2016 STATISTICS. The LRR is calculated by dividing total live outcomes (adoptions, outgoing transfers, return to owner/guardian) by total outcomes

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2 2016 STATISTICS 2016 INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS % OTHER % ALL SPECIES % What exactly do the numbers mean? This is the percentage of animals that we were successful in placing back into the community The LRR is calculated by dividing total live outcomes (adoptions, outgoing transfers, return to owner/guardian) by total outcomes 748 cats were euthanized for status of feral with no other alternative disposition measure; this accounted for 58% of our feline euthanasia.

3 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS Cumulative 5 Years INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS % OTHER % ALL SPECIES % 3392 cats were euthanized in the last 5 years for a status of being feral with no other disposition alternative. That alone accounts for 45% of the cats euthanized by this shelter in the last 5 years.

4 WHAT DO THESE STATISTICS MEAN? For 2016: 537 social cats were euthanized of 2864 impounded This would have brought the shelter s live release rate for cats to 81.25% Total live release rate (all species) of 86%

5 WHAT IS A FERAL CAT? A feral cat is a cat who has either never had any contact with humans or her contact with humans has diminished over time. She is fearful of people and survives on her own outdoors. A feral cat is not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors. -

6 WHAT ARE OTHER ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCIES DOING? Richmond Animal Care & Control: They operate with a managed intake approach. They do not have a leash law or a running at large code in the City pertaining to cats. Animal Control will not pick any up unless sick or injured. They will accept them into the shelter if a citizen brings them but they must have an appointment and they cannot bring multiple cats at one time. They have to work with staff and they are accepted if space is available. They also work with outside agencies on TNR, but are not preforming any TNR services INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS % ALL SPECIES %

7 Charlottesville/Albemarle County (2016 data not available): Animal Control does not pick up cats. All animals are transferred to the SPCA for final disposition INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS ALL SPECIES % Fairfax County: Does not take in stray healthy cats. They only accept sick or injured, or declawed or microchipped stray cats INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS % ALL SPECIES % Lynchburg: Referring feral cats for TNR through other organizations and have a grant to conduct spay/neutering and ear tipping at the shelter. Lynchburg s shelter, operated under contract by the Lynchburg Humane Society, won t accept feral cats from the public unless the cats need medical help or are young enough to be adoptable. The city s animal control unit captures only sick or injured at-large cats or those that meet a narrow definition of public nuisance INTAKE RTO ADOPTED TRNSFERRED EUTH LRR DOGS % CATS % ALL SPECIES %

8 LEGAL OPINIONS ON TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN Excerpt from July 12, 2013 Attorney General letter:

9 WHAT IS THE CITY S LEGAL OBLIGATION? County or city public animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief.

10 B. The governing body of each county or city shall maintain or cause to be maintained a public animal shelter and shall require dogs running at large without the tag required by or in violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to to be confined therein. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit confinement of other companion animals in such a shelter. The governing body of any county or city need not own the facility required by this section but may contract for its establishment with a private group or in conjunction with one or more other local governing bodies.

11 WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH? Live release rate Should the percentage of animals saved /euthanized be the sole measure of the shelter s success? Customer service expectation Citizens are accustomed to trapping stray cats and having animal control officers remove them Ethics/Philosophy Is it ethical to return a companion animal to the outdoors to live on its own? Conversely, is it ethical to impound an animal knowing the only outcome the shelter can provide is euthanasia?

12 The Shelter s recommendation: REDUCTION OF CAT EUTHANASIA VIA MANAGED INTAKE Requires amendment to city code Sec Dogs or cats running at large Any person owning, keeping or harboring any dog or cat within the city that is found running at large shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor such dog or cat shall be kept on the owner's or custodian's premises Policy development to preclude the impoundment of feral cats Develop alternate resources for citizens in need (i.e. private organization that can assist citizen via TRN philosophy) The ability granted to us by the City to recommend to a private entity A way to vet agencies that we recommend (if we are allowed to) so that we can ensure that they are reputable

13 WHY MANAGED INTAKE? Allows resources to be reallocated to other populations of shelter animals in need Reduces euthanasia Congruent with current animal sheltering philosophies Historical data suggests that trapping/euthanizing feral cats does not make an impact on the numbers of cats in the community Municipal operation of comprehensive TNR program is unlawful Operation of a spay/neuter clinic for feral cats is in direct conflict with the shelter s commitment to not compete with area veterinary practices

14 ACAC BOARD S ROLE: Review policy proposal to preclude impoundment of feral cats Develop means to identify reputable organizations to refer citizens to for assistance Engage organizations deemed reputable Develop and support community outreach efforts to educated citizens on new shelter policy and philosophy Offer ACAC staff a ACAB policy position recommendation RE: City Code 5-530