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Animal Services News
August 17, 2016
SHELTER STATS YTD (Jan 1 – June 30)
Intake comparison of 2015 and 2016
o Total intakes are down by 1.36% (1450 v. 1430)
o Total intakes for cats and dogs is down by 8% (1369 v. 1259)
Total comparisons of 2015 and 2016
o Live release rate increased by 22% (62 % v. 81%)
o Euthanasia is down by 53% (422 v. 199)
Specific outcomes comparison for 2015 and 2016
o Adoptions decreased by 8% (670 v. 618)
o Transfers increased by 444% (46 v. 250)
o Returns increased by 27% (183 v. 233)
Monthly live release rates for 2016
o They have ranged from 86% to 131%
o All but the month of June have been above 90%
o July’s rate was 97%
CLEAR THE SHELTERS
Animal Services adopted 70 animals as part of the first Triangle area Clear the Shelters
event sponsored by NBC and the Humane Society of the United States
As a result of WRAL’s active involvement and extensive coverage, there was a lot of
awareness, a high number of advance adoptions, and a very robust turnout
The event went off without complications at OCAS and two staff (Andi Morgan and
Jasmine Johnson) were an important part of the event steering committee
There is already much excitement about the 2017 Clear the Shelters event and high
hope of topping the 900-plus adoptions done this year.
CONTINUING EFFORTS WITH COALITION TO UNCHAIN DOGS
Around 20 people attended the August 9 workshop about the Coalition to Unchain
Dogs featuring Amanda Arrington and Lori Hensely
Ms. Hensley will be meeting with individuals who may become involved with the
Orange County Chapter of the Coalition
The immediate goal is to ensure an adequate fence building capacity for individuals
who are referred by Animal Services
Other longer term goals were discussed on the basis of the work being done by the
Coalition in Durham County including
o Promoting spaying and neutering for dogs (and cats, too)
o Assisting with fees for animal recoveries and rental deposits
o Assisting with shelter and medical care
ODDS & ENDS
Discussion is underway with members of the Orange County Arts Commission about
public art for the Animal Services Center
Animal Services News
August 17, 2016
Page 2
o One possibility is a piece near the adoption entrance
o Another possibility is a piece in front toward the east end of the property
o Moving Sit and Stay to a more prominent place has also been discussed.
Radio communication by Animal Control is going live this week
o Not only daytime dispatching but after-hour contact with Communications
o Assures officer safety and more effective and efficient service
o Longer run goals include becoming part of an interoperable county radio
system
Animal Services emergency generator
o Part of the approved CIP budget
o Expected installation is late winter or early spring
STAFFING & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Vacancies
o Drew Brinkley resigned his position effective August 5 to become the first
Director of Guilford County Animal Services
o We will review this position prior to recruiting and we are also in the process of
reclassifying a veterinary health care position as a “lead” position
o We have two new permanent Animal Care Technicians (Tiani Schifano and
Corey Parker); a new seasonal Animal Technician (Casey O’Neal); and a new
Animal Control Officer (Joseph Schwartz)
Training and Development
o Amanda Arrington, Pets for Life Director, HSUS, Lori Hensley, Director of
Coalition to Unchain Dogs, and Lieutenant Tim Deck of Durham Animal Services
provided a staff workshop on new trends in animal service and animal welfare
o Recently, our Training & Lead Animal Control Officer and another officer
attended Sheltering 201 for Animal Control Officers offered by the North
Carolina Animal Federation
o All staff continue to be engaged in a process of team building and staff and
organizational development (FISH Philosophy)
CURRENT & COMING EVENTS
We had a flash Black Cat Adoption Special today (Wednesday, August 17)
Our annual Back to School Adoption Special is running for the month of August
Our 12th Annual Dog Swim, cosponsored with Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, is
scheduled for Saturday, September 10th (time tbd)
Our next low cost Microchip & Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held from 3 to 5 pm,
Thursday, August 18 at the Animal Services Center
Prepared by Bob Marotto,
Animal Services Director