DATE: February 27, 2008
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
PHONE: 954-357-8083
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
The National Animal Control Association (NACA) has been chosen to perform an assessment of the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division.
NACA will use a three-person evaluation team to assess the Division's facilities, operations, and programs and report their findings and recommendations to the County Commission. The association will take an in-depth look at operations at the shelter, in the field, internal and external training procedures, administration, and community relations. The cost of the assessment is $30,000.
"An independent and neutral evaluation of the facility will result in recommendations that will hopefully resolve the serious problems that currently exist and also provide innovative ideas that should improve operations. This is the company that staff has recommended and I'll support their decision," said Commissioner Ken Keechl. "My number one priority is the safety and proper care of these animals."
Applications were sent to NACA and the Humane Society of the United States. Broward County staff evaluated the responses of each agency and recommended NACA. The National Animal Control Association will provide comparative data from other similar agencies throughout the United States and use data from managers who are currently operating public shelters and operations similar to Broward County.
The Commission also directed Animal Care and Regulation Division staff to explore avenues that would result in recommendations to establish a "no kill" shelter in Broward County.
"There are animal shelters in the United States that are no kill facilities," said Commissioner Ilene Lieberman. "I want us to investigate the feasibility of such a facility in Broward County."
For more information on Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division please go to www.broward.org/animal. For information on NACA please go to www.nacanet.org.
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