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Section 6 - Animal ControlSECTION 6 ANIMAL CONTROL U-161 Animal Control within city limits was handled by Santa Clara County Animal Control until 1995. At that point due to budget cuts the County stopped providing animal control for the City. The Gilroy Police Department, specifically the Animal Control - Community Service Officer (when not available other CSO's, MSO's and patrol officers handle animal control duties) is responsible for all Animal Control within City limits. However, the spectrum of animal control services that we provide is limited due to resources (staffing, available facilities, budgets). For additional information citizens can be referred to ,Vww.cityofgilroy.org website. They will find all animal fees, the PetData link, GMC's for animal /fowl and other general animal information. Refer NOTEQ - GPD - ANIMALS for further information. ACO MAILBOXES There are two ACO mailboxes for ACO CFS or other ACO printouts. One is located in the Communications Center and the other located in Records. ACO BINDER . The ACO CSO maintains a ACO binder in Communications (located in the round file cabinet). This book consists of reported LOST/FOUND dogs (and on occasion other animals) that have either been lost or found within City limits. There are also extra animal control related forms, all ACO related GMC and other animal resource contact information. KENNEL STATUS BOARD There is a Kennel Status erasable board (maintained by the ACO CSO) in Communications. This board lists all dogs (Kennel #, location found, description, sequence number and any other pertinent information) that are being kept at the GPD kennels pending disposition. KENNEL FACILITY The GPD Kennels are located in the back parking lot (Church Street between 6/7" Streets) of the old GPD building. We house all dogs at this location pending disposition (owner located, transfer to shelter etc.). Most animal control supplies (food, blankets, leashes etc.) are also stored at this location. At the onset of the winter season, Fleet personnel will transport a fueling station to the kennels to be used to fuel the heater. This fueling station is maintained and fueled by Fleet personnel. 290 LICENSING The City of Gilroy requires all dogs and cats living within the city limits to be licensed through PetData. In order to apply for an animal license, the citizen should be referred to w-ww.petdata.com, the pet licensing company that we currently use. No pet licensing is performed in house. Citizens are able to download the license application right from the website. For internal use to check status of a dog license: Website: Petaccessonhne .com /petaccess/login User Name: GIL /Communications Password: Answers Searches can be conducted by owner name, license # or address. MICROCHIPPING A microchip implant is an identifying chip (listing a microchip #) placed under the skin of a dog, cat or other animal. The chip emits passive RFID (Radio Frequency ID) technology and is about the size of a large grain of rice. A hand scanner is then run over and under the animal to check for a microchip, to assist in possibly locating an owner. Although there are several microchip companies we use Home Again to retrieve owner information. This is done by providing Home Again with the microchip # located in the animal and they will provide owner name and contact information to us. Home. Again Microchip Company (866) 738 -4324 Farm and ranch animals frequently have microchips attached via an ear tag and not under the skin. The other various microchip companies are listed in the ACO Binder. 291 LOOSE DOGS GPD does not generally respond on reports of loose dogs. However there are exceptions for safety reasons. GPD will respond on reports of loose dogs if they appear to be: 1. Vicious /Aggressive 2. Sick or Injured 3. Traffic Hazard (i.e. in the roadway) Create a CFS (1091), documenting in the secondary Call Type field what the issue is (i.e. loose, contained, vicious etc.) for ease of the PD dispatcher as well as to facilitate future searches of previous events. If the dog is just loose, without meeting the above criteria, a CFS can still be created and a BOL can be put out to the on -duty CSO or beat unit, however no personnel shall be dispatched. LOST JOUND ANIMALS The ACO binder has tabs for reports of LOST and FOUND dogs (on occasion, other pets as well). This does not preclude a CFS being created. CFS must still be created and the information then placed in the ACO binder. Make every attempt to gather the information requested in the log. Advise