(Santa Ana) In its report released today, the Orange County Grand Jury commended the County Health Care Agency for making significant changes and improvements in the leadership and operation of Animal Care Services. In recognition that further improvements are needed, the Health Care Agency has already taken action on all of the recommendations in this report.

"We are pleased to see the Grand Jury acknowledge the significant progress at Animal Care Services and one of my top priorities continues to be improvement in services to the public by Animal Care Services," said Michael Schumacher, Director of the Health Care Agency. He continued, "In the last six months we have spent more that $400,000 on facility improvements resulting in eliminating gang cages for cats, construction of a 144 cage cat pavilion and the building of a new dog walk and spay/neuter facility." He added, "The Animal Care Center is now open seven days a week and public outreach efforts have increased through an expanded web site, two recent special events held at the Animal Care Center and by more than tripling the use of volunteers."

Two recruitment efforts are now underway to fill the top positions at the Center. Applicants have been sought nationwide for the Director of Animal Care Services and statewide for the Chief Veterinarian's slot. Salaries have been increased to competitive levels. An experienced County executive, former Director of County Human Resources, Russ Patton, was appointed Interim Director of Animal Care Services and brought needed leadership and insight to the change process. Among other initiatives, Patton focused shelter staff's attention on teambuilding. Outside consultants will continue teambuilding efforts, enhance staff training and skills in customer service; and review management issues including policies, procedures, salaries, classification levels and policy administration. In addition, new veterinary protocols and procedures have been implemented and equipment ordered as part of the continued effort to improve medical care and employ the most current and humane euthanasia procedures.

"The Animal Advisory Board is firmly committed to continuing the momentum at Animal Care Services and implement the remaining recommendations suggested by the Grand Jury," said Dr. William Grant, Chairman of the Animal Advisory Board. "I'm pleased with the progress that's been made in the last six months."

The Health Care Agency is now undertaking a complete review of the Grand Jury's report and will formally respond to its findings and recommendations by the due date of September 5th.