animal is quarantined, the quarantine paperwork should be immediately faxed to the Health Department at 454-5049. Provide adequate information on bite/exposure circumstances to evaluate provoked/unprovoked circumstances and the rabies vaccine history. Include dates on the last two rabies vaccines, if received, and the expiration date of the most recent vaccination.

Quarantine and licensing fees collected in the field shall be treated the same as any money collected in the field.

Once the date of release arrives, the owner should be contacted via phone to release the animal.

Once the animal has been released from quarantine, the officer is to sign the bite report and place the white copy, the canary copy and the medical report in the bite file next to the dispatch desk marked “Bite End.”

Animals may be quarantined at the owner’s home, animal shelter or a veterinary hospital. Home quarantines are ten days for dogs and cats and 14 days for horses. Quarantines at the shelter or a veterinarians office are five days for dogs and cats.

In person Quarantine Exceptions

Animals who are current on their rabies vaccinations who bite a human can be quarantined via phone. For purposes of rabies exposure assessment, a dog or cat (or other domestic animal for which a rabies vaccine is licensed and labeled) would be considered “currently vaccinated” if it meets either of the following criteria:

 

3) Received one dose of rabies vaccine no less than 30 days and no more than 365 days prior to the bite incident

4) Received one initial dose and at least one booster dose, the most recent no more than the 1, 2, or 3 years for which the vaccine is labeled prior to the bite incident.

If an animal’s vaccination status can be verified as per the above, an officer should contact the owner via phone and explain the rules regarding the quarantine. The quarantine fee shall not apply. The officer will write “via telephone” and the date where the owner is supposed to sign. The animal must still be quarantined as per California Law, and failure to quarantine is still a misdemeanor.

2.3 AGGRESSIVE DOGS

The following will serve as guidance for staff when handling and investigating aggressive dog cases.

1. If a dog attacks and/or severely bites a person

• Aside from quarantine for a biting dog, we must be sure to investigate the circumstances of the bite. If a biting dog causes a severe injury or has bitten people on two or more occasions, we may elect to impound the dog and begin a dangerous dog investigation. Additionally, if the owner is not known or not available, the animal should be impounded.

• There are many factors to consider such as was the dog provoked, was the animal at large, is this the first/second/third attack, etc.

• Dangerous dog cases can be confusing and time consuming. To play it safe, review cases of a dog with multiple bites or severe injury with the Field Services Manager or General Manager before contacting the owner or custodian if at all possible. This way we can review the dogs history prior to contact and an informed decision can be made.

2. If a dog attacks, bites or kills another animal

• Follow the above (but no quarantine)

3. Impounded dogs

• If a decisions is made to impound a biting/attacking dog, be sure to put a hold on the animal and memo in the Animal ID that the animal cannot be released without the owner speaking to an officer. The Field Serviced Manager or General Manager should be notified as soon as possible if such a hold is placed on an animal. Also be sure to lave an Impound Notice or Notice of Seizure at the site of the impound.

4. Cases Where The Dog Is Not Impounded

• If an officer decides to not impound a potentially dangerous dog, the Field Services Manager and General Manager shall be notified by phone ASAP.

• The officer should be sure to tell the owner or custodian that the case is under investigation and it will be discussed further with a supervisor. NEVER tell the owner or custodian that the case is closed.

Investigating the Case

This is to serve as a very remedial guide on the major points of conducting a dangerous dog investigation:

1. Secure the dog if loose. Impound if necessary. Leave a notice with the owner or post the property if you believe you know where the animal lives and no one is home. Leave a Notice of Impound or Notice of Seizure.

2. Secure the Scene

3. Attend to any victims

• Have an ambulance and police dispatched

• Collect and transport an injured stray animal to a veterinarian

• An owner animal should be transported by the owner

• If an owner cannot afford treatment, the animal can be surrendered for euthanasia

4. Document, Document, Document

• Photograph the attacking dog. Look for blood, scratches, injuries, cat fur, etc (cat’s will often lash out and cause minor injuries on dogs). Be sure to document what you find on your report.

• Photograph the injured or dead animal

• If the animal is stray and dead, impound the animal as a stray and place a hold on the animal as evidence. Place the body in the hold freezer.

• If the animal is owned and dead, obtain surrender from the owner and impound the animal as evidence. If the owner wants the animal back for disposal, we can hold as evidence and return when the case is closed.

• Photograph the victim’s injuries if possible. We may need to go to the hospital in order to photograph.

• Photograph the scene. Is there blood? Fur? Document it!!!

• Obtain witness statements. Have them complete them on the scene. If they are unwilling to complete the statement, record their name, address and phone number for follow up.

• Obtain veterinarian reports of the injured animal, as well as the attacking animal if it is transported for treatment.

5. A bite report may also need to be taken. See Bite Procedures

6. Write a thorough report documenting all of the above in the Activity Memo. A written report may also need to be written.

2.4 DANGEROUS WILDLIFE

Dangerous animals can pose a significant risk to public safety. Dangerous animals may be mountain lions, bears, coyotes, etc.

Dispatch:

• When a call comes in for just a sighting of a dangerous animal, dispatch should contact Fish and Wildlife.

• When a call comes in for a dangerous animal posing a threat to public safety, or is present at the time, dispatch will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and Fish and wildlife. An animal control officer should also be dispatched immediately.

Officers

• If an officer responds to a dangerous animal attack in progress and sees the animal, they should alert dispatch to notify Fish and Wildlife immediately.

• Additionally, the local law enforcement agency should be told to respond Code 3.

• The animal control officer WILL NOT determine what action should be taken. This is to be determined by Fish and Wildlife.

2.5 HOW TO COMPLETE A HUMANE NOTICE

The following will explain how to thoroughly and accurately complete a Humane Notice, which is intended to make an officer’s job easier while simultaneously clarifying information for the responsible party. A clear and concise notice can make all the difference in a criminal case. More importantly, since most cases are resolved through education, clear written communication given to the owner or custodian can help to significantly improve an animal’s quality of life.

Listed below are case scenarios and the action taken followed by what should be documented on the notice in the Complaint/Conditions Found and Requirements for Compliance sections. Not all situations can be covered so the following will serve only as a guide. Staff should regularly refer to the Standards for Proper Animal Care for Enforcement of Anti-Cruelty Laws. Remember, the key to a strong case is strong documentation – photograph, photograph, photograph.

1. Scenario: Dog in distress. No one is home and no one can remedy the situation.

Action: Impoundment and leave notice

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed a brown/black, male, Shepard mix, adult panting heavily on a five-foot cable. Dog is entangled in the cable so that the dog has only about one foot of movement. No water, food or shade available. Temperature 92 degrees. Dog drank ravenously when offered water.

Requirements for Compliance: Your animal has been impounded to protect his health and safety. Contact our office immediately to discuss this matter.

In this scenario, a Notice of Seizure should also be posted.

2. Scenario: Dog without shelter and water. No one is home and the weather is mild.

Action: Provide the dog water and leave a notice. Schedule for follow-up.

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed a black Labrador mix, female, adult, unremarkable condition loose in secured rear yard. No water or shelter available. I provided the animal with water. Approximately 20 piles of feces in the yard.

Requirements for Compliance:

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

1. Provide water at all times

2. If your animal is to be maintained outside when no one is home, overnight and/or for extended periods during inclement weather you must provide proper shelter – see attached shelter sheet.

3. Provide proper space. Clean the yard of all feces immediately and maintain in a clean and healthful manner

4. Contact our office immediately to discuss this matter.

3. Scenario: Owner is home. Dog is on chain but not entangled or in immediate jeopardy.

Action: Leave a notice further advising the owner. Schedule for follow-up.

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed “fluffy” a black Labrador mix, male, adult unremarkable condition on an approximately seven-foot chain wearing a harness. Shelter and water available.

Requirements for Compliance: Provide proper space. Chaining/Tethering is illegal under California Codes. Please build a pen or runner for the animal within 30 days.

4. Scenario: Contact owner regarding underweight dog. The owner tells you that he feeds one cup of food a day. The bag of food states to feed more.

Action: Leave a notice further advising the owner. Schedule for follow-up.

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed “Spike” a yellow Labrador mix, female, four months, underweight – ribs, backbone, spine are visible – missing hair on rear end. Dog is loose in rear secured yard. No food available. Clean water in a spill proof container is available.

Requirements for Compliance:

1. Effective immediately – Increase the amount of food to three cups two times per day per food packaging as to provide proper food.

2. Take Spike to a veterinarian within 48 hours to be examined for internal parasites and to have her skin examined. Follow the veterinarian’s recommendations as to provide proper care.

5.Scenario: Dog in warm car, but not in distress. Owner not present.

Action: Leave a notice on the windshield advising the owner to problems with keeping a dog in a warm/hot car.

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed a yellow Labrador mix, male, adult, in a red Isuzu Trooper California license plate #DUM E. Temperature 85 degrees and sunny at 3:00 PM. Vehicle is parked in the shade and windows are open about an inch. Temperature in the vehicle is 80 degrees.

Requirements for Compliance: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter strongly recommends that animals not be left unattended in vehicles for extended periods as to not allow them to suffer unnecessarily. Please contact 454-7303 ext 1 to further discuss this matter.

6. Scenario: Dog continuously kept in a pen. Owner is contacted and states that the dog only comes out when they clean the pen three times per week.

Action: Leave a notice and educate owner. Schedule for follow-up.

Complaint/Conditions Found: Observed “Larry” black/tan, Rottweiler, spayed adult in unremarkable condition in an approximately 10-foot by 10-foot pen. The dog is extremely hyper and begging for attention – jumping up and down, yelping, urinating, and spinning in circles. Proper water and shelter available.

Requirements for Compliance:

1. Dogs maintained in pens should be exercised outside of the pen at least two times a day as to provide proper space. Walk the dog on a leash or allow her to exercise at a dog park (give address of nearest dog park).

2. SCCAS recommends that you spend more time with your dog. Dogs are highly social animals with strong instincts to be close to their owners. Your dog will be happier and better behaved if given the exercise and attention he needs. Please contact our office at 454-7303 for more information on how you can better socialize your dog.

2.6 VETERINARY CARE FOR SEIZED ANIMALS

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) will follow all written procedures and follow State Law regarding the seizure of animal(s) for humane cases. Once the animal has been seized it may need to be evaluated by a veterinarian. The following procedure is to be followed in cases where an animal requires veterinary care.

1. Types of Cases:

• If the animal needs immediate attention as it was removed from a life threatening situation the animal must be evaluated, monitored and receive treatment so that the animal is no longer suffering and to build a case for possible prosecution.

• There will also be cases when the animal(s) is already dead and a veterinarian performing a necropsy must determine a cause of death.

• Other animals that have been removed from a non-life threatening condition may still need to be evaluated, monitored and receive treatment so that the animal is no longer suffering and to build a case for possible prosecution.

2. Determine which veterinarian will be used:

• In all cases, unless off duty, the shelter veterinarian should be utilized.

• If the shelter veterinarian is off duty, animals should be brought to Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital.

3. Veterinarian’s exam:

Initial exam

• The officer must be present while the exam is taking place

• Obtain weight of the animal in front of the veterinarian. The veterinarian should record what the animal should weigh when healthy.

• Starvation case animals should be examined as soon as possible and the animal offered food in front of the veterinarian.

• Regardless of whether the animal is alive or dead, the veterinarian must record all information and write a report of their findings.

• At the time of exam, photos should be taken in order to show the veterinarian’s findings.

Treatment Recommendations

• Feeding recommendations are very important and must be very clear, as the veterinary staff members are not involved with feeding. Instructions as to type of food, numbers of feedings and amount of feedings need to be clearly written to insure that the kennel staff members are feeding properly. It is important to also monitor food intake as the animal’s condition changes.

4. Kenneling the animal in the computer:

• Enter all information into the kennel screen

• Be sure to check the hold box

• Include a memo instructing the staff veterinarian to examine and evaluate (in Caduceus and Animal ID Memo).

• Memo on the Animal ID that it is a FIELD RELEASE ONLY and send an e-mail to the Field Services Manager with the Animal ID number

2.7 CHAMELEON NOTES FOR HUMANE CASES

POLICY

Written reports are often required to document activities due to the nature of Humane Law Enforcement work performed by SCCASA employees. Case reports and files are permanent records of SCCAS and provide historical information that is helpful should a case reopen, to maintain a record of activities for departmental management purposes and to support SCCAS actions should a case become the subject of a civil or criminal court action. For consistency purposes, all reports will follow the department-approved report writing format.

PROCEDURE

It is the officer’s responsibility to document her/his findings and actions in a concise, professional manner. Whenever possible, s/he should write the report as soon as s/he leaves the scene, while s/he has a clear recollection of the events.

Case reports should document:

1. date and time of visit and weather conditions, if relevant to the complaint

2. findings

3. identity of owner/custodian and level of care provided

4. requirements for compliance

5. follow-up activities such as telephone calls, veterinary visits and re-inspections.

The case report and any other information relating to the case such as photographs, compliance notices and veterinary reports, should be kept in a file identified by the responsible persons address. Keeping the case file in a neat, orderly manner, easily accessible to other SCCAS staff members is an important officer responsibility.

SCCAS officers will do the following when writing and submitting their reports.

1) Reports are required for all cruelty investigations or humane cases.

2) Reports should be entered in the activity screen memo unless the case will be prosecuted or requested by a supervisor in which a more extensive report will be generated.

3) Reports must be completed before the officer goes off-duty, unless the supervisor has given special permission to delay the report.

SOME DO’S and DONT’S for report writing:

DON’T record what the responsible says as a statement of fact, i.e. “Dog is fed twice daily but is thin because of worms.”

DO attribute all information to its source, i.e. “Mr. Jones said he feeds the dog twice daily and thinks the dog is thin because of worms.”

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DON’T include extraneous information, i.e. “Discovered I had no food in the van so radioed Dave and he brought me some. Went back to rear and fed dog. Dog was ravenous.”

DO be as brief as possible and include only information relevant to the case, i.e. “Fed dog handful of dry dog food. Dog was ravenous – attacked food and then licked and ate dirt where food was thrown.”

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DON’T fail to adequately describe violations, i.e. “Snowing, temp 29 degrees, found shelter improper. Impounded dog to protect his health and safety.”

DO fully describe violations, particularly those prompting impoundment or other legal action, i.e. “Temp 29 degrees, 18 degrees with wind chill, snowing with 1 inch accumulation. No response to knocking at front or rear doors. Found short haired, male mixed breed dog on approximately six foot chain, barely long enough to allow him to get inside totally inadequate open faced box. Dog was curled tightly in an attempt to keep warm but was shaking from the cold and had snow accumulating on him. No bedding, side and roof boards missing, dog not protected from weather. Could not feel body warmth, possibly hypothermic. Impounded dog to protect health and safety and left a notice.”

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DON’T make description of findings so brief the reader cannot picture an animal’s environment, i.e. “Dogs ok, had water. Dog houses need bedding and flap. Advised owner.”

DO make sure initial findings always include a brief description of the animal(s), where and how confined, shelter provisions, and water supply, regardless of any violations, i.e. “Adult, male, black, mixed shepherd and adult, female, tan and white mixed beagle, both in unremarkable condition, loose in fenced rear yard. Elevated, weatherproof shelter lacking flap and bedding under rear porch. Water in bucket at bottom of stairs. See notice left regarding flap and bedding.”

NOTE: There is no need to fully describe requirements for compliance since a copy of the compliance notice will be attached to the case report.

A SAMPLE CASE REPORT FOLLOWS. Please note that the following is to only serve as a guide. Greater detail will be needed at times, i.e. added details as to the specific local ordinance or State law that the responsible may be violating. A properly detailed report will help us determine the appropriate plan of action.

Complaint: Dog chained in yard. Barks a lot seems neglected. Shelter looks bad.

1/12/06, 13:30, temp. 47 degrees, clear. Found in rear yard adult, female, rottie, thin, on approx. ten foot chain with choke chain collar. Neck hair worn down to stubble from the choke chain. Chain attached to fence – 4 ft. chain link on three sides of yard. Dog house too large, flimsy construction (plywood pieces nailed together), no weatherproofing, flap or bedding. Water available in clean bucket. Spoke to Jim James who said he’s owner and cares for dog daily. He gave following info: Dog’s name is Ebony. She’s 18 months old, never vetted since puppy shots, unspayed and he wants to breed her with neighbor’s dog. Knew shelter wasn't right, planned to build new one. Dog is off chain every evening when he walks her. Feeds three cans food one time a day.

