To: Board of Supervisors
From: Internal Operations Committee
Report Title: Annual Report on the Animal Benefit Fund
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACCEPT the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Animal Benefit Fund Report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact. This report is informational. The Animal Benefit Fund collects community donations for animals in County shelters. For FY 2024/25, the Animal Services Department expected $160,000 in donations and received $154,483.
BACKGROUND:
In 1988, the Animal Services Department created the Animal Benefit Fund (ABF). The purpose of the ABF is to allow the Animal Services Department to receive donations from individuals, animal welfare organizations, and businesses to support animal health and welfare projects.
On May 12, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2015/16 budget, which included a directive for the Internal Operations Committee (IOC) to review the Animal Benefit Fund. In March 2016, the Board decided that this review would be conducted annually to evaluate the fund's impact on the community and families.
On December 8, 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 2020/329 authorizing the Animal Services Director to implement the following programs within the Animal Benefit Fund:
1. Medical Assistance Program: This program provides medical and emergency veterinary care for animals within the County's jurisdiction or in the County shelter. Funds cover medical needs beyond mandated care to aid adoption, transfer, or prevent shelter intake.
2. Humane Education Program: This initiative aims to enhance humane education services within the County by either hosting individuals at the County shelter or delivering educational programs directly to the community. Additionally, the program offers support to pet owners in resolving behavioral issues that might otherwise lead to relinquishment, assists shelter animals with behavioral...
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