Taking care of (animal) matters

Taking care of (animal) matters

In my last two blogs, I wrote about how animal care and management isn’t just about dogs and cats, reflecting on our handling of a massive venomous reptile case and the closure of a 400+ exotic animal shelter here in Los Angeles County. Many people have expressed surprise at the variety of exotic animals we encounter and want to learn more about how the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) manages these and other animals through animal control inspections and permits.

It’s nothing like my first experience as a 20-year-old newly appointed humane officer in Texas, responding to a complaint about the condition of two tigers and a black panther on someone’s private property. When I arrived at the site, I saw that it was completely enclosed by a very high privacy fence. Signs on the gate said “Warning: Owner shoot first and ask questions later” and “Beware of the Rottweilers: Beware of owner.” I was sure I would be denied entry and (at best) probably be completely ignored by the owner.

Well I had a job to do so I rang the bell and surprisingly the owner came to the gate. I showed him my credentials and he allowed me to come and see his cats. Each room was in a very large enclosure with a secure railing. They appeared to be in good health and had food, water and very good shelter. Couldn’t see any signs of animal neglect and the owner was actually very reasonable. The owner had all the necessary permits, which were very few in Texas at the time. The SPCA I worked for was not a business licensing agency, so I was only there to check on the condition of the animals. Since they looked well cared for, I ended my business there and was thankful it ended peacefully.

Los Angeles County animal farms are more regulated, numerous, varied, and not just limited to wildlife. In addition to wildlife menageries, we also inspect other types of pet stores in our jurisdiction: grooming salons (including mobile groomers), animal boarding facilities, commercial dog and cat farms, watchdog companies, pet stores, non-profit animal rescue facilities, and animal exhibits such as rodeos, circuses, and traveling petting zoos.

Through our animal facility inspection program, we inspect and regulate over 500 such facilities and have a highly experienced team of five officers who ensure that these facilities are properly managed and that their animals are humanely cared for. Our officers rely on Los Angeles County Code Title 10 – Animals, which sets standards and requirements for animal shelters. DACC animal licensing inspectors visit each facility at least annually; some facilities require follow-up visits to ensure deficiencies have been addressed. Others, such as commercial ranching companies, require more frequent inspections as outlined in Title 10. Officers also respond when complaints are made about conditions in a facility.

The result of the annual inspection is a letter grade for the facility, similar to the restaurant rating system we have in Los Angeles County. Residents can view the letter grade provided — A, B, or C — and decide whether to patronize that business based on the grade. The letter classification system helps to ensure that the facilities are operating at an optimal level. Facilities that receive a B or C rating usually request a re-inspection after they fix the deficiencies found so they can get the A card to show to their customers. The assessment system ensures optimal conditions in animal housing.

For those businesses that fail and have no interest in improving, we are pursuing their business license revocation so that they no longer operate a substandard animal facility. In cases of animal abuse or neglect, we have the authority under the California Penal Code to remove the animals and take those cases to court.

How do we determine the letter number? We have a standardized evaluation form that gives points for categories such as housing, food, water, medical care, sanitation, safety and security, exercise and socialization, licensing and documentation, and consumer protection practices. Officers apply the requirements set forth in Title 10 to these categories to ensure that certain facilities follow the law.

Los Angeles County Code Title 10 – Animals is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the most current best practices in animal welfare and public safety, and in most cases goes beyond state and federal law. Those laws are usually simpler and less frequently updated; Title 10 is recognized as a model regulation for animal welfare and public safety. Title 10, for example, regulates the operation of commercial breeding farms. While these businesses are legal, DACC closely monitors their operations to protect the welfare of the animals housed in them. Commercial breeding facilities are strictly regulated in the number of animals they are allowed to have and must meet additional requirements regarding the required staffing, minimum age for breeding females; restrictions on the number and frequency of litters a female can have; additional requirements for pregnant or nursing women; identification requirements for dogs; providing a required medical program; annual veterinary examinations for each animal; and having a contingency plan. Full requirements can be found here: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10AN_DIV1ANCO_CH10.40GERE_10.40.200BRLIRERE

Ensuring the safety and welfare of animals in commercial or non-profit facilities is an important responsibility to ensure they are treated humanely, and owners can feel confident in the care of their pets purchased from or maintained by them. companies and agencies. Inspections also protect public safety with regard to wild animals and guard dogs to ensure that these animals cannot escape and create dangerous situations for the public. Whether the facilities house dogs or cats, camels or cobras, DACC will be there to make sure they and the community are safe.

Marcia Mayeda, Director

You can subscribe to Marcia’s blog here: https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/directors_blog/