Dog was frantic for attention, barking and jumping at the end of the chain. Dog house corner chewed and numerous holes in dirt in chain perimeter. Spoke to James at length about benefits of training, socialization and spaying. Advised 1) provide proper confinement – says he can complete fence within two weeks, 2) provide proper shelter (existing shelter completely improper) and shelter dog inside until provided, 3) increase food – recommend feeding 2x daily, dry food with canned mixed in, 4) have stool checked when dog taken for vaccinations 5) provide proper collar – explained hazards of chaining and choke collars, and 6) obtain dog license. I cited James for mandatory spay and licensing. James said dog let in sometimes but was never housebroken. Gave tips for housebreaking and advised of benefits of dog being sheltered inside. Left humane notice re: proper shelter, food and collar effective immediately, and proper confinement, stool check and licensing by 1/26/06. TSG25

1/13/06 9:30 James phoned, wanted to know if he has to put up fence if he keeps dog inside. Said he plans on moving in one year and doesn’t want to put up a fence. Said he’ll try to housebreak the dog, keep her inside and walk her regularly. Wanted to know about chaining her for short periods. Advised James of new law coming into effect in January regarding tethering. He said he kept her in the kitchen last night and there were no problems. TSG25

1/28/06 10:30 Re-inspected and spoke with James. He said she has been doing fine inside. Dog was confined in the kitchen. She seemed comfortable, weight now ok. James said dog was vaccinated at Kindly Animal Hospital and treated for hookworms. He said the vet also recommended feeding a kibbled food. Dog wearing a nylon collar, current rabies tag and dog license. Dog was spayed and I verified vet care. TSG25

1/29/06 17:15 phoned reporting party and advised of above. She said she hasn’t seen any problem since she called and that James walks the dog regularly. Thanked her for calling SCCASA and advised her to call if she sees problems in the future. TSG25

Case closed.

2.8 CHAMELEON NOTES ON NUISANCE CALLS

POLICY

Written reports are often required to document activities due to the nature of work performed by SCCAS employees. Case reports and files are permanent records of SCCAS and provide historical information that is helpful should a case reopen, to maintain a record of activities for departmental management purposes and to support SCCASA actions should a case become the subject of a civil or criminal court action. For consistency purposes, all reports will follow the department approved writing format.

PROCEDURE

SCCAS officers will follow this procedure when writing and submitting their reports.

1. Reports are required for any activity that may result in a follow up investigation. Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to, vicious dog cases, animal nuisance complaints, animal neglect or cruelty or other topics assigned by a supervisor.

2. Reports should be entered in the activity screen memo and attached to owner PIN ID’s.

3. Reports will follow the following example. Please note that the following is to only serve as a guide. Greater detail will be needed at times, i.e. added details as to how the responsible should contain the animal or describe the specific local ordinance or State law that the responsible may be violating. A properly detailed report will help us determine the appropriate plan of action.

a. The report will begin with the date, time and the name of the person contacted. The report will reflect that the officer discussed the nature of the complaint detail, i.e. “1/12/02- At approximately 17:30hrs I arrived on scene at 1500 Loose Dog Lane for a report of a white Shepard running at large and chasing children on bikes. I contacted James Jones who stated the he owned a white Shepard. I told Jones that we’d received a call about his dog chasing and snapping at children on bicycles before and after school.”

b. Note the owner’s response to the complaints, i.e. “Jones stated that his dog has never bitten anyone but did admit that his dog has run at large a few times in the past as his children forgot to close the gate behind them.”

c. Ask to see the animal and the containment, i.e. “I asked if I could see the dog and the containment. He showed me a white, 10 year old, male Shepard mixed breed named Fido. He told me that the dog is normally kept indoors and only out to use the bathroom and exercise. We went to the yard and looked at the gate.”

d. Describe what recommendations you made to the solve the problem, i.e. “I recommended that he put self-latching and closing devices on the gate so that it would close quickly.”

e. Show that you explained the legal obligations to the owner, i.e. “I told Jones that it was required by local ordinance that his dog be properly confined to his property. I also told him that it was against the law for his dog to threaten people while off the property.”

f. Show that you explained the consequences of the violation, i.e. “I told Jones that if an animal control officer finds his dog loose he could be cited and/or the dog could be impounded. I also explained the 3rd party citation process to him, and that if his dog bit someone it could be deemed vicious or dangerous and restrictions would be imposed. I explained that restrictions could include confinement to a pen and that the dog be muzzled and leashed at all times when off property. I also explained that the dog could be ordered destroyed if it caused a serious injury.”

g. Note license and spay/neuter status, i.e. “Jones admitted that his dog was not licensed or neutered and declared he would not license his dog. I cited him for Failure to License and Mandatory Neuter. I also educated him about the benefits of neutering his dog.”

h. Document the owner’s response to your suggestions and legal requirements, i.e. “Jones stated that he would do his best to keep the dog contained and that he would fix his gate tomorrow.”

i. Initial and enter your G number, i.e. TSG25

4. Reports must be completed before the officer goes off-duty, unless the supervisor has given special permission to delay the report.

A sample report follows:

1/12/02- At approximately 17:30hrs I arrived on scene at 1500 Loose Dog Lane for a report of a white Shepard running at large and chasing children on bikes. I contacted James Jones who stated the he owned a white Shepard. I told Jones that we’d received a call about his dog chasing and snapping at children on bicycles before and after school. Jones stated that his dog has never bitten anyone but did admit that his dog has run at large a few times in the past as his children forgot to close the gate behind them. I asked if I could see the dog and the containment. He showed me a white, 10 year old, male Shepard mixed breed named Fido. He told me that the dog is normally kept indoors and only out to use the bathroom and exercise. We went to the yard and looked at the gate. I recommended that he put self-latching and closing devices on the gate so that it would close quickly. I told Jones that it was required by local ordinance that his dog be properly confined to his property. I also told him that it was against the law for his dog to threaten people while off the property. I told Jones that if an animal control officer finds his dog loose he could be cited and/or the dog could be impounded. I also explained the 3rd party citation process to him, and that if his dog bit someone it could be deemed vicious or dangerous and restrictions would be imposed. I explained that restrictions could include confinement to a pen and that the dog be muzzled and leashed at all times when off property. I also explained that the dog could be ordered destroyed if it caused a serious injury. Jones admitted that his dog was not licensed or neutered and declared he would not license his dog. I cited him for Failure to License and Mandatory Neuter. I also educated him about the benefits of neutering his dog. Jones stated that he would do his best to keep the dog contained and that he would fix his gate tomorrow. TSG25

2.9 REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE

NEGLECT VIOLATIONS

Failure to provide proper food (PC 597 (b))

An underweight animal is the best indicator of this violation. If an animal has no obvious disease and is underweight, he is probably not being fed properly. Internal parasites are rarely the cause of an adult animal being noticeably underweight. Negligent owners often say their dogs are underweight because of worms or having puppies. In fact, wormy dogs and nursing females who are underweight are virtually always ravenous and show dramatic weight gains when provided with proper food.

Food does not have to be available at all times as many owners will have feeding times for their animals and therefore do not free feed. Water, on the other hand, must be available at all times. As discussed in Standards for Proper Animal Care, the best indicator as to whether or not the animal is receiving proper food is the animal itself. If the animal is of good weight, the animal is most likely being properly fed.

Animals who are noticeably or severely underweight should be impounded unless there is a medical reason for the condition of the animal and the animal is under current veterinary care. Failure to provide proper food is inexcusable, and the owner has already had ample opportunity to take remedial action and has failed to do so. The animal control officer (ACO) must be concerned for the immediate health and safety of an animal who is this much underweight.

Well cared for elderly animals may receive proper food and still be underweight. The ACO therefore should be careful to evaluate the animal’s environment, response to food and care provisions before making a determination about food deprivation in geriatric animals.

The ACO frequently sees animals who are probably fed daily but are not receiving proper food; either the quantity or quality is insufficient. These animals are thin/underweight and readily eat whatever is presented. The ACO should discuss the animal’s diet with the owner and advise him to provide proper food. While some dogs and cats do better on one food or another, all of the commercial brands, including generic pet foods, contain the animal’s minimum daily requirements if fed in sufficient quantity.

An owner should comply immediately with requirements to provide proper food.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Increase amount fed and feed two times daily as to provide proper food.

2. Feed two times daily, a proper amount of nutritious food, such as a commercial pet food as to provide proper food.

3. Provide proper food. Provide free access to food until dog reaches normal weight for its size and type.

4. Provide proper food in a clean, adequately sized container.

5. Provide proper food to each animal. Separate or monitor animals at feeding time to ensure that each animal receives his share.

Failure to provide proper water (PC 597 (b))

Failure to provide proper water often goes hand-in-hand with failure to provide proper food. The best indicators of this violation are the animal’s condition and his response to water. An animal deprived of proper water will eagerly drink a lot of water when it is presented. When deprived of proper water over a period of time, an animal will show clinical signs of dehydration. For example, his skin will lose elasticity. There is an easy test for this level of dehydration: Simply pinch and pull up the animal’s skin and then release it. The skin should pop back to its normal position, faster than the eye can see. If the animal is dehydrated, the skin can be observed returning to its normal position. In severe cases of dehydration the skin will actually stay up in the pinched position. A blood test will accurately define the level of dehydration.

The standard for proper water is simple. With exceptions for animals in transport, working animals, and veterinary advice to the contrary, all animals should have free access to clean water. Common violations include: failure to make provisions for unfrozen water in cold weather, providing water in a container too small for the animal’s water needs, leaving the water container where it can easily be tipped over, and providing water infrequently in a container so large the water becomes contaminated and undrinkable before it is consumed. An owner can readily correct all of these violations.

An owner should comply immediately with requirements to provide proper water.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Provide free access to water.

2. Provide proper water. Provide water in a large container and change frequently to ensure water doesn’t freeze.

3. Provide larger, sturdy water container to ensure dog has access to water at all times.

4. Provide access to water at all times. Affix the water bucket to the fence to prevent it from being tipped over.

5. Provide clean water at all times. Clean the container and change the water as often as necessary to ensure water is clean.

Failure to provide proper air (PC 597 (b): inflict needless suffering or unnecessary cruelty by failing to provide proper air)

This violation is often found when animals are maintained inside a building in a filthy environment. When an animal is confined in an area where there is a pervasive stench of urine, feces, rotting garbage, and/or old, accumulated filth, it is safe to assume the animal is suffering unnecessarily from being deprived of proper air. Animals forced to breathe contaminated air are susceptible to upper respiratory diseases. In addition, animals kept in filthy environments often suffer unnecessarily from parasitism and skin diseases.

When the air is contaminated as described above, the ACO should take immediate steps to get the animal out of the environment, seeking a search warrant if necessary to effect removal, and not return the animal until the problem has been corrected. A serious violation of failure to provide proper air usually goes along with numerous other violations, making it relatively easy to develop probable cause for a warrant.

In less serious cases where the air is contaminated by unsanitary conditions, the ACO should advise of the health problems associated with maintaining animals in unsanitary conditions and direct the owner to correct the problem.

An owner should comply immediately with requirements to provide proper air. The purpose of the requirements must be to alleviate or prevent unnecessary suffering.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Provide proper air. Remove all waste matter causing odor. Clean the area thoroughly and maintain in a clean and healthful manner.

2. Provide proper air to prevent unnecessary suffering. Remove animal waste and clean thoroughly to remove odor and accumulated filth. Maintain the area in a clean and healthful manner.

Failure to provide proper space (PC 597 (b): inflict needless suffering or unnecessary cruelty by failing to provide proper space)

This is a common violation that takes many forms and results in a great deal of unnecessary animal suffering. Dogs kept continually in small areas on chains, or in sheds, closets, pens, cages, etc., are being deprived of proper space needed for their physical and psychological well being. These confinement areas are typically away from the owner’s living space, compounding the problem.The dog is deprived of socialization as well as a normal activity level, a particularly stressful and depressing situation for dogs.

It is the ACO’s responsibility to evaluate the size of available space, and the animal’s response to the confinement. Indicators of improper space and confinement include:

• Poor physical condition

• Hair coat is dirty and smelling of urine and feces

• Neck hair worn away or abraded skin from chain confinement

• Abnormal behavior patterns such as pacing or circling within the area of confinement, depression, hyperactivity, fear biting, excessive aggression and timidity.

Space must be useable in order to be considered available to the animal. For example, if the confinement area is a sea of mud, the space is not available for the animal’s use. Another example is a beagle kept in an elevated pen with wire mesh flooring. The space should be considered unusable if the wire mesh gauge and/or construction is such that the dog cannot walk or move about in a normal manner. (These elevated pens typically do not provide proper space for continual confinement even if the owner provides flooring on which a dog can walk comfortably.)

There are several “rules of thumb” for wire mesh flooring. The gauge for mesh flooring should not be larger than a toe pad of the animal to be kept on the mesh. Wire mesh gauge large enough to allow a dog’s feces to drop through (the reason often given for keeping a dog on wire) is too large.

The method of confinement is an essential consideration of space provisions and, when improper, is likely to create another violation: inflicting unnecessary suffering by failing to provide proper confinement. Continual confinement to an area by chaining or tethering is unacceptable.

Confining a dog by a chain is known to cause physical and psychological problems, and is now illegal for more than 3 hours in the State of California. Common physical problems include:

• Chronic parasitism (the ground becomes infested with worm larvae and the dog is continually reinfected, even if wormed)

• Fly bites or strikes (chained dogs cannot get away from their own waste or the files that are drawn to it)

• Neck wounds

• Death by strangulation.

Psychological problems associated with chaining are very common, the likely result of instinctual responses that are continually thwarted.

• A chained dog understands his vulnerability – he knows he cannot flee, hide from danger or seek protection from his pack. He responds by showing excessive aggression to hide his fear or by being abnormally timid.

• A chained dog’s movements are significantly restricted. He is not able to run about and get the exercise he needs to maintain good health. Thus, the high level of hyperactivity seen in young, chained dogs, evolving to lackluster health and/or depression in mature dogs.

• A chained dog is isolated from his human family and thereby deprived of the socialization he craves by instinct and needs in order to know how to respond appropriately to various people and situations. It is not surprising that most of the fatal dog attacks in the U.S. have involved dogs who were chained or kept in pens and deprived of socialization.

As always, the ACO’s first consideration should be the animal’s health and safety. If an animal cannot make all normal postural adjustments, has no usable space, or is confined in a potentially hazardous manner, i.e., chained where hanging or entanglement threatens, he should be immediately removed.

California Penal Code 597t. Confined Animals states that animals restricted by leashes and the like shall be affixed in a manner that will prevent the animal from becoming entangled or injured and permit the animal to access shelter, food and water.

California Health and Safety Code 122335 makes it illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.

Correcting space problems usually involves effort on the owner’s part; he will have to spend either time or money or both to correct the problem. An owner who complains he has no money to fence his yard or build a pen should always be reminded that he can provide proper space without spending any money. He can keep his dog inside as a companion animal and take the dog outside several times daily for supervised exercise. Most dogs can be housebroken within a short time and can be readily trained to be a well-behaved member of the household. If the owner is unwilling to spend anytime training or exercising the dog, or refuses to have a dog in the house, his choices, not the law, require him to spend money on outdoor confinement that provides proper space and prevents unnecessary suffering.

Once the ACO has decided on the best confinement option for the animal that meets proper care standards and is acceptable to the owner, a reasonable time for compliance can be established. The purpose of requirements must be to alleviate or prevent unnecessary suffering.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Provide proper space and confinement. Chaining is not an acceptable form of confinement as it can cause unnecessary suffering. Keep your dog inside and take him out regularly for supervised exercise OR repair/heighten/complete your fence so that it will securely confine your dog.

2. Provide proper space to prevent unnecessary suffering. Increase pen size to at least 8 x 10 feet, excluding dog house space. Resolve standing water problem on low side of pen to ensure that entire pen space is usable.

3. Provide proper space. Remove your dog from porch/closet/furnace room to an area where he has proper space to move about. Allow your dog in larger area of house and take outside regularly for supervised exercise.

4. Provide proper space. Remove fecal matter and debris from confinement area. Maintain in a clean and healthful manner.

Caging

1. Provide proper space and confinement. The rabbit cage you are using is for temporary confinement only. Provide a rabbit hutch that has a nest box and adequate exercise space.

2. Provide proper space and confinement. The crate training method you are using is too restrictive and is stressful for your dog. Do not leave the dog crated for more than four hours at a time and provide at least three outdoor exercise periods daily. SCCASA recommends moving the crate to your living area to reduce the stress your dog feels from being isolated. Dogs require socialization and can be quickly trained when rewarded by praise and the companionship of their owners.

Failure to provide proper light (PC 597 (b): inflict needless suffering or unnecessary cruelty by failing to provide proper light)

ACOs should look for this violation when finding that an animal is kept in a basement, garage or other area where natural light may not be available. An owner who keeps his dog in a dark, unlighted basement room is not providing the dog with proper light. Animals need light for their health and well-being and suffer unnecessarily when forced to live in darkness.

