HomeMy WebLinkAboutAbused and Neglected Surrenders ASAB Version 01 18 2018
Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals:
A. Intentional Harm or Gross Negligence amounting to intent
a. Neglect identified by one or more of the following:
i. Obviously emaciated (based upon a score on an accepted measure of
body condition)
ii. Clear neglect of obvious illness, infection, disease or injury including
severe parasitism and failing teeth
iii. Inadequate care for mothers with puppies or being bred
iv. Fur matting to the skin or embedded collar
b. Intentional harm identified by one or more of the following
i. Visible signs of physical abuse, broken bones, or other inhumane acts
(e,g. cigarette burns),
ii. Suspected use in animal fighting or as a bait dog for training for fighting
iii. Traumatic injuries including sexual abuse as well as the above
These incidents should lead to a finding by Animal Services of Intentional Harm or Gross
Negligence and may well result in legal action, including referral to the District Attorney DA for
prosecution, the person being put on a permanent ‘do not adopt’’ list, and his/her information
shared with other shelters in the area, and on a FYI basis with surrounding counties’ Animal
Services.
Individuals falling in this category will be notified of the finding, and will be given an opportunity
to appeal the finding of Intentional] Harm or Gross Negligence to the Hearing Panel.
B. Unintentional harm or common negligence
1. A significant lapse of vaccinations (i.e., greater than 6 months) or absence of
vaccinations.
2. Overgrown toenails, mild signs of fur matting, minimally underweight; etc
3. Repeated animal surrenders within a period of several years..
These individuals should not face legal action but may be placed on a temporary 12 month ‘do
not adopt’ list, if warranted in the judgment of Animal Services. Animal Services may notify
surrounding counties’ Animal Services departments if warranted. Such individuals may appeal
to the Hearing Panel the imposition of a temporary ban on further adoptions.
C. Neglect due to financial hardship.
This group would be identified on a case by case basis by Animal Services at the time of
animal surrender. Financial hardship shall not excuse intentional harm or gross negligence.
These individuals should not face legal action, except in cases of intentional harm or gross
negligence, should be given the option to keep their pet, offered information about low cost/no
cost medical care, and followed up with at regular intervals for the next 6-12 months.
Parity of Field and Shelter Services
An individual voluntarily surrendering a pet to Animal Services shall face no greater penalties
nor suffer greater adverse consequences than if the pet of that individual had been seized in the
field by Animal Services upon report or suspicion of mistreatment. Conversely, efforts to work
with and support pet owners shall be no different for people who surrender a pet to Animal
Services than they are with residents encountered in the course of providing field services.
Animal Services staff shall make every effort to ensure that penalties and sanctions meted out
to individuals for observable mistreatment of their pets shall not be more or less severe if the
animal is voluntarily surrendered to Animal Services or if the animal is seized in the fieldby
Animal Services.
Do Not Adopt list:
Individuals who are temporarily prohibited from adopting should be required to provide
additional information before being allowed to adopt again. Minimally, this should include
Veterinarian information and a few references in regard to their pet ownership. If and when a
course becomes available, they should also be required to attends under the auspices of Animal
Services on proper treatment and handling of pets.
Upon adoption they should be provided educational information about pet care, medical care for
pets, and the responsibilities of pet ownership, with the possibility of periodic visits by Animal
Services to verify the condition of the newly adopted pet during a probation period of one year
Those who become ‘repeat offenders’ (surrendering regularly) should be placed on a permanent
do not adopt list and the information shared with other shelters in the area, and with surrounding
Animal Services departments in other counties.
Pet Retention Resources
Animal Services and the Animal Services Advisory Board fully understand that pet care and pet
retention depends upon economic and other resources that are not available to all residents of
Orange County. As part of the developing effort in the fields of animal services and animal
welfare, Animal Services is committed to assisting economically challenged pet owners and to
making this commitment a fundamental part of its strategic planning for the future. This
commitment includes availability to needed veterinary care for ill, injured and infirm animals and
food, shelter and other resources as well. This commitment both expresses and supports the
Board of County Commissioner’s commitment to social justice.
Revised as of January 18, 2018—BM, DO, ET