Management Change will Accelerate Improvement at the Animal Shelter

Late last year, with the full support of the , recommendations from the Animal Control Advisory Board were made to the manager of the . These procedures were not energetically or consistently implemented. Some might say they have been resisted. These changes addressed first and foremost, the health and well-being of the animals at the shelter. (Some examples: intake inoculations for all animals, appropriate feeding and bedding and proper and ongoing sanitation)

It goes without saying that fully implementing the recommendations of the advisory board will be a high priority for the new management. The new manager’s role is also all about building a positive relationship with the Douglas County citizens and in particular rebuilding relationships with the county's veterinary doctors.

Going forward, it will be very important for the new manager to encourage, support, value and expand volunteer efforts and opportunities. We haven’t had a good scorecard in this respect. The goal is to greatly increase adoptions and rescues of healthy animals. We have adopted-out far too many sick dogs and cats. The end objective is to reduce the euthanasia rate at the D.C. shelter significantly.  

There remain shelter challenges but progress is being made. I feel the management change will help accelerate the improvements recommended by the citizens' Animal Control Advisory Board and approved by the county commission. These changes will clearly benefit the animals, generate a culture of real customer service, encourage volunteerism and improve the working environment for the entire staff.

Regards,

Mike Mulcare, Douglas County Commissioner