The ACO should be very attentive to the owner’s actions when investigating this violation. If, during daylight hours, the owner has to turn on a light to show where an animal is kept, it is safe to assume that the animal spends a lot of time in darkness. It is also safe to assume that a dog confined to a windowless garage without electricity is not being provided with proper light.

Failure to provide proper light can mean excessive light. For example, a parrot kept in a commercial establishment where it is exposed to very bright light all day, or not protected from light at night, is not being provided with proper light.

Dogs deprived of proper light are virtually always isolated from the owner’s living area; they are suffering unnecessarily from a lack of socialization in addition to living without proper light. The ACO should make every effort to reserve the isolation problem when setting proper light requirements. In most cases, simply requiring that a light be turned on is only a first step.

Requirements for compliance must be designed to alleviate or prevent unnecessary suffering.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Provide proper light. Remove your dog from dark basement/garage to an area where he will have at least 10 hours of light each day and more socialization. Dogs need companionship and are stressed by living in isolation.

2. Provide proper light. Remove window covering and/or turn on lights during the day to ensure that your dog is not deprived of proper light.

3. Protect your bird from excessive light. Cover the cage to block light at night if the bird is kept in a continually lighted area.

Failure to provide proper shelter or protection from the weather (PC 597 (b))

Failure to provide proper shelter is one of the most common neglect violations. This is understandable since most neglected dogs and cats are kept outdoors, away from the owner’s living space. An “out of sight, out of mind” mentality seems to allow an uncaring owner to enjoy the comfort of his home without thought of his animal who is outside without proper protection from the weather. As with other neglect violations, failure to provide proper shelter is frequently accompanied by unnecessary suffering from isolation and lack of socialization.

Shelter violations include no shelter and inadequate shelter. Often some attempt at shelter has been made, but the “shelter” does not protect the animal from weather conditions and is, therefore, not proper shelter. Dog houses that are not weather tight (open-faced, no door flap, dilapidated, etc.), or are too large, or do not contain ample bedding material, will not keep a dog warm in cold weather or keep out wind and rain. Other examples of improper shelter for dogs include boxes or barrels turned on their sides, plywood leaning against the side of a building, abandoned cars (in or under), screened porches, and transport crates.

A neglectful owner may defend his inadequate shelter provision, citing as proof that his dog is still alive after being sheltered in that manner for some time. The ACO should explain that a dog doesn’t have to die of exposure for there to be a shelter violation. In fact, improperly sheltered animals must expend a great deal of energy trying to keep warm. This is known to weaken the immune system and make the animal more susceptible to disease and other physical problems.

Failure to provide protection from the weather, such as excessive heat, can easily result in an animal’s death. A dog left in a car that is in direct sunlight or confined in an unshaded area may quickly succumb to heat prostration. The ACO should always check for shade provision during the warm weather months, making sure that animals have access to shade from approximately 9 am to 5 pm during this season. For example, tarps or other coverings must be put over unshaded kennels, and sun shades must be erected over unshaded dog houses and pens or they must be moved to where the shade is available.

Sometimes no shelter complaints involve dogs who are allowed inside but are left outside for long periods. The owner may deny that his dog is out for long periods and say that outdoor shelter isn’t necessary because his dog is sheltered inside. The ACO may believe the complainant, but s/he should first try to resolve the complaint by getting the owner to keep the dog inside more, rather than requiring him to provide outdoor shelter. There are three simple rules that owners of indoor-sheltered dogs should follow: Do not leave a dog outside (1) overnight, (2) for long periods in inclement weather, or (3) when no one is home. The ACO should advise the owner to follow these rules or install a pet door. If he is unwilling or unable to comply, he should provide proper outdoor shelter.

The benefits of an indoor sheltered dog should be mentioned. If the owner seems willing, the ACO should provide information that will help the owner with the transition, such as stressing the importance of keeping the dog in or close to, the family living area to facilitate training and housebreaking.

If the dog is to be sheltered outdoors, the ACO should provide information about proper construction and shelter placement. The best place for a dog house is under a porch or against the owner’s house where it will be shaded from wind in winter. The entrance to the shelter should face away from prevailing winds, or a wind shield should be put in front of the shelter.

Shelters should be evaluated for all seasons. In addition to resolving current shelter problems, the ACO should always remind the owner of anything he may need to make the shelter proper for the following season. This is particularly important in the summer months. In many instances, existing shelter is fine for warm weather but would not provide proper protection from cold. In the winter months shade is not an issue but, come summer, it must be: dog houses become hothouses that must be shaded unless the dog has access to shade in another location. Whenever shelter is an issue, the owner should be given a copy of Proper Outdoor Shelter for Your Dog, which explains cold weather upgrades and provides complete information about proper shelter.

Shelter and protection from the weather must be appropriate for the animal and sometimes that means an animal must be brought into a temperature controlled environment. A geriatric or arthritic dog, a young puppy or kitten, and a light-coated dog such as a whippet or chihuahua are all examples of animals who are likely to suffer or die if left outside in cold weather, even if provided with a weather tight shelter that has bedding and a protected entrance. At the same time, some young, healthy dogs of breeds originating from cold climates, such as Great Pyrenees or Siberian Huskies, may tolerate and even enjoy spending comparatively long periods outdoors in cold weather. Each dog’s susceptibility to existing weather conditions must be evaluated individually giving due regard to the dog’s physical condition, hair coat and other factors.

When weather conditions are moderate and the ACO determines that existing shelter for a dog kept outside is inadequate or that outdoor shelter should be provided for a dog kept outdoors for significant periods of time, s/he should advise the owner of his legal requirement to provide proper shelter and what he must do to comply with proper shelter standards. S/he should also advise him to make sure the dog is not left outside in inclement weather for extended periods until he has complied. If the dog is never allowed in the house, the owner should be given a time period for compliance (48 hours to 7 days, depending on the severity of the problem) and warned that the dog may be impounded if found suffering from a lack of proper shelter.

When the temperature is below 45 degrees, or anytime during inclement weather, or when no shade is available in hot weather, owners should be required to correct shelter problems immediately. If an owner has an objection to bringing his dog inside, he should be required to correct the outdoor shelter problem at the time it is brought to his attention. The ACO can wait for the correction to be made or return to the address later that day to ensure the owner has complied. It is inappropriate to make an animal endure additional days without proper protection from the weather when the owner can readily comply with the law by bringing his dog inside or promptly correcting the outdoor shelter problem.

If no one is home (and there are no exigent circumstances, i.e., the dog appears healthy, unstressed, etc.), the ACO should try to make contact with the owner as soon as possible. The ACO should make a reasonable effort to ensure that the owner receives the notice about shelter and is given an opportunity to correct the problem. A neighbor may know how to contact the owner or when the owner is expected to return home. If an owner or custodian cannot be found, the situation may worsen, requiring the ACO to consider impoundment. However, absent exigent circumstances, an owner should be given reasonable opportunity to comply before impoundment.

In an emergency, such as extremely harsh, hot or cold weather, or if the dog appears to be in poor condition, or is showing signs of hypothermia or hyperthermia, the dog should be impounded. When contemplating impoundment, the ACO should evaluate the severity of the shelter problem, the animal’s health and safety, and other violations that may be present.

Sample requirements for compliance

Cold weather – Require immediate compliance with directives to provide proper shelter in cold or inclement weather.

1. Provide proper shelter in accordance with standards on the shelter sheet. Dog must be kept inside until proper outdoor shelter is provided.

2. Provide proper shelter by keeping your dog inside. If a dog is left outside overnight, for extended periods in inclement weather, or when no one is home, you must provide proper outdoor shelter in accordance with the standards on the attached green sheet.

3. Provide proper shelter. Dog house must have ample dry bedding and a flap over the entrance. Dog must be kept inside until bedding and a flap have been provided.

4. Provide proper shelter. Dog house must be weatherproof. Repair cracks, cover with a weatherproofing material and provide ample dry bedding and a flap over the door. Dog must not be outside in inclement weather or when the temperature is below 45 degrees until proper shelter is provided.

Warm weather – Require immediate compliance with directives to provide shade.

1. Provide proper shelter. Be advised that existing shelter is acceptable for warm weather only.

2. Provide proper shelter. Repair roof and elevate floor. Dog must not be left outside in inclement weather until shelter has been repaired.

3. Provide proper shelter/protection from the weather. Dog must have access to shade. Move him to an area where shade is available.

4. Provide proper shelter/protection from the weather. Dog must have access to shade. Cover part of the pen to provide a shaded area at all times.

Failure to provide necessary veterinary care (PC 597 (b): inflict needless suffering or unnecessary cruelty by failing to provide necessary veterinary care)

Animals deprived of medical attention for diseases and injuries often suffer acutely. This form of neglect -- knowingly and willfully permitting an animal to be subjected to unnecessary suffering -- is particularly unnecessary since an owner can surrender his animal to the animal shelter and absolve himself of responsibility for the animal’s further suffering. An owner who wants to keep his animal but has no money for veterinary care can demonstrate his intent not to subject the animal to unnecessary suffering by asking for assistance from the SPCA or Last Chance Fund in a timely manner and demonstrating a sustained, sincere effort to get help for his animal.

Proper Animal Care Standards describe critical, life threatening health problems that require immediate veterinary care. Upon finding such an animal, the ACO must take immediate action to see that the animal receives veterinary care. In most cases, the ACO will leave an impoundment notice, not a compliance notice.

A second category in the Standards describes health problems that range from potentially serious to very serious if they have existed for 48 hours. Such symptoms should be treated within 48 hours. In most neglect cases, however, the ACO will be dealing with symptoms that have existed far longer than two days and, most likely, the animal will be in need of immediate veterinary care.

When deciding whether to impound an animal for immediate veterinary care or direct the owner to provide veterinary care immediately or within 48 hours, the ACO should consider the animal’s overall condition, the level of pain or discomfort associated with the problem, how long the condition has existed, and the owner’s ability and willingness to provide the care.

Less serious health problems involving possible skin disease, parasitism, tumors, ear mites, etc. call for veterinary care to define the condition and prevent it from becoming a serious health problem that will result in unnecessary suffering. For example, the ACO may be dealing with a thin dog who has a dry, scruffy hair coat, dark stool, and an occasional cough. If the dog is active, has a good appetite and no sign of infectious disease, the ACO would properly direct the owner to increase the dog’s food ration and have the dog examined by a veterinarian. It would not be fair to either the owner or the animal to ignore the dark stool, which may indicate a heavy hookworm infestation, or the cough which may indicate heartworm disease. The ACO would properly direct that veterinary care be provided within seven days.

ACOs should educate owners, as appropriate, about health care matters even if there is no need to require veterinary care. Basic health care tips that ACOs should be prepared to share with owners include:

• Common internal parasites (heartworm, hookworm, whipworm and round worms) and how they are detected, treated and prevented

• Flea problems (dermatitis and tape worms) and control measures

• Vaccinations and vaccination schedules from infancy through adulthood

• Grooming, ear and nail care tips

• The benefits of socialization

• The value of preventative veterinary care.

ACO’s hear a lot of myths and misinformation about dog and cat health. For example, many owners have never heard of microscopic worms -- hookworms and whipworms – that actually cause the most damage to the intestinal track. They believe their animals are worm free if worms aren’t visible in the stool. Others believe that all over-the-counter products will keep their animal worm free. Recently there have been a variety of preventative internal and external parasite controls that have become available in an over-the-counter form that can help keep the animal worm and flea free. The ACO is responsible for giving correct information about basic preventative health care and helping owners get connected with veterinarians. The obvious goal of an educational approach to health care is to prevent future problems and needless suffering.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Within seven days: Have your dog examined by a veterinarian. The dog should be checked for worms and provided any treatment the veterinarian determines is necessary.

2. Provide veterinary care for your dog’s infected ear. Treatment must be provided within 48 hours. Contact this office if you need assistance in arranging for veterinary care.

3. Provide your cat with immediate veterinary care and notify SCCAS no later than 1:00 pm today of veterinary care arrangements you have made. Your cat is suffering from a possible broken leg and other injuries as a result of being hit by a car. Call SCCAS immediately at 454-7303 ext 1 if you need assistance with providing veterinary care or want to surrender the cat to the animal shelter.

(Compliance notice #3 is designed to help establish probable cause for a search warrant.)

UNNECESSARY SUFFERING (NEEDELESS SUFFERING / UNNECESSARY CRUELTY)

The phrases “unnecessary suffering”, “needless suffering” and “unnecessary cruelty” apply to the numerous cruelties inflicted upon animals that are not specifically named in the law. There are a number of acts and omissions that cause unnecessary suffering in addition to failure to provide proper air, space and light, and necessary veterinary care. Examples include confining a dog in isolation, allowing a collar to become so tight it cuts into an animal’s neck, allowing nails to grow so long they puncture the foot pad, and allowing the hair coat of an animal that requires grooming to become so matted it restricts the animal’s sight or ability to defecate. It is the ACO’s responsibility to identify such cruelties and use the law to stop the suffering.

The law clearly prohibits a person having the charge or custody of any animal, to allow the animal to suffer unnecessarily. Under PC 597 (b), subjecting any animal to needless suffering or inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon the animal is prohibited.

Physical suffering is easy to detect; an animal’s response to pain – flinching, “freezing,” shaking, crying, loss of appetite, etc. – is essentially the same as a human’s. The cruelties that inflict psychological suffering are also obvious. For example, animals subjected to extremely fearful situations or confined so they cannot move about normally will certainly suffer. A dog, whose strong pack instincts are the very essence of his nature, suffers when confined in isolation and deprived of socialization.

Behaviors that animals exhibit when suffering include showing fear, pain depression, lethargy, lackluster physical condition, stereotypical behavior (repeated, seemly mindless movements), abnormal timidity or aggression, and vocalization.

When determining whether a violation of inflicting unnecessary cruelty or suffering should be slated for prosecution, the ACO should consider the degree of suffering and whether it was knowingly permitted by the owner. The ACO should build a strong case and prepare to prove that (1) the animal suffered, (2) that the suffering was not accidental or incidental but was unnecessary and preventable by a reasonable standard of care and, (3) that the owner knew of the suffering or that the suffering was so blatant and/or certain to occur that the owner must have knowingly permitted it to occur, showing a reckless disregard for his animal’s welfare.

An ACO’s work in the area of unnecessary suffering is extremely important in alleviating serious cruelty and strengthening SCCAS’s hand in the event of a repeat violation. Properly written notices make it difficult for repeat offenders to claim they didn’t know that a particular act or omission could cause their animal to suffer unnecessarily.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Provide a properly fitted collar to prevent your dog from injury and unnecessary suffering. Existing collar (removed by the animal control officer) was pinching your dog’s neck and beginning to abrade the skin.

2. Properly confine your dog and give her more attention to prevent her from suffering unnecessarily. She is stressed by her confinement and isolation. Continual chaining is unacceptable as it can cause health and temperament problems and unnecessary suffering. Keep your dog inside and supervise her outdoor exercise, or complete your fence to secure your yard.

3. Have your dog groomed immediately and provide regular grooming to prevent your dog from suffering unnecessarily. Her hair coat is filthy and matted, causing skin problems.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Abuse violations – torture, torment, mutilation, cruel beating and cruel killing – take many forms. Incidents of physical abuse range from disciplining that is too severe to horrific forms of torture, mutilation and killing. Torment may be physical, but need not be; an animal can be tormented by baiting or teasing or a pattern of intimidation by yelling or threatening physical harm.

Physical abuse is often difficult to confirm. The ACO should not assume physical abuse did not occur just because there are no obvious injuries. Even serious physical abuse may be hard to detect because the physical evidence, such as bruising and abrasions, may be hidden by hair.

Injuries indicate serious physical abuse and, when there is evidence of such, the ACO should act immediately to get the animal evaluated by a veterinarian and into SCCAS’s protective custody. Visible evidence of physical abuse includes abrasions, swelling, limping, bloody urine and broken teeth. (See “Unnecessary suffering” section for other symptoms of animal pain and suffering).

An animal’s behavior may indicate serious abuse. Hand shyness, timidity, cowering, eye blinking and fear biting are behaviors indicative of abuse, particularly in the presence of the abuser.

Many complaints of physical abuse involve cruel beatings carried out under the guise of “disciplining”. An owner gets angry when he discovers that his dog has done something wrong and, well after the fact, cruelly beats the dog. The complainant may report hearing the dog scream in pain and seeing the dog kicked and beaten repeatedly with a board. The owner may say he was only correcting his dog and has never hit the dog with anything other than a newspaper. In the absence of physical evidence or witnesses willing to come forward, the truth may never be known. Regardless, the ACO has an important job to do, first as a law enforcement officer, and later, as an educator.

Again, the ACO’s first responsibility is to determine whether the animal should be impounded to protect his health and safety. If the animal is injured, or shows clear behavioral signs of abuse, or if the abuse is likely to recur (“It’s my damn dog and I'll beat it anytime I want to”), the animal is in need of protective custody.

