Date: January 9, 2008
Contact: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
954-357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org
Broward County Commissioners have agreed to pursue an independent evaluation of the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division.
The Commission directed County staff to complete the necessary applications seeking information on the evaluation services of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Services Consultation Program and the National Animal Control Association's (NACA) evaluation process.
"These entities come in and they don't place blame," said Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl who initiated the idea. "They look forward and provide recommendations on how to make improvements. They're an independent, neutral party with the appropriate expertise to make recommendations."
Both the HSUS-ACP and NACA have evaluated similar programs through out the United States.
"I've received a number of letters from concerned residents regarding the sheltering of animals at our Animal Care Division. I contacted Miami-Dade as they used the evaluation services of the Humane Society in 2004," said Mayor Lois Wexler. "The cost was roughly $5,000 at that time, it may be more now. Both entities determine costs only after applications have been submitted."
"Our own investigation found serious problems that may still exist. We'll fill out the applications, review the information that's provided and we'll determine at that time how to best move forward," said Commissioner Keechl.
For more information on Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division, go to www.broward.org/animal. Information on the Humane Society of the United States can be found at www.AnimalSheltering.org. For information on NACA, visit www.nacanet.org.
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