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Public Hearings 11.

BCC Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:	07/24/2014
Issue: 5:33 p.m. Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article 1, Section 10-3 of Escambia County Code of Ordinances (Community Cat Management Ordinance)
From:	Marilyn D. Wesley
Department:	Community Affairs
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

5:33 p.m. Public Hearing for consideration of adopting an Ordinance creating Section 10-27, relating to feeding cats and dogs outdoors, creating Section 10-28, authorizing a Community Cat Management Initiative, and establishing community cat management requirements.

Recommendation: That the Board adopt an Ordinance amending Volume 1, Chapter 10, Article 1, Section 10-3, of the Escambia County Code of Ordinances, to define “community cats,” creating Section 10-27, relating to feeding cats and dogs outdoors, creating Section 10-28, authorizing a Community Cat Management Initiative, and establishing community cat management requirements.

BACKGROUND:

A draft ordinance concerning a Community Cat Management Program was presented and discussed at the April 10, 2014, Committee of the Whole (COW). Following the COW meeting, staff received input from the Animal Services Advisory Committee (ASAC) and Target Zero Institute (TZI). The ordinance has since been amended to address concerns presented by those organizations. At the July 10, 2014 Board Meeting, the Board approved the recommendation authorizing the scheduling of a public hearing to consider adoption of this ordinance.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

Community Cat Management is expected to reduce the number of cats that are euthanized annually, which will also reduce costs at the Escambia County Animal Shelter. The Animal Shelter currently euthanizes approximately 4,500 cats per year.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

This Ordinance was prepared by Kerra A. Smith, Assistant County Attorney.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

N/A

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

The Animal Services Division intends to work with the Pensacola Humane Society to transition cats into the Community Cat Management Program, pending adoption of the Ordinance. A copy of the Ordinance will be filed with the Department of State.

Attachments
Community Cat Management Ordinance