When determining whether a physical abuse case should be prosecuted, the ACO should carefully consider the strength of the evidence:

1. The animal must show clear signs of the abuse and a professional witness must be willing to testify, with conviction, that the injuries and behaviors are consistent with alleged abuse.

2. There must be clear evidence that the suspect is the person who committed the crime. In the absence of an admission, a witness is essential.

3. Clear evidence that the person’s actions were willful and inexcusable is essential to a successful prosecution. This is not a major concern in cases involving torture, torment and mutilation; it is hard to craft a credible defense to such abuse. However, in cases involving cruel beating and cruel killing, it is not uncommon for defendants to come to court with elaborate stories of self-defense, protection of property, or even how the act was for the animal’s protection. Just because the words are spoken doesn’t mean that a case should not be prosecuted; such defenses are often obviously self-serving and, hopefully, would not be found credible by a judge or jury. If, however, SCCAS does not have a witness or other good evidence to counter a possible credible defense, the case should not be prosecuted.

4. If the violation is a cruel killing, SCCAS must be able to prove that the animal suffered between the physical trauma and death. A quick, painless death, no matter how wrong or unnecessary, generally does not violate this prohibition.

Sample requirements for compliance

1. Immediately cease correcting your dog in such a brutal manner. Be advised that unnecessarily severe punishment may constitute cruel beating, a violation of law. SCCAS recommends attending a dog training class to learn effective dog training methods.

2. Monitor your child carefully to ensure that she does not torture, torment or harm your cat in any way. You are responsible for protecting your animal from unnecessary cruelty. If you cannot provide this protection, you should surrender the cat to the animal shelter or find another home for him where he will receive proper care.

2.10 STANDARDS FOR PROPER ANIMAL CARE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-CRUELTY LAWS

One cannot over-emphasize that the objective of an animal control officer is to ensure the safety and well being of animals. The effectiveness of a humane law enforcement program is determined by the officer’s ability to stick to that objective, seek out information, separate relevant facts from fiction and uncertainties, and communicate effectively with respondents. For example, if an officer allows him or herself to be influenced by the profit and loss motives of a pet shop owner or dog breeder, s/he may not be doing a good job.

If there are several ways to obtain compliance, the officer should make suggestions to suit the respondent, but never to the detriment of the animal. In the case of a cow in pain from a badly infected leg, the officer should direct that the cow be euthanized immediately if the consulting veterinarian recommends euthanasia. This decision may interfere with the owner’s plans to market the cow profitably three days hence, or there may be an objection because immediate disposal of the carcass cannot be arranged; however, to cater to the owner’s convenience would cause the cow prolonged suffering for which the officer could be responsible, and the officer will not have done his/her job until the cow is euthanized.

The successful anti-cruelty officer is part law enforcement officer, part educator and part social worker, with a good combination of skills.

As a law enforcement officer, the animal control officer advises the owner about exactly what care must be given to be in compliance with the law. Those care standards are contained herein.

As educator, the animal control officer instructs respondents in meeting their animals’ needs. S/he may explain the benefits of socializing a dog and making the dog part of the family, giving tips on training or information about nutrition and preventative veterinary care. Poorly informed owners are often surprised to learn, for example, that “bad” dog behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity, destructive tendencies, and excessive barking are often caused by isolation, boredom and improper confinement.

As social worker, the animal control officer educates and aids respondents having difficulty caring for their animals. S/he may help arrange a free or reduced-cost spay surgery for an owner short on funds, transport an animal to a veterinary clinic for a senior citizen without a vehicle, or show an owner how a backyard fence can be secured.

When handling cases of animal neglect, the officer must;

❖ Assess all aspects of animal care, address all problems, and take immediate action to correct serious problems;

❖ Determine whether animals should be seized and held in custody until compliance is achieved and seize animals if necessary to stop ongoing suffering (obtaining a warrant if necessary);

❖ Determine whether the respondents even want the animals and offer surrender with no fees as an option;

❖ Set reasonable standards for compliance with the law;

❖ Educate owners to the greatest degree possible about animals, needs and how to resolve care problems;

❖ Re-inspect to ensure that problems have been corrected;

❖ Attempt to retain custody of neglected animals when there is good cause to believe the animals health and safety would be jeopardized by return to the owner; and

❖ Proceed with prosecution when serious and blatant cruelty to animals can be proven.

Many situations encountered when investigating complaints of cruelty to animals are similar. It is impossible, however, to provide standards for every situation encountered by animal control officers.

This is especially true with respect to nutritional needs, there being an endless possible combinations of quantities and qualities of food one can offer an animal. A series of charts such as those published by the National Academy of Science and the National Research Council’s Subcommittee on Animal Nutrition can provide guidelines, but the physical condition of the animal is the best indicator of nutritional adequacy. A layman, guided by common sense, the condition of the animal, and, if needed, veterinary consultation, can determine what constitutes proper food for an animal.

The existence of pain and suffering can also be evaluated using common sense. That which causes a human pain and suffering will also generally do so to an animal; infected wounds and fractures are painful to animals, and depriving an animal of water during hot weather causes suffering. Humans and animals frequently show similar signs of pain (e.g., crying, flinching and “freezing”).

Fear can also constitute suffering. If an animal has been abused to the point that the animal cringes or draws back and shakes when the abuser approaches, the animal is suffering from acute anxiety. To allow an animal to continue to live under such stress has been found by the American Veterinary Medical Association to be detrimental to the animal's health and well being. The stress of inhumane treatment, be it neglect or physical or psychological abuse, predisposes animals to diseases that can threaten their health.

Standards

1. Proper Food

Food should be wholesome, palatable, and free from contamination. Food shall be provided in sufficient quantity and be of adequate nutritive value to maintain all animals in good health.

The diet shall be prepared with due consideration for the age, species, condition, size, and breed type of the animals.

Animals should be fed at least once a day except as dictated by veterinary advice or other professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animals.

All food receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary. Receptacles used to store food shall be kept covered.

If more than one animal is fed at one time or in one place, it shall be the responsibility of the owner/custodian to ensure that each animal receives enough food.

2. Proper Drink

Proper drink shall mean clean, drinkable water available at all times to all animals.

Exceptions shall be determined by veterinary consultation or professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animal.

Animals that are being worked or are in transport shall be provided water as often as necessary for the health and comfort of the animal. Age, species, condition, size, and breed type of animal shall be considered when determining frequency of watering. Activity levels and climatic conditions must also be considered.

All water receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitary, be of appropriate design and size for the animal, and be positioned or affixed to prevent spills.

3. Proper Air

Holding areas shall be constructed to allow a free flow of fresh air.

4. Proper Space

All animals shall be able to stand to their full height, stretch out, turn around, lie down, and make normal postural adjustments comfortably.

Minimum space for dogs in pens (not including shelter space) shall be as follows:

Small Medium Large

# of dogs (to 25 lbs) (25 - 50 lbs) (over 50 lbs)

1 3 x 7 (21 sq ft) 6 x 10 (60 sq ft) 8 x 10 (80 sq ft)

2 4 x 8 (32 sq ft) 8 x 10 (80 sq ft) 8 x 12 (100 sq ft)

3 5 x 9 (45 sq ft) 8 x 12 (96 sq ft) 10 x 14 (140 sq ft)

4 8 x 10 (80 sq ft) 10 x 12 (120 sq ft) 12 x 16 (192 sq ft)

It is also recommended that the dog(s) be removed from the pen and properly exercised (walked on a leash and/or exercised in a dog-friendly area such as a dog park) at least two times a day.

Dogs on Tethers: Improper Confinement

The continuous maintenance of a dog on a chain, rope or other kind of tether is abnormally restrictive and stressful and often results in health and temperament problems. In most cases such confinement will cause the dog to suffer unnecessarily.

A properly installed and positioned running line is preferable to a stationary tether.

It is a violation of California law to tether an animal for 3 or more consecutive hours.

5. Proper Light

All animals shall have at least ten hours of light a day, except as directed by hibernation, veterinarian advice or professionally accepted practices for the safety and well-being of the animal.

Lighting of primary enclosures shall be designed to protect animals from excessive illumination. The duration of illumination shall be appropriate for the species involved.

6. Proper Shelter / Protection From The Weather

Indoor Shelter:

Facilities shall be sufficiently heated and cooled, if necessary, to protect animals from extremes of temperature and to provide for their health and well-being.

The ambient temperature shall not be allowed to fall below or rise above temperatures compatible with the health and well-being of the animal.

Facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural or mechanical means to provide for the health and well-being of the animal at all times. Such facilities shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors, vents, fans or air conditioning, and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation.

Outdoor Shelter:

All animals kept outdoors shall have access to shelter that provides protection from the weather, i.e., wind, precipitation, or other inclement weather conditions.

Shelter shall be well constructed and appropriate for the species. Consideration shall be given to the animal's age, physical condition, and hair coat when determining whether available shelter is proper.

All animals shall have access to shade from the sun during hot weather.

Proper Outdoor Shelter for Horses, Cows, etc:

Shelter shall have a roof and face away from prevailing winds. The shelter may be floor-less and have three sides.

Proper Outdoor Shelter for Dogs:

The shelter for a dog shall have a roof, enclosed sides, a doorway, and a solid, level floor raised at least two (2) inches from the ground. The shelter shall be shaded during months when the weather is hot.

Between November 1 and March 31 and whenever the real or effective temperature (i.e., accounting for wind chill and rain) is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the following shall be provided:

1) The entryway shall be protected by a self-closing door, an offset outer door, or a flexible flap made of windproof material.

2) Bedding such as cedar shavings, straw, or other non-absorbent material shall be provided in sufficient quantity for insulation against cold and damp. Bedding shall be kept dry.

If there is no artificial heat source, structures shall be small enough to allow the animal to warm the interior of the structure and maintain his or her body heat, but large enough to permit normal postural adjustments.

7. Necessary Veterinary Care

Emergency Treatment:

Animals shall be afforded immediate veterinary care if they are known or suspected to have suffered an accidental or deliberate injury and they exhibit such signs as shock, temperature fluctuation, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering, irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, irrational behavior, orificial discharge or bleeding, or other such sign.

Animals shall be afforded immediate veterinary care if they are debilitated and weakened, or exhibit symptoms of bloat or other life-threatening illness such as persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

Treatment within 48 Hours:

An animal who has exhibited signs of disease or severe parasitic infestation such as infection, orificial discharge, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, tremors, temperature fluctuation, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or any other such sign over a period of forty-eight hours or more shall be afforded veterinary care within the next forty-eight (48) hours.

Incidental:

If an animal has an abnormal growth of a size or weight or in such a position as to impede the animal in any way, such condition shall be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.

Internal and external parasites shall be controlled.

8. Unnecessary Suffering

No animal shall be subjected to unnecessary suffering or cruelty.

Unnecessary suffering or cruelty may be caused by deficiencies in the categories listed above. Unnecessary suffering is also caused by situations which expose an animal to prolonged fear, injury and pain, physical abuse, or lack of proper sanitation. The absence of interaction with humans or other animals also causes an animal unnecessary suffering if it results in health and/or temperament problems.

Excessively timid behavior, or cowering or flinching when approached may be indications of physical abuse or unreasonable intimidation.

Socialization for Dogs:

Dogs shall not be maintained in isolation or deprived of daily social interaction. Hyperactivity, aggression towards humans, or withdrawal and depression may be evidence of inadequate socialization.

Sanitation:

Both indoor and outdoor enclosures shall receive cleaning as necessary to remove excreta, dirt, and debris so as to minimize disease hazards, odor, and danger to the animal.

Grooming, hoof care, etc.:

Animals shall be groomed in accordance with normal and recognized grooming practices for their species or breed type. Animals shall be provided with hoof, claw, nail, tooth, and beak care as appropriate and necessary to maintain health and comfort.

Collars, etc:

Collars, harnesses, halters, and the like shall be monitored so as to assure proper fit and prevent discomfort or injury.

3.1 VETERINARY CARE FOR SICK OR INJURED DOMESTICS

Since we operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the need for an available veterinarian is necessary when injured or sick domestic animals are picked up. When our Shelter veterinarian is on duty, we should have all injured or sick animals seen by them. For after hours, or when our staff veterinarian is not on duty, injured or sick animals should be brought to Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital (SCVH) at 2585 Soquel Drive in Santa Cruz. SCVH is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

▪ You should always call SCVH when bringing them an animal. You should give them a quick explanation of the animal’s injuries and an ETA.

▪ When you arrive, DO NOT bring the animal in through the main entrance. Enter through the red emergency door. If this door is locked, ring the doorbell and wait for a staff member to open it for you.

▪ If the animal is critically injured, advise staff of what you have and get approval to bring the animal directly to the exam table.

▪ Less critical animals, not requiring immediate vet care can wait at the desk with you as you fill out the appropriate paperwork. A technician will come take the animal from you.

▪ Fill out the emergency form with where you found the animal, and why you believe the animal is injured or sick (list what is wrong with the animal, can be an obvious injury or a suspected condition, i.e. lethargic, sick, can’t walk, give the vet something to work with). Sign the form authorizing treatment. If you have an animal ID number, write it where it states animals name.

▪ Additional info you may be able to put on the form includes: Description of animal (species, breed, sex, age, color or marking) or owner information (list any tags or owner ID here).

▪ When you enter the animal in the Kennel Screen you will enter it as S VET or W VET (Scotts Valley animal or Watsonville animal)

▪ Always attach a “required” note to the animal that states, “Has fees at SCVH.”

Picking up Animals at SCVH

• The morning shift officer will call SCVH and check if we have any animals (dead or alive) to pick up. If we do, the officer will put in an activity and create an animal ID if there is not one. A required note that states, “Has fees at SCVH” should be attached.

• When you arrive at SCVH, make contact with the front desk and let them know who you are there to pick up. Again, use the red emergency door and not the main entrance.

• Once you have identified all the animals you will be picking up, read the paperwork and see if the animals have any medications or X-rays. When in doubt, ASK!

• Sign the paperwork at the bottom and put in the date and time of pick up.

• If you need to pickup a dead animal, they are kept in a freezer in the back room. Please be considerate of SCVH clients and do not parade the dead animal through the facility. Be as discreet as possible.

• Enter any medication in the Caduceus Screen and place a health-check for the staff veterinarian.

• Place the SCVH paperwork in the vet clinic inbox.

2. DOOR TO DOOR PROGRAM

POLICY

It is the intention of Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) to begin a door to door campaign in areas of our community with underserved residents to provide education and support on animal ownership.

PROCEDURE

Officers will be assigned on a rotating basis to a Watsonville Education Shift. The hours of the shift will be determined based on the seasons of the year. Officers who are assigned to this shift will begin and end their shift at the Watsonville Shelter. Officers should not wear their uniform for this shift in order to provide the public with a friendly and less law enforcement image. Officers will wear a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter T-shirt and their duty pants and duty belt. Officers should not have a badge displayed on their person. During inclement weather officers can wear Agency approved rain gear or winter jacket.

Officers will be assigned select areas of the City to go door to door. Officers should go door to door in these areas on foot and knock on every door. Officers will radio dispatch and alert dispatch of their location periodically. Dispatch will create an activity for the assigned street as Door2Door. If no one is home, officers will leave Animal Shelter Door to Door Campaign information and materials. Officers will contact dispatch via phone of their results periodically throughout the shift. Results will be for the entire street, and not individual houses.

If someone is home, the officer will introduce themselves as follows:

“Hello. I am an employee with Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and we are going door to door in your neighborhood to provide education and resources on making your life with your pet more fulfilling. Do you have any pets?”

If the resident is a Spanish speaker, the officer should either speak the above message in Spanish, or if they are not confident with their Spanish skills, should have the following pre-printed for the resident to read:

“Hola. Yo soy un empleado con el centro de animales de Santa Cruz, y estamos caminando de puerta a puerta en su vecindad para proveer educación y recursos para hacer su vida con su mascota mas plena.”

We currently have educational literature in both English and Spanish that address common issues officers will encounter. Additionally, we have literature in both English and Spanish that explains Planned Pethood and other shelter programs.

Officers will keep a daily log of their activities that includes the address’s visited, who they contacted with phone number, number and types of animals at the location and if we need to follow-up at the address. Reasons for follow-up include, but are not limited to: egregious acts of animal cruelty or neglect, animal breeding operation or suspected dog or cock fighting.

Officers can use discretion to re-sequence details for follow-up on their next door to door shift. This is for continued community education and to ensure the residents are continuing to provide the most appropriate care for their animals. Continued outreach can sometimes help convince someone to take the appropriate action.

If an officer comes upon a situation that involves criminal neglect, the officer should discuss the situation with the resident and serve the owner with appropriate legal paperwork. The follow-up on this type of situation is per normal SCCAS protocol.

Officers should not issue spay/neuter or licensing citations and should instead explain the law regarding both, as well as the medical benefits of spay/neuter.