the RP that their information is being placed in our Lost /Found log and that should we locate their dog, they shall be contacted. If a dog owner calls in to advise that their dog /pet that they had reported lost has been located, locate their information in the ACO binder, cross it out and document that they have been reunited, with the date and your initials /name. ANIMALS IN VEHICLES Often, especially during spring /summer (hot temps) months, GPD will receive calls of dogs left unattended in vehicles. A CFS will be created to include vehicle descriptions (license plate, if known), whether the windows are up or down and current appearance of the animal. As time allows, a check of the temperature on the City of Gilroy website or www.wunderground.com should also be documented on the CFS. 292 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS GMC section 4.16 reads: It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously or recklessly kill, maim, wound, mutilate, torment, torture or physical abuse any animal. When receiving a report of animal cruelty a CFS will be created and appropriate personnel dispatched. It is important to document WHAT (i.e. no food /water, animal is emaciated, etc.) the cruelty is that they are reporting. BARKING DOGS The GMC section 4.22 reads: It is hereby declared to be a nuisance, and it shall be unlawful for any person owning /having control /custody of any dog to keep within the city limits any dog that barks, yelps, cries, howls or creates any other noise that a reasonable person would find distressing /disruptive. Barking dog complaints are one of the most frequently received animal control CFS. If a citizen calls in a barking dog complaint, create a CFS and dispatch appropriate personnel (CSO, MSO or patrol). Is this an on- going, chronic problem? If so, document this. As with all CFS make sure to ascertain if the RP would like contact (via phone or in person) as frequently they do want a face to face with the officer regarding the issue. Are they willing to sign a citation? Only through signing a citation can further enforcement be taken. If responding personnel are unable to make contact with the responsible party, a door hanger may be left notifying them of the complaint and information regarding the GMC violation. CATS GPD will respond on reports of injured /sick cats so that they may be handled in the most humanitarian way possible and to ensure public safety. GPD does not respond on reports of loose or found cats or cats being surrendered. If someone has found a cat is looking where to take it, there are two cat organizations that may be able to assist with their placement. Town Cats: 779 -5761 Website: towncats.org Cat Resource Center 335 -4357 Website: catcenter.org 293 SICK ANIMALS On occasion we receive CFS regarding possible sick /injured animals. GPD does respond on these reports. Depending on the type of animal and symptoms /signs they present with, they may be transported to one of the following facilities (depending on hour /day of the week) that we have: Princevalle Pet Hospital, 7995 Princevalle St., GIL 848 -3443 Website: princevallepethospital.com Gilroy Veterinary Hospital, 9565 Monterey Rd, GIL - 842 -9348 Website: gilroyvet.com VCA San Martin Animal Hospital, 12955 Monterey Rd, GIL - 683 -4777 Website: vcahospitals.com. M -F 0700 -1900, S &Su 0800 -1600 Emergency Animal Clinic, 5440 Thornwood, SJ 578 -5622 (M -F 6p -8a) 905 Dell Ave., SJ 371 -6252 (24/7) Website: emergencyanimalclinic.com Tri County Animal Clinic (for large animals only) 2675 Pacheco Pass, GIL Website: extendinc.com 848 -8886 On occasion due to unforeseen circumstances there may be other veterinarians that animals are taken to for treatment, however the above listed ones are the most frequently used and the ones that we have an existing relationship with. VICIOUS ANIMALS GPD will respond on ANY reports of a vicious animal in city limits. Make sure to ascertain HOW the animal is acting vicious, its EXACT location /direction of travel and description. ANIMAL TRANQUILIZER GPD has an animal tranquilizer gun. It is kept in the armory in the GPD building. However no PD personnel are currently authorized /trained to use the tranquilizer gun. ANIMAL BITES Pet owners who have knowledge that their pet has bitten /injured any person has the responsibility of immediately notifying GPD. When receiving a report of an animal bite whether from the victim pet owner or otherwise, a CFS will be created and appropriate personnel dispatched. 