2018 SBACC Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Another constraint on SBACC is the staffing level. Animal shelter employees on a whole are generally in a position where the work itself is physically and emotionally demanding, staffing levels are not at an optimum capacity, and the compensation levels are less than lucrative. While we are not discussing compensation,South Bend Animal Care and Control non-managerial staff consists of 2 part- time staff members,3 Animal Control Assistants, and 4 Animal Control Officers who cover calls across the entire city. Under the current shelter manager, SBACC has positively worked to lower euthanasia rates numbers that former shelter managers did not come close to attaining.The goal of attaining no kill status is much closer, due to the hard work and dedication of this small staff. 5. REVISION TO CHAPTER 5 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA The Commission is currently reviewing an update to Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, Indiana. Although the ordinance was updated in May of 2014,there are provisions that need to be addressed or were written in such a manner that the City Legal Department feels they are too vague to enforce. We are looking forward to a completed revision that will allow enforcement to function as it should to keep the welfare of the pets and our community safe. Once the Commission completes our review, we hope to have the backing of the Mayor's office and City Council to pass the updated version as soon as possible. 6. COMMISSION HEARINGS The Animal Control Commission continues to meet for specific case hearings brought by SBACC and the Legal Department regarding violations of the Municipal Code. Most cases presented to the Commission are those involving bite cases, abuse or neglect cases, or for those persons considered habitual animal offenders. In 2018, we lost two months of regular meetings and hearings by being unable to meet after Dr. Culp resigned, so the number of hearings is not as robust as it could have been. Discussions are also continuing as to how the process can be streamlined so more cases can be heard in an effective manner. 7. RECOMMENDATIONS All current programs, educational activities and efforts to promote adoptions, spay and neuter programs, anti-cruelty initiatives, enforcement of animal control laws and regulations, cruelty investigations, humane community cat management, and training opportunities are effective and crucial. These programs need to continue, be supported, and we encourage them to continue offering, and expanding upon all programs to increase live outcome rates, public education, and community awareness. We hope that the foster program SBACC currently has can be a focus and will continue to grow. Foster families for pets can alleviate stressors for both shelter staff and pets. When pets are in foster homes,there is more room in the physical shelter facility on high intake days, and overall, less demand on staff time. A foster home network also provides pets with a less stressful environment where they can be truly assessed, exercised, and taught basic manners. Most importantly, a robust foster network reduces the euthanasia rate.