Each Watsonville officer will have a new activity number created for their days activities. We should create Pin ID’s for any animal owners we speak with. In the PIN notes we should discuss the number and types of animals, as well as what we educated them on. It is not necessary to create individual animal ID’s.

As the program moves forward we will accumulate various items that can be handed out to the residents to assist them in their animal care. This could include, but is not limited to, collars, jiffy tags, bowls, houses, leashes and species appropriate food.

Officers should attempt to keep their vehicle within 3-4 residences of where they are on foot to avoid unnecessary trips back to the truck to gather supplies. Officers can carry their clipboards with Agency issued Door to Door campaign materials.

Before going to an apartment complex or other large residential facility, the officer should attempt contact with the on site manager. The on site manager can let the residents know of our planned visit, and can coordinate ensuring residents will be home. Additionally, they can put our literature in their common area bulletin boards.

3.3 HANDLING AGGRESSIVE DOGS

MEETING A STRANGE DOG

* Avoid eye contact with a dog that is watching your eyes or staring off into space.

* Pretend to ignore the dog, but keep track of its whereabouts.

* Do NOT turn your back on a dog that’s trying to get behind you - turn to face her.

* Avoid reactions that show you are afraid of the dog (running, screaming, flinching).

* Assess the situation and consider your escape routes or options.

* Watch for aggressive behavior or postures (growling, barking, whining, snapping, jumping around, circling, chasing, staring gaze, stiff/alert posture, possessiveness).

* Let the dog come to you. Do NOT pursue the dog or force yourself on him.

* Speak in a playful voice.

* Keep your hands to yourself. Do NOT stick your hand in the face of a strange dog.

* If you don’t feel comfortable about interacting with a dog, DON’T; just ignore him. Tell the owner if his dog makes you uncomfortable. Ask him to confine the dog.

* Avoid towering over a dog to pet him.

* If the dog is friendly, squat down to interact with her. Do NOT give kisses or stick your face in his face.

* Avoid sitting on a chair/couch/bed where the dog has been laying.

* Avoid the dog’s toys, bones and food.

* Small children should never be left unsupervised with strange dogs. Most children should not be left unsupervised with their own dogs.

* When two strange dogs meet while being walked on-leash, almost any input from the owners can start a fight.

* Many dogs are extremely aggressive when people come close to their vehicle.

* PETTING a dog:

- stroke on the top of the head and back

- scratch the chest and throat

- gently rub behind the ears

- Do NOT rough-house, slap, pound, or rub against the direction of the

dog’s fur.

AGGRESSIVE DOG BEHAVIOR

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not think like we do. Nor do they experience the same emotions, or understand our language. But most dogs are intelligent, able to solve simple problems and responsive to training. Though they can be taught to respond to verbal commands, their strength in communication is in their ability to read body language. As a result, many trainers supplement verbal commands with hand signals.

Dog behavior has been studied for years and there are still many questions about what really goes on inside the mind of our canine companions. We have a crude understanding about certain kinds of behaviors such as social interaction and aggression, but not enough to predict and/or correct every problem. Because dogs have been domesticated their behavior is somewhat different than wild canines like wolves and coyotes. One of those differences is their tolerance for people. Most dogs develop an inhibition to biting people. A few dogs don’t, or lose that inhibition when they discover that biting works for self-defense or to get what they want.

While a skilled dog person can anticipate and elicit many behaviors, there is always an element of unpredictability when it comes to working with a dog. Dogs are most unpredictable when subjected to stressful situations. This applies to other animals, as well, including people. Below are some basic motivations for aggressive behavior. These motives can often be recognized once they are understood and are useful to people who have to interact with aggressive dogs. Understanding what is causing a dog to be aggressive is a valuable tool to help de-escalate the aggression and get control of the animal. But because dog behavior is complex, and dogs sometimes act unpredictably, a handler should be prepared for just about anything.

1. FEAR or DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION - “Get outta my face!”

The majority of dog bites are defensive in nature and could be prevented by minimizing the source of stress for the dog. A fearful dog would rather avoid you than fight you, but will let you have it when it feels cornered or pressured. A dog can be afraid for many reasons, including an invasion of its personal space, people standing over it, direct eye contact, being chased, being left alone, loud noises, moving cars, horses, other dogs, cats and countless other situations with which it is unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Other fear-related motivations are addressed below.

POSSESSIVENESS

Possessive aggression can be a result of getting too close to a dog’s food, bone or toys, or a mother’s puppies. Most dogs will growl or bark when someone gets too close to their prized belongings, except for the dogs that have been swatted for doing so - they have learned to keep quiet before striking out.

PAIN

You should expect a dog that is injured and/or in pain to bite when handled. For that reason, such a dog should be muzzled first. Be sure to supervise a dog that is muzzled so that if it vomits the muzzle can be removed quickly to protect the airway.

SIGNS OF FEAR: Most fearful dogs show it in their body language and voice.

- Slinking, low-profile posture

- Ears back

- Teeth bared

- Hackles raised

- Tail down or between the legs

- Barking is tense and strained, a combination of growling and whining

- Agitated, nervous movement

- Averts his eyes

- Goes around behind you

2. DOMINANT or OFFENSIVE AGGRESSION - “Go ahead, make my day.”

A dominant dog is the kind that will go out of the way to bite you. This is the kind of dog that trainers look for when they want a working dog; for the rigors of police work, search and rescue, herding and competition. The reason is that dominance usually indicates confidence and can be tempered by a good trainer. Fearfulness, on the other hand, relates to a lack of confidence which is very hard to establish or re-build.

A dominant dog has the idea that he is in charge. The dog will push other animals or people around to get his way. A dog that thinks he is boss will not submit to being rolled over on his back without a fight. He will also fight for breeding rights, try to mount other dogs or people’s legs, urinate wherever he wants, or assume control of the couch or bed. Speaking of fights, dominant dogs often fight with each other when one of them doesn’t have the sense to back down, and many owners are bitten trying to break it up. Neutering dominant male dogs is a big help in reducing these destructive fights.

POSSESSIVENESS

Yes, dominant dogs are possessive, too; and they can be very obnoxious about it. You might expect a fearful dog to bite you if you tried to take a bone away from him, but you might not anticipate being bitten by a dominant dog when you sat in his favorite chair. A dominant dog will help himself to your Big Mac, and might go for extra meat if you object. A dominant dog may bite you for shaking hands with his owner. Whatever you do, don’t enter the feeding room of an unfamiliar dominant dog without protective equipment.

TERRITORIAL AGRESSION

Both fearful and dominant dogs can be aggressive about protecting their territory. We have all seen a dog defend its yard from behind the fence. The difference is that when you open the gate and stand your ground, the fearful dog will usually back off and the dominant dog will often come out to greet you, sometimes with its teeth. Dogs don’t understand property lines on the zoning map. They establish their boundaries by marking and by familiarity. So, a dog that is allowed to run loose a lot may start to defend the neighbor’s house from the mail carrier. Always look for signs of a dog when entering a fenced yard. Call out and shake your keys to get the dog’s attention before you enter, to avoid being caught off-guard.

SIGNS OF DOMINANCE:

- Alert, erect posture

- Ears up

- Tail up high

- Stiff body and tail

- Seems calm and confident, even arrogant

- Staring eyes (at you or off into space)

- Silent or low growling

- Hackles may or may not be up

3. PREDATORY AGGRESSION - “You can run, but you can’t hide.”

Think of wolves stalking an elk, a spaniel working a field of pheasant, or a Labrador retriever that will chase a ball for an hour without stopping to rest. These are examples of prey drive. The dog knows what it wants and is focused on, and sometimes obsessed with, getting it. A police dog uses its prey drive to chase down a fleeing bad guy or to sniff out hidden narcotics. But untrained dogs with strong prey drives can be a problem. They like to chase things that move quickly and may bite bicyclists, joggers and small children. They like toys that squeak and may go after squirrels, cats, livestock and wildlife. Surprisingly, many dogs that get in trouble for prey aggression are friendly toward people when they are not chasing the neighbor’s chickens or sheep.

SIGNS OF PREY AGGRESSION:

- Alert posture

- Or low posture with slow movements when stalking

- Eyes focused on prey

- Ears up

- Tail up and wagging

- Excited movements

WHAT IF THE DOG BECOMES AGGRESSIVE?

* Keep your distance

- Avoid pressuring or crowding the dog.

* STAY CALM, MOVE SLOWLY and FEIGN INDIFFERENCE.

* Do NOT try to make friends with the dog.

* Look for a safe place or something to use to defend yourself if the dog attacks.

* Do NOT run. Running will entice the dog to chase you.

* A fearful dog will usually retreat when charged, if it has a way out

- Show confidence - stand tall, step forward, yell “NO!” or “GO HOME!”

- Pick up a rock (or pretend to)

* Avoid challenging a dominant dog. Try to de-escalate the situation.

- Avoid eye contact. Smile and look away from the dog.

- Turn your shoulder to the dog to avoid a frontal confrontation

- Back away slowly. If the dog charges, stand still.

* Tell the owner to grab the dog. Do NOT believe him if he says the dog won’t bite.

IF ATTACKED

Different dogs bite in different ways. A Doberman pincher might hit your hand like a lightning bolt, hoping you will turn and run so he can go for your backside. Herding dogs (Australian cattle dogs, shepherds, collies) often circle their prey and nip on the back of the leg when the victim isn’t looking. A pit bull or Rottweiler may get a vice-like grip on a person’s arm and try to shake it out of the socket.

The most important thing to remember is to try to stay calm and to show as little reaction as possible. Many biting dogs are encouraged when their victims show fear or get excited.

* Prepare to defend yourself. If a dog bites you once and backs off you may be able to de-escalate the situation and back out slowly. But if the dog continues to bite, or if there is more than one aggressive dog, you may have to bluff or fight it out.

* Calmly, call out for help.

* Use pepper spray if you have it.

* Use a shield - your briefcase, clipboard, bicycle, skateboard, a piece of wood, a garbage can lid, etc.)

* Offer something for the dog to bite - whatever you have in your hands. Hold on to it.

* As a last resort, offer your weak forearm to the dog. If possible, wrap it with some padding (your jacket) and try not to react to the pain. Do NOT try to pull out of the dog’s mouth.

* If you have to fight back:

- Fight hard.

- Kicking usually doesn’t work well. Dogs are incredibly quick and could bite your foot, causing you to fall down.

- Hitting the dog with something (a rock, stick, purse, or brief case) works better, especially on the top of the muzzle.

- Try to stay on your feet. If you fall down, curl up into a ball, covering your face, and stop moving.

- Squeezing the dog’s windpipe may work as a last ditch effort. Push the dog down on its side and kneel on its chest. Don’t let go until the dog is unconscious and you can easily get away.

- Seek first-aid. You may become a victim of excessive bleeding and shock.

- Keep track of the dog’s whereabouts and call 911 to report it.

BREAKING UP A DOG FIGHT

Dog fights are everyday events that vary greatly in intensity. They range from harmless lunge-and-snap incidents to horrifying struggles for survival. Dogs are aggressive toward other dogs for the same kinds of reasons they are aggressive toward people: fear/defensiveness, dominance, prey drive, territorial disputes and control of resources.

Most dogs are able to settle their differences with a minimum of violence, without the help of their owners. Unfortunately, most owners that witness their beloved companion in the midst of a fur-flying dispute feel compelled to intervene, which almost always makes the aggression worse and accounts for a large number of bites to people each year. Most of the time an owner is bitten either accidentally or when the aggression gets re-directed toward anyone within reach.

Dogs are more likely to fight when on-leash for the following reasons:

- Their movement is restricted, which enhances anxiety and prevents them from showing non-threatening body language to the other dog.

- Their owners often yell and tug on the leashes at the first sign of

disagreement, which adds tension and movement that can trigger an attack.

- The dog may feel the need to protect its owner.

- The leashes may get tangled around the dogs and cause them to panic.

The good part about having the dogs on leashes is they can be pulled apart with relative ease and safety. Fights where one or both of the dogs are loose are much harder to stop.

Some dogs are profoundly aggressive toward other animals and will seriously injure or kill, if given the chance. While some breeds have reputations for being dangerous, the bottom line is that any unsocialized or genetically unsound dog can be destructively aggressive.

When three or more dogs fight at once there is usually one targeted victim. This is particularly disturbing to watch and makes it very tempting to put a stop to it. Below are some ideas on what can be done to stop the more vicious kinds of dog fights (these ideas may also apply when a dog is attacking other animals like cats, livestock, or wildlife):

* The most important rule is to protect your own safety. You can’t help if you are hurt.

* Try to interrupt the fight with water, dirt, an umbrella, a stick, a broom, pepper spray, a fire extinguisher, etc. If you are going to hit a dog, aim for the one that is winning and hit it on the snout (a very sensitive area). Hitting it in other places is usually futile.

* After trying one shout of “NO!”, do not yell at the dogs. It sounds like you are barking support for the aggression.

* It may help to have the owners walk away from the fight. Many dogs are fighting because they think their owner is sanctioning it, i.e., yelling support. If the owners leave the dogs may follow. The risk is that the dogs will be loose to go somewhere else and cause a problem.

* Try to separate the dogs with something physical: a piece of plywood, cover one dog with a garbage can or box, rope the dominant dog and pull it away.

* Grabbing the collar often results in bites. A better, but still risky option is to grab the flank or tail and be prepared for retaliation, i.e., have a bite stick ready and a plan of what to do if you become the target of the aggression.

* A dog that has locked onto another and won’t let go is vulnerable to being choked to unconsciousness with a leash. This could easily kill the dog so it should be one of the last options tried. The dog will need to be secured before allowing it to regain consciousness and then examined by a veterinarian.

CATCHING AGGRESSIVE DOGS

REMEMBER - AVOID DIRECT EYE CONTACT WITH A DOG YOU ARE TRYING TO CATCH. It will usually make the dog more apprehensive and harder to deal with.

Catching an aggressive dog poses many challenges and significant risks. The goal of humane animal control is to protect people and property, as well as to preserve the welfare of the dog. Many calls for aggressive dogs are not as horrific as reported. An officer may respond to these kinds of calls and find a frightened dog running loose that comes to them when they call it, eats a biscuit and submits completely to being leashed and led to the SCCASA vehicle. Then the citizens or police put away their weapons and describe how the dog kept them all at bay.

There are occasions, however, when we encounter a loose dog that has a serious aggression problem and is a real risk to the safety of others. The key to handling such a dog lies in the officer’s ability to assess the situation and read the dog’s behavior - to be able to plan the safest, most humane and effective course of action possible.

The first step is to protect the safety of others, including the animal control officer (ACO). Help from other ACOs, police, firefighters or citizens may be needed to clear an area or block traffic.

In the event the dog is found in the act of biting or mauling a person or other animal it may be necessary to take severe steps to interrupt the attack and rescue the victim. Injuring force may be needed to stop the attack. These steps should only be taken as a last resort, when no other options are available or likely to work, and when they will not pose more risk to the victim. Ideally, the officer would have the opportunity to start with low-impact options such as using something to create a physical barrier, applying water or pepper spray or using a fire extinguisher blast to scare and/or distract the animal long enough to rescue the victim, before resorting to more extreme options such as choking a dog that is locked on or using tranquilizers. In any case, the officer’s actions will have to be reasonable and justifiable.

The use of firearms by ACOs to stop an attack is not authorized. In a situation such as a mauling in-progress the police or sheriff’s department should be called as soon as possible to help stop the attack.

Once the immediate public safety risk is addressed the next step is to catch the dog or confine it in some kind of enclosure such as a fenced yard, pen, dog house, crate, garage, house, barn, shed, vehicle, sturdy box, garbage can, trap, etc.

If catching/confining the dog is a problem it may be possible to lure him with food, a toy or another dog, particularly a familiar dog. Another technique is to ask the owner or someone who knows the dog to catch and put him in a confined area. BE SURE TO EXPLAIN THE RISKS OF POSSIBLE INJURY TO ANYONE WHO SEEMS WILLING TO HELP SO THE PERSON CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT TO GET INVOLVED.

Tools and techniques for catching loose, aggressive dogs include (but are not limited to): a snappy snare pole, control pole, net, blanket and dog trap. Good judgment is essential - don’t use a snare pole on a 100-pound Rottweiler that bit three people. But a snappy snare might be fine for a frightened Cocker spaniel. A blanket might work best on a small to medium-sized injured dog; a net works well on a small unsocialized dog. A dog trap sometimes works if the dog has escaped the area, but it needs to be set up like a den and monitored.