294 Depending on the severity of the injuries, potential for additional incidents etc., GPD personnel may choose to home quarantine or seize /quarantine the animal at GPD kennels. ANIMAL TRANSPORTS A couple of VIP's have been trained and authorized to perform Animal Control transports to veterinary clinics. In order for them to be activated to perform these duties it must be cleared by the W /C. The group text page for a VIP call out to transport animals is animal transport VIP. DECEASED PETS (4.13) Burial, incineration or other disposition of a deceased pet is the responsibility of the pet owner. However the animals' disposition cannot result in unsanitary conditions for the general public. It is unlawful to place a dead animal in a garbage can, whether it is a public or private receptacle. Refer to 'Animal Crematory'section for additional resources DEAD ANIMALS GPD does not respond to, reports of dead animals unless there seems to be some type of suspicious circumstances and /or cruelty involved. Upon receiving a call of a dead animal, a CFS (109 1) `dead' or . City of Gilroy contracts with a tallow company (located in San Martin) that responds out to pick -up and dispose of all animal carcasses. The tallow company can be reached by email or fax: San Jose Tallow Email: marco507C&aol.com Fax #: (408) 683 -4124 Make sure to include: type of animal and exact location. If this is something that needs immediate attention, document this on the CFS and email /fax as well. Tallow services will generally have any picks up complete within 24hrs of being notified if not sooner. 295 ANIMAL CONTROL ENFORCEMENT There are various types of animal control enforcement techniques used by GPD personnel, depending on the action, type of animal, victim willingness to prosecute etc. WARNINGS Warnings /education are usually our first step in enforcement. A verbal warning or door hanger may be left at the residence. CITATIONS Citations can be used for enforcement, however it is left at the officers discretion to use this type of enforcement on MOST types of animal related issues. Barking dog citations should only be issued by the request and signature of a complaining party (victim). CONFISCATION If for some reason a dog must be confiscated (permanently) by GPD personnel, it is best practice to attempt to have the pet owner sign over the pet to GPD QUARANTINE In -home quarantines are recommended, however if it is a stray with no known owner or if vicious /danger to the public it should be removed and brought to GPD kennels. EUTHANASIA Occasionally a dog is found to be such a danger, that in the best interest of public safety, the animal should be euthanized. There are also situations where a dog OR cat may be so sick /injured, with no identification or owner information, that being euthanized is the best option for humane reasons. r•. BEES Swarming bees do not need to be removed. A honeybee colony contains only a single Queen. However in order to ensure new colonies and population growth, new Queen bees are produced each year. All the Queens except one will leave their parent colony to fly off and establish their own colonies somewhere else. As they leave they take a large entourage of workers bees with them. When bees swarm there is less chance of being stung, for the workers at this time are not defending anything in particular, and.have no instinct to attack you, unless one gets trapped in your clothes/hair and feels personally threatened. The swarms stop each day to rest, usually as a huge ball of bees with the Queen somewhere in the midst of all the workers, and from this works will venture off in different directions looking for an appropriate cavity to offer the Queen a potential new home. The best course of action, should someone discover a football sized clump of bees in a tree etc.....do nothing, they will leave in the next day or two. Honey bees are defensive and will attack only something that is threatening their colony. Smarms first move to a temporary site such as a tree branch. The swarm will usually remain here for about 24 -48 hours until permanent quarters are located and then move on. Permanent quarters may consist of a bee hive, hollow tree, hollow wall, attics typically some place which is sheltered from the weather. On occasion citizens will call advising that they have an issue with a bee hive or a large swarm of bees. If the issue is in a city park or building, we will need to create a CFS and have the Facilities Department personnel respond. If after - hours, it will be at the W /C's discretion if a call-out is necessary. If the issue is OUTSIDE a residence or private business/building, the RP should