Official Informal Briefing Minutes Tuesday, May 15, 2018-10:30 AM Present: Charlotte J. Nash, Jace Brooks, Lynette Howard, John Heard Absent: Tommy Hunter 1. Community Services Animal Welfare and Enforcement 2017 Review Community Services Deputy Director Blake Hawkins and Animal Welfare Assistant Manager Chandler Giddes provided an overview of the operations and services of Animal Welfare and Enforcement. No Official Action Taken.
Gwinnett Animal Welfare & Enforcement 2017 2018 Progress Review
New Directions On April 1, 2017 the management of Animal Welfare & Enforcement moved from the Police Department to the Department of Community Services.
Transition and the Future Phased Approach
Assessment: Public Perception Facility facelift Improve transparency Identify volunteers and rescue partners Establish staff expectations Connect staff with rescues and volunteers Refine and soften messaging Update marketing materials Increase training
Assessment: Operations Met with staff and advocacy groups to identify areas for improvement Policy Inconsistencies Road and Kennel operations Contracted shelter vets Euthanize policy/practices Intake and Owner Surrender procedures Medical needs No formal medical processes Backlog for adoptions awaiting surgeries Testing for animals for basic medical needs Public relations Low support from community partners, rescue groups and animal advocates
Phase One: Medical Services Formalize policies and process Treatment and testing Veterinarian contract RFP Euthanization policy
Phase One: Public Relations In-House training and expectations Inviting and professional spaces
Phase One: Public Messaging Softer messaging with the assistance of Communications Department. Restructured, friendlier web content within county guidelines. Increase transparency with daily reports posted to website.
Phase One: Outreach and Education Educational and approachable Increased presence in the community Grayson s Mutt Strut, Atlanta Pet Expo, Yappy Hour
Education and Outreach Oreo s Story
Phase One: Gain Trust Improve communication with and appreciation of rescues, advocates and volunteers Open House event Volunteer Gwinnett Rescue efforts
Volunteers Ms. Sue, Kitty City 2016 Presidential Volunteer Award Winner Ms. Linda, Yard Sales Raised over $4k in 2017 Active volunteers from age 12 to 70! 2017 6,422.25 hours
Phase One: Partner Relationships Fostering positive relationships with over 300 rescue and advocacy groups. Active Partners: Society of Humane Friends Canine Pet Rescue Animal Alliance of Georgia Bullseye Rescue Carla the Pit Bull Rescue Puppy
Phase One: New priorities, new staff Second Assistant Manager Volunteer & Resources Coordinator: Community Outreach Education Animal Care Specialists: Rescue Foster program Adoption counseling Volunteer program
Phase One: Organizational Structure Alan Davis Division Manager Vern Sawyer Assistant Manager Sarah Thurmond ASA III Chandler Giddes Assistant Manager Veterinary/Medical Services Field Operations Investigation Unit Outreach/Education Shelter Operations Facility Services Unit
Phase Two: New Beginnings Core initiatives to develop best practices
On the Road, Again! Approved in 2018 Operating Budget, a $25k decision package to take our services on the road, again! Partner clinics for vaccinations Public adoption opportunities Low cost spay/neuter clinics Community event education and outreach
Phase Two: Training on all fronts Management Team focused on modern and relevant staff training Teaching best practices in the animal welfare community Ordinance Update: Review Committee Improving Public Perception and Trust
Phase Two: Consistency Throughout Update Standard Operating Procedures Public Educational Programs Public Support Resource Management Case Writing Courtroom Readiness Training Citations and Follow-Ups
Phase Two: Expansion Animal Welfare and Enforcement personnel based on population growth Facility expansion and improvement to continue best practices
Phase Two: Culture Change Continue to maintain and improve Live Release Rate (95.8%) Future Partners
Phase Two: Sustainability for Growth
Outtake Numbers 2017 Adoptions: 2,441 animals Rescue Partners: 1,682 animals Returned to owners: 1,468 animals
External Numbers 2017 Calls for Service: 17,065 Citations Issued: 1,910
Total Visitors: 2017 10,377 people YTD 5,806
Our vision for the future We will continue to offer the greatest animal care and services for the residents of Gwinnett County and will serve as the pinnacle of animal welfare in Georgia and throughout the Southeast.
Questions?