Catching a loose dog that is violent and aggressive takes skill, courage and teamwork. The dog typically has to be cornered to allow the officer to get close enough to use a control pole. Unfortunately, cornering an aggressive dog makes it more aggressive and likely to charge the officer or anyone standing nearby. A cornered dog may also experiment with escape options such as climbing the walls, or biting through them. This is an extremely dangerous situation for the officer. The assistance of another officer may be crucial, to help keep the dog cornered and to help defend against him if he charges. A shield, such as a garbage can lid, or a bite stick in one hand can help defend against bite attempts while the control pole is used to catch the dog. Pepper spray may be helpful, but is not encouraged because the pain can leave an imprint that could promote more severe aggression in the future. See “USING A CONTROL POLE” in next section for guidelines on handling the dog.

3.4 USING A CONTROL POLE

THE CONTROL POLE

A control pole is a valuable tool for animal control personnel, allowing them to safely and humanely handle:

- Aggressive dogs (its most common use)

- Raccoons, opossums, skunks

- Small livestock

- Deer

- Large reptiles

A control pole allows the handler to control and move an animal from place to place while keeping it a safe distance away to prevent being bitten or clawed. It can be useful to capture an animal that is out of reach, such as a raccoon in a storm drain or a cat in a tree. It can also be used to move a hit-by-car animal, such as a deer, out of the middle of the road.

HOW IT WORKS

Control poles come in a variety of lengths. We use 3, 4 and 5-foot models and typically use them to handle aggressive dogs. Our commercial control poles have a braided, spring-loaded stainless steel cable that runs though an aluminum shaft and forms an adjustable loop on one end. The loop is placed over the animal’s head or body and the end of the cable is pulled to make the loop fit securely around the animal, so it can’t get away or attack. The loop should be snug enough that the animal cannot pull out of it, but NOT SO TIGHT that it cuts off the animal’s breathing or circulation.

At the opposite end of the pole is the cable release knob. Pulling the knob allows the internal spring to pop the loop open to its largest size so the pole can be removed from the animal.

ALWAYS CHECK A CONTROL POLE BEFORE USING IT to be sure the cable pulls and releases smoothly and completely with out binding.

APPROACHING THE ANIMAL

Approach the animal slowly, holding the control pole directly behind you or at your side, with the cable loop hanging loosely. Never approach a dog with a control pole held high, like a weapon, as this will set the tone for the entire encounter.

GETTING THE LOOP OVER THE ANIMAL’S HEAD

This can be tricky, depending on the animal and the circumstances. Dogs can’t push the loop away, but quickly learn to turn their head to avoid it. Sometimes a can of cat food on the ground surrounded by the loop can allow you to snag an animal. Try to place the loop just past the skull at the smallest part of the neck so the dog cannot pull its head out of the loop. Try to keep the swivel (on the end of the pole) behind the dog’s head.

It is important to loop a raccoon or cat around the neck and one front leg rather than just the neck to have better support of its body to prevent injury. Raccoons have amazing dexterity with their front paws and can foil your attempts by pushing the loop away. You will have to wait until the animal is distracted and be quick to get the loop on, then pull it snug.

One of the more dangerous situations is an aggressive dog confined in a large area or yard. If the animal can run and dodge he may need to be cornered to be caught. WARNING: CORNERING AN ANIMAL MAY CAUSE THE ANIMAL TO CHARGE. This kind of situation may require a second officer for help and back- up. If in doubt, call for help.

One problem with a control pole is the likelihood that once the animal feels the loop tighten around the neck it will panic and try everything it can to get free, including spinning, twisting, flipping and lunging. This kind of behavior may twist the cable, causing the loop to tighten and bind, preventing it from releasing until it is untwisted.

You can expect an animal on a control pole to bite anything in reach, howl, scream, bark, urinate and defecate. Dogs often bite the plastic cover on the pole so frantically that they bite their tongues and bleed profusely.

You can imagine that this kind of scene is not very pleasant to watch, so it is recommended that members of the public be asked to clear the scene if you need to use a control pole. When faced with impounding an aggressive dog and the owner is present, make every attempt to persuade the owner to put the dog in your vehicle if he or she can do it safely. Whenever possible, have them meet you at the shelter to unload the dog. Try to convince the owner that it is in the dog’s best interest.

LEADING THE ANIMAL

The pole is designed to maneuver the animal, so it is important never to use the control pole to choke the animal or force him into submission.

You should have a plan of action before getting the animal on a control pole. This means knowing where to lead the animal and clearing your path of people, other animals and obstacles in advance, and opening the kennel door. Ask for help if you think you might need it.

Once the animal is on the pole, give it a little leeway so it doesn’t feel over-powered or over-controlled. Pushing or pulling too forcefully encourages the animal to resist and fight. A dog that is frightened can often be kept calm by letting him move around a little to keep his balance.

The best approach is to lead the animal by following. That is to stand beside the dog and slowly guide the animal ahead. Most dogs will readily walk forward if you remain in their field of vision, but in some cases walking directly behind them may prompt them to move ahead. Try to keep the animal moving smoothly, avoiding stops and starts. If the dog is large and strong you may want to have someone help you lead it, possibly with a second control pole.

If the animal panics and thrashes about, try to keep her from running into obstacles that could injure her. Hold the pole firmly until the animal tires and calms down, then resume leading. Be careful not to accidentally grab the release knob while holding the pole.

Talk softly and soothingly to a dog on the pole to try to keep her calm and reassured.

RELEASING THE ANIMAL

Don’t release the animal until you are sure you have the animal where you want her.

Make sure the loop is not twisted or at a sharp angle to the pole, otherwise the cable may not release. If the cable doesn’t release, try twisting or changing the angle of the pole.

If the animal starts having trouble breathing, try to get her to a secure place and loosen the cable enough to allow a clear airway. IF THE ANIMAL STOPS BREATHING she will quickly loose consciousness and go limp. If nothing is done the animal will die within a few minutes. In cases of choking, drowning or electrocution, where breathing has stopped, it can often be stimulated again if the attempt is made immediately. An unconscious animal is not likely to bite, so pull it to an open area and make sure the cable is not twisted or kinked at the loop or the release knob. Release the tension on the cable enough to allow an open airway. If the animal does not breathe spontaneously you may be able to start it again with chest compressions or mouth to nose resuscitation (hold the mouth closed and blow full, gentle breaths into the nostrils at a rate of about 1 breath every 3 - 5 seconds, until the animal resumes breathing on its own). If the animal does not respond and does not have a pulse, add chest compressions (to pump blood through the heart).

Any dog or cat that has lost consciousness on the end of a control pole should be examined by a veterinarian, immediately.

A supervisor should be notified immediately anytime an animal dies on a control pole

3.5 ANIMALS AT LARGE

This information is intended to help animal control officers make reasonable decisions regarding issuing citations or the impoundment of animal found at large.

In the text below, most references are made to roaming dog problems, which include reports from the public and incidents witnessed by officers of dogs threatening or attacking people or other animals; creating a traffic hazard, including creating a risk to themselves; damaging public property or he private property of someone other than its owner (i.e. digging in gardens, dumping garbage, defecating, etc). Livestock at large are addresseD at the end of this document.

References made to animal owners include caretakers who have temporary responsibility for the care and control of a specific animal.

In all instances you should address licensing and spay/neuter.

Please note that a supervisor should be contacted if an officer is ever unsure on how to proceed with a citation.

1. Dogs Found Running Loose, Unsupervised:

When a dog is found running loose on public property or the private property of another, without permission, it may be impounded.

If the dog cannot be caught an attempt should be made to follow it home. Once the dog appears to reach its home the officer should attempt to contact the owner. If the owner or caretaker is available they should be notified of the violation and a citation may be issued for dog at large. If a caretaker is not willing to accept responsibility for the dog, including responsibility for confining it, the dog may be impounded. Any time a dog is impounded from a specific property a notice of such must be left. Additionally, if the officer has a reasonable belief that the dog may live at a particular address, a notice of impound must be left.

The officer at their discretion should decide whether or not to issue a citation for animal at large or to cite for failure to license and/or mandatory spay/neuter. It may not be necessary to issue a citation if there is no indication that the animal has caused a problem. It is appropriate to cite if there is a report or history of problems. If a caretaker does not admit responsibility for the dog being loose, it may be more appropriate to cite the owner, when possible.

If a loose dog goes home and the owner or caretaker is not available the officer must decide whether or not to impound the dog. Again, the officer must consider the dog’s actions, the history, as well as the circumstances. In the case of a non-threatening dog that has not caused any significant problem, it may be reasonable to leave the dog alone and leave the owner a notice that the dog was found unconfined, in violation of the animal at large ordinance. Sometimes it will be obvious that the dog got out of a backyard. It may be acceptable to simply return the dog to its confinement (after making a minor modification to prevent another escape) and leave the owner a notice that the dog got loose.

If a loose dog that has reportedly caused a significant problem, such as acting aggressively, (or appears likely to cause such a problem if left unconfined) returns home and no one is available to control it, the officer should make a sincere effort to impound it. If there is a question about whether the dog lives at that address, efforts should be made to impound it. Impoundment may require the help of other officers and equipment. Any time a dog is impounded from a specific property a notice must be left. A HOLD should be placed on the Animal ID in Chameleon with a memo explaining that the animal should not be reclaimed until an officer is contacted. The owner can then be properly advised of the problem and what future incidents may lead to such as the dog being deemed Dangerous if it should bite. The owner may also be issued a citation for the violation(s) at this time.

2. Dogs Found Unconfined on Their Own Property

If a call comes in that a dog is running loose and acting aggressive, but when you arrive on scene it is unconfined on their own property, you need to speak to witnesses to determine if a violation occurred. You should make every attempt to contact the owner. If the owner or caretaker is present, a warning should be given. A citizen arrest ticket can be issued if the reporting party fills out a witness statement and signs a cite. If no one is available to control or confine a dog that has caused or is likely to cause a significant problem, it can be impounded with a signed witness statements indicating the dog was loose. This may require the help of other officers and equipment. Again, an impound notice must be left.

3. Dogs Off-Leash With Their Owners

A dog that is found off-leash with its owner on public property is considered in violation of the leash law (different than dog at large). There are a number of situations, however, that may qualify as exceptions:

• Service dogs at work/training/competition for law enforcement, guide/assistant, or search & rescue

• Dogs at work/training/competition for herding, tracking, obedience, hunting, or other similar purposes.

• Dogs at exercise or play where there are no other restrictions, violations or aggravating circumstances.

4. Dogs Declared “Potentially Dangerous” Or “Dangerous”

Unconfined dogs that have been declared “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous” should be impounded, if at all possible. At the very least, the owner must demonstrate the ability and willingness to securely confine the dog until formal actions can be implemented. A citation is appropriate if the officer witnesses a “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous” dog at large. If the owner is unable or unwilling to securely confine the dog it should be seized and impounded.

When off its own property a dog that has been declared “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous” may be required to be on a strong leash, muzzled and under the complete control of a capable adult. Additional restrictions may be required. Any deviation from imposed requirements may be justification for a citation or impoundment.

5. Contacting Dog Owners

Section 830.9 of the California Penal Code states: “Animal control officers are not peace officers but may exercise the powers of arrest of a peace officer…” This means that if an animal control officer witnesses an animal-related violation, they may contact, detain and cite the person responsible for the violation. SCCAS officers are not obligated or expected to use any physical force to detain a violator. Instead, a peace officer should be called if physical force is needed during a contact with a member of the public. An animal control officer may use physical force to defend against an assault by another person or animal, but is urged to withdraw from situations that are likely to escalate into a physical confrontation before they do.

If a person refuses to comply with a legal detention or to sign a citation a peace officer should be called to assist. Typically, a peace officer will be able to convince the subject to comply and, failing that, may take such a person into custody for refusal to sign a citation.

6. Returning A Stray Dog To The Owner (RTO):

When an officer impounds a loose dog or picks up a confined stray dog and knows who the owner is, they may return the dog directly to the owner. The accepted procedure is to collect the applicable fee for returning the dog in the field and cite for licensing and/or spay/neuter. Officers can also sell a license in lieu of a citation.

The second impound for an intact dogs is a mandatory spay/neuter and the dogs should be impounded and brought to the shelter.

7. Livestock at Large

Loose livestock can pose a significant risk to public safety, usually in the form of a traffic hazard. Loose livestock on a public road is a Priority 1 Call and requires immediate response. You should respond to the scene in an attempt to catch and secure the animal. Once the animal is contained, another officer should bring the animal trailer. If no other officer is available, a peace officer should be called to stand by with the animal while you go and get the trailer.

When livestock are found loose, officers should attempt to physically confine them. Options include finding where they came from and herding them back in to their pen, corral or pasture (if it can be made secure); having a neighbor confine them in a secure place; or impounding them.

3.6 ANIMALS IN VEHICLES

Policy

Typically, animals should not be confined inside vehicles for extended periods. Extreme temperatures can endanger an animal’s health, safety or welfare, thus subjecting an animal to needless suffering. This is a violation of Penal Code 597, Penal Code 597.7 as well as local ordinances.

Procedure

It is important to understand how to handle situations with animals in vehicles.

The decision to remove an animal from an extreme temperature situation is based primarily on the animal’s behavior. Immediate action must be taken if the animal is panting and salivating heavily, weak, dizzy, or vomiting and certainly if the animal is unconscious or unresponsive. Each animal’s reaction to a level of heat is dependent upon species, breed, age and physical condition. Therefore, each case will need to be evaluated on what is known about the animal. Highest risks are short nosed breeds, older animals and overweight animals. The ambient temperature is a factor, but will be affected by other conditions such as if the car is in direct sun or in shade, how long the animal has been in the car, and how much ventilation has been provided.

If the situation is life threatening and the animal is in need of immediate veterinary care:

a) Make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner of the car. Run the license plate number through Netcom for a possible address. Ask people in the area if they know the owner and where the owner may be found. Have nearby stores make a page with the license plate over their intercoms.

b) Have a police officer or sheriff’s deputy respond (or animal control officer if nearby) and attempt to open the vehicle in their presence.

c) Use as little force as possible when entering a vehicle. If a window must be broken, break a wind-wing. If, in the ACO’s opinion, the situation is to critical to wait for police or sheriff, and the animal must be removed from the vehicle immediately, the vehicle must not be left unattended if it cannot be secured. Backup of another ACO or arrival of police or sheriff is required in these situations before the animal can be transported from the scene.

d) The internal temperature of the vehicle must be recorded. Also, be sure to note the following: Which windows, if any, were open and how far? Was any water available and if so, was the container and/or the water warm or hot? If time allows, photograph the car from all sides BEFORE impounding the animal.

e) Touch the dashboard and steering wheel and record if they are hot to the touch. If the car has vinyl seats, are those hot to the touch?

f) Do a pinch test to the animal’s neck for signs of dehydration (If the skin is pinched and does not return to its normal position quickly, this is a sign of dehydration).

g) Note the color of the animal’s gums (red or white). When you press on a healthy animal’s gums, they will turn white and then back to red quickly. Dehydrated animals gums will stay white longer.

h) Take the animals temperature with a rectal thermometer.

i) Once the animal is freed, you should get it into the shade immediately and pour cool (not cold) water on it or use cool towels to gradually lower the body temperature. Give cool water or ice cubes to lick.

j) A notice of seizure must be securely posted on the vehicle.

k) Take the animal to a veterinarian immediately for subcutaneous fluids.

l) This owner can be charged with Penal Code Cruelty or a local statutes regarding safety in a parked vehicle. The vehicles make, model and license plate MUST be placed on the ticket.

1. If the situation is not life threatening:

a) Do not impound the animal.

b) Make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner of the car. Run the license plate number through Netcom for a possible address. Ask people in the area if they know the owner and where the owner may be found. Have nearby stores make a page with the license plate over their intercoms.

c) Leave a notice on the car advising the owner that: “SCCAS does not recommend leaving an animal unattended for extended periods in an enclosed vehicle as it can cause needless suffering to the animal. Please call 454-7303 ext 2 to further discuss this matter.”

d) A return to the location, dependent upon circumstances such as time of day, may be in order to ensure that the animal will not be in jeopardy in the near future. One possible scenario would be a dog in a warm car at 9:00 AM on a potentially hot day. The officer should return in a time frame that is dependent upon temperature, shade, animal type, etc to ensure that the vehicle and dog have been removed. Generally, the officer should return in an hour or less. The dispatcher may also contact the reporting party to verify that the dog has been removed.

Long term maintenance of animals in vehicles:

Often times the ACO will encounter people who exclusively maintain their animals in a vehicle because of various reasons. The ACO should attempt to work with the owner. Suggest boarding the animal at a kenneling facility, maintaining the animal at a friend’s house or some other solution. Educate on the dangers of keeping an animal in a vehicle. Often times the possibility of confiscation will solve the problem. Allow them reasonable time to comply with the understanding that the animal may be confiscated if the animal is found in a life-threatening situation.

3.7 HOW TO COMPLETE A PROTECTIVE CUSTODY RECIEPT

SCCAS officers will follow this procedure when completing a protective custody receipt. The receipt form is designed to inform arrestees, injured persons or persons out of home due to fire of the whereabouts of their animals. It also describes the procedures to get their animals back. SCCAS officers will work to ensure that the form is either given to the owner or is left with their personal effects by giving it to a law enforcement official. Please give the white copy to the owner or law enforcement, and keep the yellow copy for animal care staff.