be advised to contact a beekeeper. There are several beekeepers listed in NOTEQ - ANIMAL - BEES. For additional resources, they can also be referred to the Gilroy Beekeepers Association at www.uvasgold.com 297 ANIMALS PROHIBITED (4.20 & 4.23) GMC section 4.20(a) reads: It is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit to be maintained. bees, swine, llamas, rooster, pigeons, turkeys, pea fowl, water fowl, ostriches and other ratitae or livestock on any premises within the city that have not been zoned for agriculture use, except as otherwise provided in section 4.23. The term 'swine' does not include pot belly pigs. For GMC purposes a `small animal' is defined as chickens, pigeons, turkeys, pea fowl, water fowl, and other ratitae (with a mature height less than 24 inches) and rabbits. GMC section 4.23 (small animal ordinance) reads: Notwithstanding section 4.20(a), any person may keep and maintain up to 6 small animals (in any combination) on any premises in residential zones within the city in accordance with the terms and conditions set form in this section, and it shall be. unlawful for any person to maintain more than 6 small animals on any premises in residential zones within the city not zoned for agricultural use. There are small agricultural pockets in City limits that have been grandfathered into this GMC and are therefore exempt however the vast majority of the city falls under the 4.20(a) and 4.23 municipal code. Pot Belly pigs are allowed within City limits. They are however limited to 1 per household. ANIMALS on GUSD PROPERTY Should a citizen report any animal (raccoon, possum, skunk etc.) on school property, a call will be placed to GUSD office (maintenance dept.) for its removal from the property. If they are unable to handle the situation they may call us to assist. W1 CATTLE There are significant agricultural pockets within City limits and bordering city limits that house cattle. Occasionally cattle will somehow get loose and end up on city streets etc. We keep a list of local castle owners for contact in our NOTEQ files. It is important to ascertain what color the cattle are, are they longhorn, angus etc. to expedite locating owners. Refer to NOTEQ - ANIMAL - CATTLE ANIMAL SHELTERS The City of Gilroy contracts with two animal shelters in Santa Clara County for final transfer and disposition of dogs /cats when owners cannot be located. South County Animal Shelter 12370 Murphy Avenue., San Martin 686 -3908 LE Only 686 -3900 Public 683 -2776 Fax www.sccgov.org San Jose Animal Care & Services 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose 794 -7250 LE Only 794 -7297 Public www.sanioseanimals.com There are other shelters within Santa Clara County to include: Humane Society of Silicon Valley 901 Ames Avenue, Milpitas 262 -2133 www.hssv.or�z Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority 3370 Thomas Road, Santa Clara 764 -0344 www.svaca.com Note: They provide service to Campbell, Monte Sereno, Mountain View and Santa Clara only. Refer to NOTEQ - ANIMAL - SHELTERS for additional information I. W VECTOR CONTROL What is a vector? A vector can be a mosquito, a rat, a flea, a tick, any animal or insect that can transmit disease or cause harm to humans. The Santa Clara County Vector Control (www.sccgov.org) is a County public health program that controls and monitors disease - carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, and other harmful pests such as yellow jackets and rats. Primary services include: • Response to customer initiated service requests for identification, advice, and /or control measures for mosquitoes, rodents, wildlife, and miscellaneous invertebrates (ticks, yellow jackets, cockroaches, fleas, etc.) • Detection of the presence /prevalence of vector borne disease through planned tests, surveys, and sampling • Inspection and treatment of known mosquito and rodent sources • Promotion of public awareness through outreach and educational services We frequently refer citizens to Vector Control for any type of issues relating to rodents or wildlife in or around their property. However the exception is if the animal (mountain lion /rattlesnake etc), is posing or could pose an imminent threat to citizens. If that be the case, the Animal Control Officer will be dispatched if available, or if not available a Multi- Service Officer or Patrol Officer. Depending on the situation it may require multiple officers. SKUNKS /POSSUMS Skunks /possums on private property are generally referred to Vector Control for removal /disposal recommendations. However, if INSIDE an occupied