REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Mayor
Office of the Mayor and City Manager
TYLER MAXWELL, Council President
Council District 4
ANNALISA PEREA, Vice President
Council District 1
MIKE KARBASSI, Councilmember
Council District 2
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - to Decrease the Animal Intake at the City of Fresno Animal Center
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration, Council President Maxwell, Council Vice President Perea and Councilmember Karbassi recommend approval of the Resolution
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On December 1, 2023, the City transitioned operations of the Animal Center from Fresno Humane Services to City of Fresno employees. Assisting the City are veterinarians from UC Davis, Koret Animal Shelter Medicine Program. The Animal Center has become overcrowded to a crisis point such that additional intake of animals would be beyond the City’s control and not in the best interest of the animals in the Center. The Animal Center is overcrowded due to the decreased spay/neuter during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased intakes and surrenders, decreased adoptions, congested kennel space that contributes to canine infectious respiratory disease and feline panleukopenia virus, and veterinary staffing shortages.
The current capacity issues have created an urgent and immediate need to temporarily restrict the intake of animals at the Animal Center, to ensure the proper running of the Animal Center and to safeguard the health and safety of the animals currently impounded.
Restricting intake will give the City and consulting veterinarians the opportunity to properly assess the health of the animals and establish policies and procedures related to intake procedures and operation of the Center.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
N/A
LOCAL PREFERENCE
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
N/A
Attachment: Resolution