1. NAME OF OWNER: The animal owners name.

2. ADDRESS/CITY/ZIP/PHONE: The animal owner’s address, city, zip code and phone number.

3. SECONDARY CONTACT/CARETAKER: Name and phone number of someone who can agent reclaim the animal for the owner.

4. POLICE OFFICER: Name of the police officer or fire captain and badge number.

5. DATE / TIME / ANIMAL ID: Date and time of impoundment. Chameleon animal ID number if available. Use the animals name if no Chameleon ID number available.

6. REASON FOR IMPOUNDMENT: The reason the animal is being impounded, i.e. owner arrested; owner in accident and taken to hospital; house fire and owner has no place to keep dog right now.

7. LOCATION OF IMPOUNDMENT: Exact address if available, if not then street with a cross street.

8. DESCRIPTION OF ANIMAL: Complete description of the animal along with name if it can be obtained.

9. DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE / PLATE #: Description of vehicle and plate number of animal owner (if necessary).

10. ANIMAL RECEIVED BY: Your name and badge number.

11. WITNESSED BY: Signature and badge number of official on scene.

12. CASE #: Police or fire case number

13. DATE OF BIRTH: Date of birth of animal owner.

14. DRIVERS LICENSE #: Drivers license number of animal owner.

When entering the animal and owner info into Chameleon please make a note as to whom you gave the Protective Custody receipt to and if they know when the owner will be available to pickup the animal. In addition, please include the owners name, address, police case number, date of birth, drivers license and any other pertinent information. The following are examples:

“Paul Strum was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office, and they believe he will be out in the morning. I provided the PC form to Deputy Strickland (Badge #256) and he stated he would forward it to the jail. Paul’s address is listed as 115 Coral Street, Santa Cruz. His DL # is D434543 and his date of birth is July 7, 1976. This is Sheriff case # 06-09567.”

“Richard Boulerice was taken to the hospital this morning and the paramedics are unsure when he will be out. I gave Richard the PC form and explained to him how to reclaim his dog. Richard’s address is listed as 2766 Willow brook Lane in Aptos. His DL # is A212323 and his date of birth is January 6, 1954. There was no case number available.”

“Amelia Chapman’s house was destroyed by a fire this morning and she was taken to the hospital. I provided the PC form to Captain Sharp of the Santa Cruz Police Department (Badge #876). Amelia’s address is 24 Pond Street in Santa Cruz. I was unable to obtain a DL # or date of birth. This is SC Police case # 06-098987. Per Amelia her brother, George Holland, can act as an agent reclaim.”

3.8 WITNESS STATEMENTS

SCCAS staff will provide witness statements to citizens who have reported or witnessed animal control violations or animal cruelty. The statements will be mailed or faxed to the reporting party or distributed by staff in the field. The form is also available on our website.

Staff should urge the reporting party to complete the statement as soon as possible while the account of the violation is fresh. Staff should encourage the reporting party to fax, mail or deliver the statement to our office if at all possible. In some cases, when approved by the Field Services Manager, field staff may be dispatched to collect the statement. Staff may send multiple copies to a reporting party for distribution to other neighbors as well.

The statements will aid SCCAS in making the community aware that we are here to protect them from dangerous animals and to protect animals from dangerous people. Staff will make the community understand that we want to assist them and the animals, but we will need their help. Without their assistance, it is often difficult to build a strong case and solve the problem. If s/he is hesitant to complete the statement for fear of reprisal from the animal owner, staff should encourage, but never force, the individual to complete them.

Staff will not guarantee that reporting party information will remain confidential. The reporting party should be advised that many of our records are considered public and can be requested. Also, if an action is taken by SCCAS against the animal owner, we may ask the reporting party to testify at a hearing or in court where her/his identity will be known to all present.

For example, in the case of a roaming potentially dangerous dog, it is often very difficult for officers to observe the dog loose. We may need to rely on reporting party statements and a willingness to testify at a hearing, if need be, in order to solve the matter.

After receiving a completed witness statement, a memo will be put in under the activity number and person id that states it was received. It should also be date and time stamped. The statement will then be filed in the appropriate SCCAS filing cabinet.

3.9 THIRD PARTY CITATIONS (CITIZENS ARREST)

In order for a third party citation to be issued, probable cause must be established that a crime was committed. The best and most appropriate way for this to occur is to have photographic or video documentation of the alleged crime.

Taking a photograph or video of the alleged crime is not always possible however, and so is not required. In cases of a person claiming a dog acted threatening or aggressively (ie: chased them into their house) a photo or video would be next to impossible to take. In these cases it is EXTREMELY important that the reporting party fill out the witness statement with as much information as possible. The best way to get this documentation is to ask the reporting party to “tell a story in writing” as if they were explaining the situation person. DETAIL DETAIL DETAIL.

Example: Wrong: Dog was very aggressive and I was scared

Correct: On Saturday the 12th of November of 2007 I returned home from shopping. While I was unloading bags of groceries from my car I noticed the neighbors dog (Patches) walking up my driveway. I am familiar with this dog because it has chased my children and I in the past. I put the groceries back in my car and started walking towards the front door of my house. As I was walking towards the house I heard patches start to growl. I turned around and the dog was running towards me with her teeth showing and she was growling. I began running to the front door and was luckily able to get inside and was not bit. I looked out the window and Patches was on my front porch barking. I called 911 and the Sheriff and Animal Control Responded.

In cases of chronic running at large complaints or chronic defecation complaints, it is extremely appropriate to ask the reporting party to attempt to take a photo or video prior to issuing a citizen arrest ticket. You can explain to the reporting party that if they issue a citation without a photo or video, it is a “he said she said” situation in court and the animal owner may be found not guilty.

In cases of a human bite or an animal attacked by a dog, photographs are very important. It is also important to have an animal control officer examine the human bite wound or the injured/dead animals body.

3.10 SMALL ANIMAL HANDLING

Animal control officers and animal care specialists at the SCCASA are required to be able to handle many types of small animals. In the field, ACOs must safely rescue, capture, restrain and euthanize a variety of small animals, many of which are difficult to handle because they are inured, aggressive, unsocialized, or wild. These situations can present all kinds of challenges, and the following is designed to give you the tools and skills to effectively and humanely do your job: to help the animals and protect the public.

Remember, when handling any animal, your first priority should be your safety. You won’t be able to help any animal if you injure yourself. Also a priority is the public’s safety – anytime there are other people around. You are responsible for preventing the animal(s) from harming them. Your goal when handling animals should be to cause them as little additional trauma as possible. With an injured or sick animal, it can be crucial to stabilize it to avoid worsening its condition. Wild or unsocialized animals should be handled minimally since being around people is stressful to them. Euthanasia of any animal should be performed quickly and humanely so the animal doesn’t suffer unnecessary trauma.

DOMESTIC ANIMALS

CATS

Cats are domestic animals, but they can be separated into two categories: social and feral. There are also degrees of socialization – some cats are handle able (meaning they can be safely vaccinated and humanely kenneled) while others are fractious and should be handled like wild animals.

The basic techniques for handling cats can be applied to most small mammals. If the cat is handle able – meaning it is social or it is somehow sedated or incapacitated as to calm it down – can be picked up under the front legs and cradled close to the body so that the animal can be humanely and properly controlled.

Animals that pose more of a safety risk (fractious cats and wildlife) can often be scruffed (firmly grasping the loose skin behind its neck) with one hand and supporting its body with the other hand.

A towel can also be used to protect yourself from bites and scratches. To towel a cat, you should approach the cat with the towel covering your hand and arm for protection, then scruff the cat through the towel, cover the cats head, and wrap the rest of the towel around its body. This will protect you from scratches, and having its head covered will generally calm the animal. A towel can also be wrapped tightly around the cat’s body to restrain it in order to examine or treat it.

Very fractious cats and wildlife that cannot be safely picked up with a towel should be captured with a net. Towels and nets are probably the most useful tools for safely handling potentially dangerous small animals. Nets are also useful in restraining fractious animals in order to closely examine or euthanize them.

Every time you use a net on fractious animal you should check the net for holes before and after use as tears could result from the handling of the animal. Any tears, no matter how small should be repaired before the net is used.

The basic technique for catching a cat with a net is:

1) Place the net over the cat

2) Pull the net toward you, forcing the cat into the pocket of the net

3) Pick up the net, trapping the cat in the pocket

4) Transfer the cat into a cage or restrain for treatment by folding the net over the animal to hold it down.

Another option is to place the net over the animal to hold it down, then use a towel to scruff it and remove it from the net (assuming it is handle able).

Thick gloves also offer some protection against cat bites and scratches. However, gloves that are thick enough to give you any real protection are often so bulky, they make it hard to keep a good grip on an uncooperative cat. Gloves are very useful for handling some wild animals (such as birds of prey), but with cats, a towel serves the same purpose and allows you more control of the animal – it’s hard to scruff a cat with thick gloves on, and almost any cat can bite through them if it is really determined. Gloves do offer protection from scratches, and are particularly good for latching cages that contain feral cats with sharp claws.

Cat tongs are another available tool – there function is as a longer “hand” on a pole, and they could be used to scruff a cat to extract it from a hard-to-reach place like a tree. Generally a net will work much better for the purpose because it gives you much better control of the animal.

A control pole should ONLY be used on a cat as a last resort, if the extra reach of the pole is needed – such as a cat that has fallen into a deep hole. If you have to use the control pole on a cat, hook the loop around the cat’s neck AND a front leg so that the cats weight is supported by the shoulder, not the neck. Have a towel or cage ready for the cat – do NOT transport it on the pole.

Once a cat has been captured, it needs to be placed into an appropriate container to transport it. Wire cages are good for containing most cats including fractious and escape oriented cats. All cages must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Cardboard cat boxes are good for transporting cats, but should only be used if no clean wire cages are available, since the boxes cannot be disinfected and cannot be reused on another animal.

We often respond to pick up cats in traps, which are usually feral. Any cat in a trap is likely to be stressed from being trapped and should be handled with caution. When transferring a cat from a trap into a cage, you should first attempt to bring the trap and cage into an enclosed area, in case the cat escapes while being transferred. For traps with a guillotine-style door:

1) Set the trap down so that the door end of the trap is flush against the door of a large end-loading cage. The end of either the trap or the cage should be against something stationary like a wall, and you should prop your foot behind the other end of either the cage or the trap; this will prevent the trap and cage from moving when the cat moves, which could allow the cat to escape.

2) Then, carefully lift up the doors of both the trap and the cage and let the cat go from the trap into the cage. Cats can be stubborn (especially if they are fearful), so you may need to convince it to move into the cage – this can be accomplished by blowing on the cat or by gently poking it with a covered pen (no sharp or pointy objects). DO NOT USE YOUR FINGER! It also helps to cover the cage with a towel; the cat will usually prefer to be where it is darker. Once the cat us in the cage, replace the cage door and latch it securely.

For traps which do not have a guillotine door, step 2) requires you to manually open the spring-loaded door of the trap (VERY CAREFULLY) and set it next to the open door of the cage; the rest is the same.

DOGS

For most dogs, regardless of size, a soothing voice, dog biscuits and a leash are all that are required to capture them. Do keep in mind that all dogs should be approached cautiously and body language read as discussed in Aggressive Dog Handling and Control Pole Use.

SMALL DOGS

Dogs less than 25-30 pounds can be handled in much the same way as cats or other small mammals. If the dog is friendly and social, it can usually be controlled with a leash and a dog biscuit. However, if a small dog is aggressive or unsocialized or simply not leash-trained, a leash will not work. Small dogs that are unsafe or difficult to approach may be captured with a net, using the same techniques as with cats. A towel is a greater tool for handling an uncooperative small dog – wrap the dog in a towel, making sure to cover its head so it can’t bite you, then pick it up and carry it.

Small dogs that are likely to bite (out of aggression or pain) should be muzzled when handling them. Tying a nylon leash around the dogs muzzle and under its ears can make a quick temporary muzzle. The muzzle should not be left on any longer than necessary, especially if the dog is being transported in the vehicle – if the dog becomes carsick it could vomit and choke, or if the dog is stressed it could quickly overheat if unable to open its mouth to pant.

Injured small dogs should be wrapped in a blanket or towel and placed gently into a cage or kennel. A stretcher does not work well to restrain small dogs; if you put a small dog on a stretcher, wrap the dog tightly in a blanket first to restrain it.

The control pole is usually not necessary for small dogs. If you are unable to catch the dog with a net or snappy snare or if the dog is in an inaccessible place, the control pole can be used, but with caution. A small dog is more likely to injure itself on a control pole because of its size, so the pole should only be used to restrain the dog until you can get a towel or blanket around the dog and pick it up. If you have to use a control pole on a small dog, try to get the loop under a front leg as well as the dog’s neck, to avoid choking the dog.

RABBITS AND RODENTS

The best way to handle smaller domestic mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats is with gloves and a towel. You may need to use a net to catch a loose rabbit, but it should be immediately removed from the net with a towel, since rabbits tend to panic and can seriously injure themselves by thrashing around in a net. Rodents can be challenging to restrain because they tend to squirm, so it’s best to wrap the animal firmly in a towel and transfer it to a cardboard box or a cage as quickly as possible. And remember, domestic rodents tend to bite.

BIRDS AND FOWL

We occasionally encounter pet birds such as parakeets, cockatiels and parrots. These birds are somewhat fragile and should be handled very gently using a lightweight towel, then placed in a cardboard box for transport. When restraining a bird, you should hold it around its wings and body; this will keep it immobilized and prevent it from thrashing and flapping.

Fowl such as chickens, ducks and geese should also be handled with a towel or blanket, making sure to restrain their wings as well as their feet. You can use a net to catch fowl, but the animal should be quickly removed from the net with a towel because it can easily entangle itself in the net. Roosters, especially fighting cocks, tend to be aggressive and should be handled using heavy gloves.

REPTILES

The most common reptiles that we see are iguanas, pet snakes and turtles. Iguanas can at times be quite aggressive if they have not been properly socialized, and should be handled using gloves and a towel or blanket. They have sharp claws and teeth, and can whip their tails around. The best way to restrain an iguana is to put a towel over it, grab its front legs with one hand and its back legs with the other, and keep its head covered. It should be ideally transported in a cage or airline crate large enough to comfortably fit its long tail. Iguanas can be captured using a net, but just as with birds, they should be quickly removed from the net to avoid entanglement.

Pet snakes can range in size from 1 foot to as many as 10 feet for a large python. These snakes are not venomous, but they may strike and bite if they are hungry, unsocialized or feel threatened. Almost any size snake can be captured using the snake tongs. Using the tongs, grasp the snake firmly just behind the head. It’s important to keep a firm grip because snakes will usually squirm around and can be difficult to hold. If it is a large snake you will need to support the rest of its body with your free hand. Snakes can be transported in a coffee can or plastic airtight container (with holes punched in the lid), or a securely knotted pillowcase, as they can squeeze through amazingly small holes, so don’t take any chances containing them.

Note: Reptiles, particularly turtles, can carry salmonella bacteria, so you should always wash your hands after handling them. It’s wise to wash your hands after handling any animal, since they can carry various parasites, fungi, diseases, and other undesirable things such as poison oak oil. Wearing latex gloves when handling animals will prevent contamination from most of these things.

WILDLIFE

Most of the wildlife we encounter in the field are injured, sick or distressed. Occasionally we will remove a healthy wild animal from someone’s home or rescue it from a dangerous situation, but we do not pick up nuisance wildlife. Our area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, most of which can be safely handled using a towel or net and the techniques described for domestic animals.

When taking a report of distressed wild animal, we encourage the reporting party to contain it in some way if they feel safe doing so – usually by putting the animal in a box or putting a container upside down over the animal. The purpose of this is 1) it ensures that the animal will be safe and in one place when we arrive (and thus easier to capture), and 2) it establishes that the animal is badly injured or sick enough to be approachable.

Wildlife can be dispositioned for euthanasia by ACOs and euthanized in the field, which is often more humane than subjecting the animal to the stress of being captured and transported to the shelter. Following are some guidelines for handling the most commonly encountered wildlife.

BIRDS

The easiest way to capture a wild bird is to throw a towel over it and lift it into a cardboard box. Make sure the bird’s eyes and beak are fully covered by the towel, and lift the bird by placing both hands around the back, holding down the wings. If you can’t get close enough to throw a towel over the bird, you can use a net to capture it, but as with domestic birds, be sure to remove it from the net right away so it doesn’t get tangled. Small birds such as songbirds should be handled very gently and transported in a smaller cardboard shoebox.

