Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 121155

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Clerk's Official Copy

File Number: 121155

File Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Version: 0

Reference: R-583-12

Control: Board of County Commissioners

File Name: DEVELOP A PROGRAM FOR TO BECOME A NO KILL SHELTER

Introduced: 6/6/2012

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action: 7/3/2012

Agenda Date: 7/3/2012

Agenda Item Number: 11A3

Notes:

Title:

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PROGRAM FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WITH THE GOAL OF BECOMING A NO KILL SHELTER AND PROVIDING FOR A FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE STRATEGIC PLAN TO IMPLEMENT LIFESAVING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AT MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Indexes:

ANIMALS

Sponsors:	Jose "Pepe" Diaz, Prime Sponsor
	Lynda Bell, Co-Sponsor
	Sally A. Heyman, Co-Sponsor
	Dennis C. Moss, Co-Sponsor
	Rebeca Sosa, Co-Sponsor
	Sen. Javier D. Souto, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	7/3/2012	11A3	Adopted				P
REPORT:	In response to Commissioner Edmonson’s inquiry regarding the habitats of free-roaming cats, Mr. Alex Munoz, Director, Animal Services Department, said their habitats would be defined as the areas where they came from. He noted staff would look at this issue as part of this resolution, as no policy currently existed with regard to their habitats. Commissioner Edmonson expressed concern regarding the cats being returned to neighborhoods against the will of the residents, and Mr. Munoz responded that staff would work with communities on a case-by-case basis to return the cats to areas where they were welcomed. He noted the cats at the shelter had the highest number of euthanasia; however, staff would work with groups that were willing to care for the cats.

Public Safety & Healthcare Admin Cmte	6/12/2012	2D	Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation				P
REPORT:	Assistant County Attorney Valda Christian read the foregoing proposed resolution into the record. Chairman Diaz relinquished the chair to Vice-Chairwoman Heyman. It was moved by Chairman Diaz that the foregoing proposed resolution be forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Bell, followed by discussion. Chairman Diaz provided a brief overview of the foregoing resolution, emphasizing the importance of this legislation in ensuring society was humane in regards to animals. He noted the Director of the Animal Services visited two counties that adopted the no-kill shelter concept and had provided their ideas. Chairman Diaz noted the Administration was gathering information in order to move forward to identify the financial resources to make this concept feasible. Commissioner Bell expressed her support of this concept and asked what the fiscal impact to the County would be. She noted she was working on similar legislation that created areas within certain zoning classifications that would allow qualified individuals to operate temporary animal shelters. Commissioners Bell and Heyman asked to be listed as co-sponsors. Commissioner Heyman asked the Animal Services Department Director (ASD) to provide information regarding the financial feasibility of this proposed concept. Mr. Alex Munoz, Animal Services Department Director, noted the foregoing resolution would come back with a report, from the Mayor, on the feasibility of this approach to saving animals. He noted several ideas reflected in this resolution were being considered as alternatives for the short-term, i.e. an offsite adoption center. Mr. Munoz stated “No Kill” meant saving 90 percent of the animals, adding that ASD currently saved 72 percent. Commissioner Souto noted he would work with Mr. Alex Munoz, Animal Services Department Director, to create a sanctuary for dogs and initiate efforts to create a program designed to promote the protection and adoption of dogs. Mr. Munoz expressed appreciation to Committee members for sponsoring various spay and neuter events in their districts. Chairman Diaz provided closing remarks and noted he strongly supported this concept of saving the animals. Commissioner Heyman noted she would recognize those in the audience present today in support of this item later in the meeting. She stated the County was working with the ASPCA to acquire a large acreage in South Miami to accommodate large animals. Chairman Diaz announced that there would be a pet adoption event in the Stephen P. Clark Center Lobby today and encouraged everyone to visit and consider adopting a pet. Mr. Munoz stated that June was National Pet Adoption Month. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote.

County Attorney	6/6/2012		Assigned	Dennis A. Kerbel		6/6/2012

County Attorney	6/6/2012		Referred	Public Safety & Healthcare Admin Cmte	6/12/2012

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PROGRAM FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WITH THE GOAL OF BECOMING A NO KILL SHELTER AND PROVIDING FOR A FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE STRATEGIC PLAN TO IMPLEMENT LIFESAVING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AT MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

BODY
WHEREAS, saving the lives of animals, identifying and eliminating animal neglect and abuse, and protecting public safety in Miami-Dade County are compatible interests; and
WHEREAS, no animal should be killed solely based on breed, color, age, or any other criteria unrelated to medical condition or aggressiveness; and
WHEREAS, no animal should be killed if the animal can be placed in a suitable home, if a private sheltering agency or rescue group is willing and able to take care and custody of the animal, or, in the case of free-roaming cats, if they can be sterilized and released to their habitats; and
WHEREAS, animals held in public shelters deserve proper care and humane treatment, including adequate veterinary care, nutrition, water, shelter, exercise, and environmental enrichment; and
WHEREAS, public and private partnerships are essential to increasing the save rate of animals entering the County's Animal Services Department; and
WHEREAS, the No Kill movement in the United States has developed new and innovative programs, including comprehensive adoptions, off-site adoptions, and fostering, that provide alternatives to shelter killing; and
WHEREAS, becoming a No Kill shelter means having a 90% or better rate of lifesaving for animals housed at the County�s Animal Shelter,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The Mayor or designee is hereby directed to develop and implement a financially feasible, actionable No Kill Implementation Plan, with measurable goals and due dates, to achieve a 90% save rate at the County�s Animal Shelter.
Section 2. The plan should include the following programs and services, consistent with the No Kill Equation:
* Comprehensive Adoption Programs
* Free-Roaming Cat Trap/Neuter/Return Programs
* High-Volume, Affordable Spay/Neuter Services
* Large-Scale Volunteer Foster Care Programs
* Rescue Group Transfers
* Proactive Pet Retention Programs
* Proactive Pet Redemptions
* Medical and Behavioral Programs
* Public Relations/Community Involvement
* Volunteer Programs
Section 3. Within 180 days of the effective date of this resolution, the Mayor or his designee shall present the No Kill Implementation Plan to this Board.