Mayor of Miami wrote me back when I questioned him on revoking the Pet trust.Here is his email to me..Thank you for your recent email. Over the past two years, I have made the Animal Services Department (ASD), and the services it provides, a priority of my administration. During my tenure we have taken great strides towards achieving a No-Kill shelter as we currently have the highest save rates in department history. Prior to my taking office in 2011, the dog save rate was at 61 percent. That number has climbed to almost 80 percent in the current year, just ten points away from the 90 percent No-Kill goal. While the year is not over, it is our hope to achieve over 80 percent for abandoned dogs this year. The improvements in saving cats have been extraordinary during this same period. In 2010, the department was saving just 18 percent of cats. In 2012, the save rate rose precipitously to 39 percent and currently has soared to over 60 percent for cat live release. In just three years the department went from saving 2,559 cats to saving 4,658 (an overall 82 percent increase). These major accomplishments have resulted from the implementation of new programs and the expansion of existing programs within existing resources of the department and without raising taxes. Furthermore, my support of critical policy changes has made this possible. Specifically, I recommended to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) that Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) should be adopted as the preferred method for saving feral/free-roaming cats. This was not a County policy until I directed its implementation. As you may know, the majority of cats abandoned at the shelter have little to no chance of being adopted as they are feral or free-roaming animals that do not interact well with humans in a shelter environment. Prior to my administration, the majority of these cats were not given a chance to live and often euthanized without any other options. The implementation of TNR and a the similar Trap Neuter and Give-back (TNG) program, where cats are returned to a willing caretaker, has resulted in saving thousands of cats that previously had little to no chance of living. My interest in the success of ASD is personal. I am the owner of two incredible dogs, one that I rescued off the streets of Miami-Dade. They both are an important part of my family. This fact drove me to work with ASD in supporting their efforts to put into place the programs and supporting policy changes that have contributed to the recent successes. The following is a summary of what ASD has accomplished: Large Scale Adoption Events During the last two years, ASD, along with other organizations, has held six large-scale adoption events resulting in the adoption of thousands of animals. Two of the events were unprecedented 24-hour adopt-a-thons each resulting in the re-homing of over 188 dogs and cats in just one day. The department previously never held these types of events due to lack of staff. Despite the challenges, ASD was able to work with other organizations, reorganize its efforts and obtain grants to successfully rescue more pets. Offsite Adoption Events Large scale events require significant planning and organization. As a result, the department also has organized and/or participated in approximately 38 small off-site events that help to save more animals and promote shelter adoption throughout the community. Out-of-County Dog Transport Program Prior to 2011 the department did not have any organized effort to transport hard to adopt dogs. The transport of pets is a nationally recognized method for addressing the supply and demand of certain pets and provides relief to our local shelter by creating more cage space. By partnering with local volunteers and identifying out-of-County recipient agencies, ASD has been able to transport over 1,100 dogs this year-to-date alone. As of early August 2013, 88 transports have taken place. This effort takes dogs to guaranteed-adoption agencies in states such as Iowa, Maine, New York and other destinations along the eastern seaboard. Assumed Responsibility for Cat Network Transportation Program One of our great partners, The Cat Network, began the transport of cats to a partner agency in Maryland. Due to the logistical demands, ASD stepped in to assume responsibility of this program in 2012 and has since transported over 400 cats helping to increase the cat save rate from 18 percent in 2010 to 60 percent in 2013. Outreach Program Attracting visitors to the shelter is vital for saving animals lives. Prior to 2011 the department had no money to fund outreach and to promote adoptions. I included funding for these critical activities in two consecutive budgets. Public School Education Initiative The long-term improvement of humane animal treatment in our community lies with how we educate our children. In the 2012-13 School year, ASD joined forces with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) to provide the first-ever public school curriculum deployed as part of a district-wide effort focused on providing responsible pet ownership and humane animal welfare education. Through this innovative partnership more than 89,000 students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were reached in this important endeavor. I plan to continue working with MDCPS to continue and expand this program. Spay and Neuter Mobile Events Low-Cost sterilization services are provided regularly for owned dogs and cats at the shelter location in Medley. In an effort to reach out and expand access to this low cost service the department has held regular community spay and neuter events throughout the County. No-Kill Policy Implementation With the passage of Resolution R-476-13 by the BCC, I have supported the adoption of no kill legislation and have directed the department to begin implementation of related programs and policies. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Community Partnership Miami-Dade County is one of eleven jurisdictions nationwide chosen by the ASPCA resulting in the award of $ 360,000 in 3 years for programs increasing the department’s live release rate. Foster Care Program Foster Care provides shelters with much needed relief and is another way of expanding capacity and getting animals into new homes. ASD has created a Foster Program with its existing staff. In less than a year the department has over 250 foster volunteers and has put over 800 pets through this program. A successful foster program is a key element of achieving no kill. Added New Positions to support life-saving programs Since 2011 the department has: -Expanded Pet Medical Care Program by adding a Chief Veterinarian position for improved shelter medical care -Added an Adoption Counselor and is looking for ways to expand this service -Added Trap Neuter and Release staff to implement feral cat life-saving program previously not in existence New Shelter Facility Construction Upon taking office, the plans for a new animal shelter were underway but did not provide sufficient funding for the completion of an appropriate facility with more housing for dogs and cats, as well as the required disease control infrastructure and expanded clinic service facilities. In last year’s budget, after review of other shelters, and with the input of experts in disease management, I recommended full funding for a new 70,000 square-foot facility to begin construction in fiscal year 2013-14. My recommendation was approved by the BCC. Design development is over 50 percent complete and permits are expected in the spring of 2014, so that construction will commence on the much needed new facility that will serve as a welcoming and new adoption center. The new shelter will also provide spay and neuter services to the public and ensure the healthiest and safest environment for the pets in our care. The new shelter is expected to be completed in 2015. Looking Forward The work does not stop here, I have recommended as part of my proposed budget, a 40 percent increase to the ASD budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 resulting in an additional $4 million dollars which will support a 65 percent increase in ASD staff, without increasing the flat millage rate. With this increased funding, essential programs will be expanded and new programs will be implemented. These recommended programs will bring the department closer to achieving the 90 percent save rate eliminating the euthanasia of thousands of savable pets annually by: • Increasing animal lives saved through adoption, rescue and transport • Expanding TNG/TNR programs and providing low-cost spay and neuter services of owned pets • Reducing shelter intake through targeted sterilization of dogs and cats • Expanding foster care, volunteer programs and rescue partnerships • Establishing Socialization and Enrichment Programs to increase likelihood of adoption • Additional veterinary oversight, medical care and disease prevention programs • Implementing grant programs to provide access to resources for non-profit organizations to assist with the most at-risk dogs, surrender prevention, rescue support to include large animals and responsible pet ownership programs I am fully committed to supporting the work of the ASD and independent animal welfare and rescue groups in achieving a No-Kill shelter. The programs I have outlined provide the first steps towards reaching that goal. The department is equally dedicated to ensuring these programs are successful and will work diligently to achieve the goals set forth. Sincerely, Carlos A. Gimenez Mayor
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 21:54:28 +0000
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