Birds of prey (raptors) such as hawks and owls should be handled with extra caution, because their talons and beaks are dangerous. Always use thick leather gloves and be sure to cover their head and eyes, as this will often immobilize them. You may also want to give them something like a rolled up towel to hold in their claws, and lift them from behind. Most raptors are endangered species should NOT be euthanized in the field.

Some birds such as cormorants have very sharp beaks, and will go for your eyes, so never put your face close to a box to look at a bird and, when carrying the bird, be sure to keep it away from your body and face.

Some birds such as pelicans are too big to fit in a box. Pelicans and some other birds can carry lice, which are not the type that will permanently infest humans, but they are still not pleasant. You should always carry a wild bird in a blanket or towel, and wash your hands after handling it or any other wild animal.

OPOSSUMS

Opossums are generally non-threatening, slow-moving animals. Their defense mechanism is to pretend to be dead (“playing possum”), so otherwise healthy, scared opossums are often mistakenly reported as injured or sick. They are marsupials, and can have more than one litter of young at a time – some inside the pouch and some outside. Dead opossums should be checked for babies in the pouch, especially in spring and summer (using latex gloves of course!). The best way to handle an opossum is with heavy gloves and a net. Ideally the net should be used to guide the animal into a transport cage.

RACCOONS

Unlike opossums, raccoons can be quite aggressive and should be handled with more caution. The best way to capture a raccoon is to net it and put it in a transport cage. A control pole can be used if necessary, but make sure the loop is around a front leg as well as the neck, to prevent further injury. Raccoons have very agile hands which can push a control pole away, grab onto a net, or even push open cages and traps, so they can be challenging to handle.

SKUNKS

The most obvious concern in dealing with skunks is the smell. Skunk spray is oil-based, so a wet towel or sheet creates an effective barrier. If you have to approach a skunk, wet down a large towel or sheet and hold it between you and the skunk like a shield. Approach slowly and try not to startle the skunk – turn down your radio and put keys in your pocket so they don’t make too much noise. Skunks signal their intent to spray by lifting their tail and thumping their feet, so it is a sign to slow your approach. Once you cover the skunk with the wet towel, you can safely approach it without being sprayed. Remember, skunk spray is very hard to get out of leather and rubber, so you may want to remove your leather gear when handling a skunk, and avoid using a control pole on a skunk because of the rubber grips.

SNAKES & RATTLESNAKES

Wild snakes should be captured using the snake tongs – see the explanation for domestic snakes. Rattlesnakes are the most common poisonous snake that we will handle, and should be handled with extreme caution. Typically it is best to transport them in a coffee can. To put a rattlesnake into a can, first hold the snake down in the bottom of the can with the tongs. Place the lid on the can, keeping the lid between your hand and the snake. Put you foot on the lid and then release the tongs, sliding them out of the can as you push down with your foot. Be sure to secure the lid.

BATS

Bats are often rabies carriers and should be handled with caution. Be very careful when handling bats as they have very small teeth and you could be bitten and you may not notice. You should always wear heavy gloves or use a towel when handling bats, or better yet, use a shoebox to scoop the bat up so you don’t have to touch it.

OTHER WILDLIFE

Coyotes and foxes, as well as skunks, raccoons and opossums, carry distemper, so you should always take precautions when handling them to minimize the spread of disease. Foxes and smaller coyotes can be handled best with a net, while you may need to use a control pole to handle larger coyotes. Remember, any mammal can carry rabies, so you should always be very careful to avoid being bitten. Rodents and squirrels should be handled the same as domestic rodents. When in doubt, a net and/or towel are always useful tools and can be used to successfully and safely handle most small animals.

3.11 Use of Radio Communications

All officers will be assigned an Animal Shelter radio call sign. This call sign will be started with a G and end with a number. The number will coincide with the officers badge number.

The Animal Shelter Dispatch call sign is “Control 6.” The Netcom call sign is either “Control 1” or “Netcom.”

Officers will use the term “906” when they arrive on scene and “909” when they depart the scene. Officers should alert the dispatcher to the scene safety by calling “Code 4” when they know the scene is secure.

If the officer has not radioed to the dispatcher after being on scene for five minutes, the dispatcher will status check the officer. The officer should report as “Code 4” if the scene is safe and secure. The officer can request police or sheriff cover as either “Code 2” non lights and sirens or “Code 3” lights and sirens.

Officers will limit their use of the radio to only essential information to ensure the channel remains open for priority traffic. Basic result codes can be found in Chameleon and are routinely added and deleted.

3.12 Emergency Operations Procedure

POLICY

It is the policy of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to protect animal and public health and safety by providing personnel, expertise, and/or supervision during any incident which requires the evacuation and/or temporary housing of animals as a result of an earthquake, flood, fire, storm, or other emergency. The safety of human life is paramount. No Department member is to endanger any person in an attempt to rescue an animal.

GENERAL PROCEDURE

Notification

A. Upon notification of a local emergency requiring Department response, the dispatcher on duty shall ensure that the phone tree system is activated. If after hours, the on call animal control officer will activate the phone tree.

B. Off-duty personnel may be placed on standby status or required to report for duty, and on-duty personnel will remain on duty until properly relieved or instructed otherwise.

C. If the particular incident involves the evacuation of large animals, supervisory staff should request assistance from the Santa Cruz County Equine Evacuation Team.

D. If the scope of the particular incident is such that Department staffing and/or resources may be inadequate, supervisory staff should request mutual aid from other local animal control agencies.

Management of Resources

A. During an emergency incident, the Department, in accordance with the Santa Cruz County Emergency Plan, has primary responsibility for the disposition of animals.

B. As a general rule, Department staff are not to report to an emergency incident scene without authorization from supervisory staff. Responding personnel should first report to the Live Oak Animal Shelter for assignment.

C. The ranking Department member on scene should determine, with the approval of the incident command staff, one or more staging locations for Department and other support staff, equipment, and vehicles. One or more locations (nearby, if possible) for the temporary housing of any impounded animals should also be determined.

D. If the particular incident involves the evacuation of large animals, Department staff should bring or request appropriate large animal handling equipment (i.e., gloves, halters, lead ropes, lariats, etc.) and any necessary identification equipment or supplies.

E. During an emergency, peace officers or other public safety providers may close an area to unauthorized persons (Penal Code Section 409.5[a]). Department personnel should not enter or remain in any closed area without such authorization as well as supervisory direction or approval. (Duly authorized representatives of any news service, newspaper, radio, or television station/network may enter such closed areas [Penal Code Section 409.5(d)].)

F. In general, assignment of personnel at an emergency incident should be limited to normal or extended shifts up to twelve (12) hours. Supervisory staff assigning any employee to an extended shift should inform the employee's immediate family, by telephone, of the assignment.

Communications

A. Responding staff should maintain communications with team members, supervisory personnel, and dispatch. The Field Services Manager should maintain communication with animal control officers and dispatch. Field communication during an emergency incident is critical and, if lost or inaudible, affected staff shall retreat to a safe area until communications are re-established.

B. The Field Services Manager should maintain communications with animal control staff, dispatch, the incident command staff or liaison officer and the Department member staffing the Emergency Operations Center (EOC, if applicable).

C. Personnel should limit unit-to-unit radio transmissions to brief periods.

Situation Status Reporting

A. The Field Services Manager and/or ranking animal control officer on scene or at the incident command center is responsible for keeping informed of the situation. Such information should normally include:

Location and approximate acreage of affected area;

Evacuated area(s);

Known or suspected cause(s) of incident;

Human injuries/fatalities;

Extent of damage;

Animal injuries/fatalities;

Incident status and, if applicable, current weather conditions and forecast;

Next scheduled briefing by incident command staff;

Animal evacuations/impoundments and holding areas;

Best access route(s);

Department personnel/vehicles assigned;

Additional resources needed;

Department relief personnel/vehicles designated;

Record Keeping

A. Department staff should maintain a log of events and activities, including date, time, location, type of activity, vehicle mileage, any equipment lost or damaged, and other pertinent information.

B. Impoundment records, as well as any owner information should be maintained. As a general rule, holding periods for animals impounded from an emergency incident scene shall be a minimum of five (5) days. If owner information is known, the holding period is eight (8) days.

C. A Notice of Impound should be left where the animal was removed in accordance with Agency Policy.

Medical Considerations

A. All injuries/illnesses should immediately be reported to a supervisor. At an emergency incident, even minor injuries/illnesses can have serious consequences. The name, address, and phone number of any witnesses to an injury should be recorded.

B. Employees should advise their supervisor of any known pre-existing medical condition or medication they are taking which may affect the safety of any person.

C. It is recommended that animal control staff and supervisory personnel have current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training provided by an approved agency.

Special Considerations

Consideration should be given to the location and security of any "Dangerous Dogs", public nuisance animals, "Protection dogs", licensed kennels, or other known animal care or training facilities which may be in the vicinity of an emergency incident. Appropriate public safety providers should be notified of the location of such "Dangerous Dogs" and "Protection dogs".

Post-Incident Activities

A. The Field Services Manager should ensure that all staff involved with an emergency incident are debriefed.

B. Supervisory staff should inventory all officer issued and Department emergency incident equipment. Damaged or lost items should be repaired or replaced.

C. The Field Services Manager should consider contacting other emergency organizations involved in an incident to obtain their remarks concerning the effectiveness of the Department's response.

3.13 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

POLICY

It is the policy of this Department to fully comply with applicable duties imposed by the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (as contained in Part 4, Title 1, Chapter 2, Article 2.5. of the California Penal Code, Section 11164 et seq.) which is intended to protect children from abuse.

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Among several mandatory requirements, the law establishes a duty for any animal control officer, as defined, (after specified training) “who has knowledge of or observes a child in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, (to) report the known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect to a child protective agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone and (to) prepare and send a written report thereof within thirty-six (36) hours of receiving the information concerning the incident.” Therefore, this duty is to report - not to investigate such situations. Investigation of known or suspected child abuse or neglect is the responsibility of child protective agencies.

FALSE OR RECKLESS REPORTS

Persons required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect are immune from liability for any required or authorized report. However, no Department member shall make a report of child abuse or neglect known to be false or with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the report.

3.14 ELDER AND DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

POLICY

It is the policy of this Department to fully comply with applicable duties imposed by the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (as contained in Division 9, Part 3, Chapter 11, Articles 1-11, Section 11560 et seq.) which is intended to protect elders and dependent adults from abuse.

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Among several mandatory requirements, the law establishes a duty for any animal control officer, as defined, (after specified training) “who, in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment, has observed or has knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be physical abuse, abandonment, abduction, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or is told by an elder or dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior, including an act or omission, constituting physical abuse, abandonment, abduction, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or reasonably suspects that abuse, shall report the known or suspected instance of abuse by telephone immediately or as soon as practicably possible, and by written report sent within two working days. Therefore, this duty is to report - not to investigate such situations. Investigation of known or suspected elder or dependent adult abuse is the responsibility of adult protective services agencies.

FALSE OR RECKLESS REPORTS

Persons required to report known or suspected elder or dependent adult abuse are immune from liability for any required or authorized report. However, no Department member shall make a report of elder or dependent adult abuse known to be false or with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the report.

26 USE OF ANIMAL SHELTER VEHICLES

DRIVING AN ANIMAL SHELTER VEHICLE

Any staff member who is going to drive an Animal Shelter vehicle must supply their drivers license and proof of car insurance. Staff cannot operate an Animal Shelter vehicle without supplying this information

VEHICLE ASSIGMENT

Officers shall be assigned a primary animal control truck that they are responsible for. As part of this responsibility, the officer shall maintain the vehicle fully stocked with animal care and control equipment as outlined on the Agency Vehicle Supply Sheet. Officers are also responsible for ensuring the vehicle obtains routine vehicle maintenance, including oil changes. Any mechanical deficiencies should be reported to the Field Services Manager immediately. VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT IN A SAFE OPERATING CONDITION SHALL NOT BE DRIVEN.

SEAT BELTS

All drivers and passengers shall wear properly fastened seat belts when operating or riding in County vehicles.

VEHICLE APPEARANCE

The responsibility for the appearance of a vehicle rests directly with the employee to whom the vehicle is assigned. All vehicles shall be clean and presentable inside and out at all times.

FUEL

Department vehicles are subject to use at all hours of the day and night. It shall be the duty of all employees to leave the vehicles with a minimum of one-half (1/2) tank of fuel at the conclusion of a shift or assignment.

MILEAGE RECORD KEEPING

It is the responsibility of the driver of a Animal Shelter vehicle to record the mileage driven and report it to the Animal Shelter Dispatcher.

3.16 RETURN OF ANIMALS IMPOUNDED IN THE FIELD

An identified impounded animal is any impounded animal identified by a license or other means, or any other animal whose owner is present at the scene and identifies himself/herself as the owner.

Immediately following the impoundment of an identified animal, the officer should contact the dispatcher to determine the number and nature of any prior offenses and, if necessary, to ascertain owner information, license status, and/or verification of the animal description.

Except as otherwise provided below, if the owner of an identified impounded animal is present at the scene or resides reasonably close to the place of impoundment (and the officer does not have any pending priority assignments), the impounding officer should immediately return the animal to its owner if he or she provides satisfactory evidence of personal identification, pays redemption fees and receives a citation for mandatory altering and licensing (if applicable).

An identified impounded animal should be transported to the shelter if:

The animal was found or reported to be at large in violation of law within the past one year period;

The animal has reportedly injured or harassed a person or other animal, or damaged property;

The animal has reportedly bitten a person and isolation of the animal is required;

The animal has been declared to be a "Dangerous Dog" or a public nuisance animal, or the officer believes that the animal will be the subject of such administrative proceedings;

The officer determines that restraint or public protection offenses would likely continue or resume, or that the release of the animal would endanger the health or safety of the animal or present an unreasonable risk of harm to persons, property, or other animals, or;

Ownership of the animal has not been satisfactorily established

3.17 IMPOUNDMENT OF LARGE ANIMALS

If the Animal Shelter receives a call regarding loose livestock, an officer should be dispatched to the scene in an attempt to contain the animals. Depending on the proximity to roadways, local law enforcement or CHP should also be dispatched.

If the Animal Shelter receives a call regarding contained livestock, the dispatcher should attempt to locate the owner using the Agency livestock owner form. If no owner can be located, an officer should be dispatched to the scene in an attempt to locate an owner by knocking on surrounding properties.

If no owner can be found the reporting party should be asked if they can keep the animal contained on their property. If they are unable to do so, an Animal Shelter officer should respond with the livestock trailer to pickup.

If the livestock animal is a bovine, the brand inspector should be contacted in an attempt to locate the owner.

If the animal has serious injuries or medical conditions which require emergency treatment the following should be followed:

1. The officer should determine whether the place and manner in which the animal is located presents an unreasonable risk of harm and, if so, whether the animal can be safely moved. If the animal should, but cannot, be safely moved, the officer should determine whether traffic control or other assistance is necessary.

2. If the owner is not at the scene, the officer should determine whether owner information is known or obtainable and whether the owner can respond to the scene or be reached by phone. If the owner is available, he or she should be advised to contact a veterinarian.

3. If the owner is not available, the officer should contact the owner's veterinarian, if known, or the nearest available large animal veterinarian and determine his/her E.T.A. to the scene for emergency treatment.

18. RETURNING ANIMALS TO OWNERS FROM SCVH

The morning shift officer shall contact Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital (SCVH) at the start of their shift to determine if there are any animals for pickup. If they have an animal for pickup, the officer shall create an Animal ID and Kennel Record. The officer shall put a required note on the animal that it has fees at SCVH.

If SCVH reports that the animal has an owner, the animal can only be released directly to the owner if all of the following are accurate:

1. Animal has never been picked up or impounded by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter:

2. Animal is spayed/neutered:

3. Animal owner has no previous animal control history.

If the above three requirements are accurate, the animal can be directly returned to the owner from SCVH. A “license required” postcard shall be mailed if the animal is a dog and has no current license.

3.19 VET CARE AGREEMENTS

Vet care agreements can be a valuable tool for the Animal Shelter to ensure an animal that is sick or injured receives veterinary care in a timely fashion. Based on California law, however, a vet care agreement can only be legally enforced if the animal is in “pain and suffering” and the veterinary care is not provided.

If an animal is in a life threatening emergency, an immediate veterinary care agreement should be issued, along with a 48 hour Notice of Intent to Seize. Failure of the owner to take the animal to a veterinarian immediately could result in seizure after the 48 hour time period.

If the Shelter Veterinarian determines an animal needs immediate veterinary care or veterinary care within 48 hours after reclaim due to pain and suffering, the veterinary care agreement and 48 hour Notice of Intent to Seize should be issued upon reclaim.

In cases where immediate veterinary care is not required, but an animal is in pain and suffering, the officer should issue a vet care agreement with a length of time based on their training and experience.

In cases where veterinary care should be provided, but failure to do so won’t cause pain and suffering, there is little recourse if the owner does not comply.

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