HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.C. Animal Control Update 4ROSEN4OUNTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Work Session: February 11, 2014
AGENDA ITEM: Animal Control Update AGENDA SECTION:
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PREPARED BY: Eric T. Werner, Chief of Police AGENDA NO. 2 -C.
ATTACHMENTS: None APPROVED BY:
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RECOMMENDED ACTION: None
ISSUE
The Police Department is responsible for animal control in the City and is providing council with an
update following changes in its animal control procedures. Since July 1, 2013, the Police Department
refined the impound procedures to reduce impound costs and increase the health of sheltering dogs.
The Police Department began taking impounded dogs directly to Shamrock Animal Hospital. Police
Department personnel have 24-hour access to the building for indoor drop-off of impounded dogs. Lazy
Leash is no longer utilized as a temporary after hour kennel prior to dogs being brought to Shamrock
Animal Hospital. The maximum length dogs will be held for impound was reduced from a maximum of
10 days to a maximum of 5 business days as stated in City ordinance. Below is information on dog
impounds and cost of impoundments for citizens or the City.
2013 July-December
46—Dog impounds.
39 —Reunited with their owners (85%)
6—Homes were found
1 —Euthanized (struck by car and had severe medical problems in addition to accident
injuries).
Dog Impound Costs
• Owner minimum cost with one day boarding fee $134.25 (includes $30.00 impound fee, $26.75
Bordatella, $30.50 doctor's exam, $27.50 rabies exam, and$19.50 per day boarding fee).
• Police Department maximum cost$254.50 (includes $30.00 impound fee,$136.50 for 7 days
boarding fees,and$82.00 rehoming fee or$88.00 disposal/cremation fee. Rehoming fee includes
doctor's exam,rabies,and Heartworm costs).
Facility Regulation
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is responsible for oversight of animal facilities which provide
impound services to government entities. Facilities are no longer required to have a license due to a
statutory change in the fall of 2013. Currently facilities are inspected on a complaint basis only. Shamrock
Animal Hospital was last inspected by the Board in October 2013,with no concerns found. The Board
shows no records of complaints against Shamrock Animal Hospital.
There are no records for Lazy Leash at the Minnesota Board of Animal Health due to the business not
being listed as a facility which provides dog impound services to a governmental entity.
Businesses that provide pet grooming and boarding services to the general public are regulated by state
law. Local jurisdictions or a Sheriff's office is responsible for enforcement of such state laws. Police
Department staff recently visited Lazy Leash and found no health or safety concerns. Shamrock Animal
Hospital is monitored when Police Department staff is inside the facility for dog impounds. No health or
safety concerns have been observed.
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