2018 SBACC Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. ENFORCEMENT Animal Control Officers (ACOs) have also done an excellent job of increasing enforcement by their response to calls, and when necessary, issuing citations and Animal Welfare Alerts (AWAs). In 2018,there were roughly 1,023 citations written and 1,580 AWAs.The drive for enforcement is not to monetize animal-related matters, but to ensure that the current ordinance is complied with for the safety of our citizens, and for the humane treatment of the pet population within the city limits. SBACC as a whole, and ACOs in particular, have used these enforcement tools to not only relieve the suffering of animals, but to educate pet owners regarding the expectations for positive pet ownership as outlined in our ordinance, and for the health and safety of their (and others') pets. Unfortunately,there are those within the city limits who abuse, neglect, injure and otherwise harm animals no matter how much enforcement and education SBACC staff provide. SBACC is bringing cases in front of the Commission for hearings for those who will not abide by the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, Indiana as it pertains to animals. The Commission would also like to ask for the support and involvement of the Mayor's Office, the City Council,the South Bend Police Department and the St.Joseph County Prosecutor to combat behavior against animals,especially in regards to criminal abuse of an animal, and dog fighting (see IN 35-46-3). South Bend Animal Care and Control needs these partnerships to effectively prosecute the abuse cases and dog fighting in our area. Dog fighting is an insidious crime that is not just about the cruelty,torture, and wanton killing of the animals involved, but is part of a network of crimes ranging from theft, illegal gambling,to drugs and firearm crimes. South Bend would be a safer community for both animals and people if dog fighting and animal cruelty were strongly focused on. 3. PROGRAMMING SBACC staff has successfully increased the number of partnerships with rescues throughout the region to ensure that adoptable animals can and will find homes. SBACC participates in weekend adoption events at PetSmart stores and has regular adoption spots on WSBTTV and other local media programs. It is important to maintain a community presence and to showcase adoptable animals. SBACC is also utilizing social media platforms to highlight everything from adoptable animals to animals found as strays. In this society, a strong social media presence is a must. SBACC has a volunteer photographer,Tami Barbour,who takes excellent photographs of the pets at SBACC to help increase their adoptions across various platforms. The Commission is grateful to Ms. Barbour for her wonderful contributions! "Operation Silent Night," an open house and raffle at the shelter in December, had the goal of clearing the adoption floor of pets before the holidays and it was a huge success! The shelter was full of potential adopters from opening until closing, and 26 animals found their new homes. SBACC had also hosted "Photos with Santa" earlier in the month. SBACC's participation during South Bend City events such as the Dog Days of Summer and the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, highlights adoptable animals, and allows shelter staff and volunteers to build