dwelling, ill /injured or other special circumstances, such as the safety of the public exist, an attempt may be made by CSO, MSO or patrol to attempt to remedy the situation. If the ACO CSO is on duty check with them first (if not, the W /C) prior to advising the citizen to call Vector Control. SNAKES Snakes on private property are generally referred to Vector Control for removal /disposal recommendations. However, if INSIDE an occupied, dwelling, ill/injured or other special circumstances exist such as safety of the public, an attempt may be made by CSO, MSO or patrol to attempt to remedy the situation. If the ACO CSO is on duty check with them first (if not, the W /C) prior to advising the citizen to call Vector Control. 300 ANIMAL TRAPS GPD has purchased several animal traps /cages for the use of citizens that would like to borrow them to trap troublesome animals in their neighborhood. It is the sole responsibility of the ACO CSO to issue/lend out all traps and cages owned by GPD. All other personnel will refer any requests for traps /cages to the ACO CSO. This is to ensure proper documentation and the return of the traps /cages. ANIMAL SURRENDER Occasionally a cat or dog owner will call in wanting to surrender their pet to us. We do not accept owner surrender pets, unless there are extenuating circumstances (they have bitten an animal, Level 3 dangerous dog etc.). However should a citizen want to voluntarily surrender their cat /dog they can contact one of the below listed shelters that provide this service. There is a fee associated to the surrendering of an animal. Humane Society of Silicon Valley 901 Ames Avenue, Milpitas 262 -2133 www.hssv.org Monterey County SPCA 1002 Monterey - Salinas Hwy, Salinas (831)373 -2631 www.spcamc.org ANIMAL EVACUATION TEAM The SCC Large Animal (horses, cattle and like size animals) Evacuation Team is a volunteer resource available upon request by 1St responders who are on scene or responding to a disaster. They provide 1St responders with trained and qualified teams of experienced large animal (horses, donkeys, cattle etc.) handlers with appropriate equipment to assist with evacuation during a disaster. In the case of a large disaster, the LAST can be requested through County Communications. Teams are available for large and small evacuations and are requested through Santa Clara County Communications. 301 WILDLIFE RESCUES There are three local wildlife rescue facilities that work (from community education to rescue /rehabilitation) with various animals. Creepy Critters Rescue CCR is a full service reptile and invertebrae rescue. They will take in sick, injured, aggressive, found or surrendered reptiles. They provide local pick -ups on a daily basis. Creepy Critters Rescue PO Box 494, Los Banos (408)561 -9561 Website: creepycrittersrescue.com Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center -_ S U-�_ � \ WERC (located in Morgan Hill) is a non - profit organization that provides local community with rehabilitation services for orphaned, injured and sick native wildlife. They also provide educational programs for K -6, participate in community events through educational exhibits and offer internships to college students. WERC is the only facility in South Santa Clara County licensed by California Department of Fish & Game and US Department of Fish & Wildlife to care for native wildlife. WERC 14030 Oak Valley Road Morgan Hill Office: 779 -9372 Cell: 710 -6730 Website: werc - ca.org This facility is on private property and is NOT open to the public. They do not accept: cats, dogs, rabbits, stock (pig, sheep, goats, .horses cow) animals, deer, mountain lions, foxes, coyote, raccoon, rattlesnakes, domestic /non- native birds (geese, pigeon, turkey, ducks). For a complete listing you can refer to their website. [cif% Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley WCSV (located in San Jose) is a non - profit organization that provides rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife within the Silicon Valley community. They also provide educational programs to the general public. Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley 3027 Penitencia Creek, SJ 929 -9453 Website: wcsv.org 303 ANIMAL CREMATORY There are two animal crematories located in City limits: Animal Memorial Services 8860 Muraoka Drive, GIL 847- 1002/(888)255 -1002. Website: animalmemorialservices.com Forever My Pet Crematory 5945 Obata Way #D, GEL 847 -6454 Website: forevermypetcremation.com Occasionally these businesses will let off a lot of smoke due to the size of the animal being processed. 304