Protective Services & Community Services Report - Renewal of Animal Control Services Agreement with CRD

DISCUSSION:

The Town of View Royal has historically contracted its animal control services to the Capital Regional District. Several renewals have occurred and the Town has been generally satisfied with the level of service and cooperative working relationship with CRD Animal Control and Bylaw Officers.

During the course of 2018, the Director evaluated the current contract as well as the overall service model provided. Based on the costs associated with managing our own Animal Control department, and comparing the actual value added initiatives supplied by CRD, we conclude a recommendation for renewal with CRD.

In additional to patrol and animal management, CRD, at their expense and as part of a larger regional initiative also provide many additional and beneficial services to the Town.

The new contract reflects previous versions with the exception of one change. The previous agreement designated the Chief Administrative Officer as the primary contact for issues specific to animal control in the Town. An edit to that agreement recognizes the Director of Protective Services as the first point of contact for day to day operational issues. Notwithstanding the change, the Chief Administrative Officer retains overall authority with respect to contractual issues or enquiries between Town Council and the CRD.

"the Director of Protective Services of View Royal, and in his/her absence the Bylaw Enforcement Officer of View Royal, as the primary contact with CRD staff with respect to the Services. The parties acknowledge that the intent of this provision is to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort by the CRD, as well as conflicting instructions from View Royal to the CRD. Other officers or employees of View Royal, including members of the Municipal Council, may contact the Manager of CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services directly but only for the purpose of making inquiries and not to give direction;"

These include:

• Smart Phones with Tempest software (Calls for Service, Dogs, Land, Ticketing, Calls Mobile and Dogs Mobile) for quick reference of dog license information, history and complaint information.
• This enables Officers to spend more time patrolling in the field;
• Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan for pets www.crd.bc.ca/prepare-pets;
• Pet Emergency "Grab and Go" bags available to members of the public Informative web pages including information on animal care, emergency preparedness, pet safety, licensing, lost and found animals, an adoption page with photos, and all animal control bylaws. www.crd.bc.ca/animal;
• "Petiquette Perks Rewards Program" – a rewards/discount card is issued to all valid dog license holders which provides discounts with participating partners listed on the website, there are currently over 50 partners www.crd.bc.ca/petperks;
• Public education program "Petiquette" www.crd.bc.ca/petiquette;
• Free cat licenses offered to all residents for easy identification;
• Free direct return of pets to owner homes from 8am to 6pm if the owners are unable to attend to our Animal Shelter due to age, infirmity or lack of transportation;
• Hand held point of sale (POS) machines for dog license sales;
• All animals adopted from our facility are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped;
• All veterinary expenses are included in the contract cost;
• Excellent record for returning animals to their owners, adopting animals to good homes, or finding suitable foster homes. We have received national and international recognition for our rehoming rate which is currently 94% for cats and 97% for dogs;
• Our Pound facility is regularly inspected by the SPCA to ensure it is sanitary, humane, and the animals are comfortable and safe;
• After hours, statutory holiday on call coverage and overtime at no extra charge;
• Volunteer opportunities for citizens, we run an extensive Volunteer Program at the Shelter facility to regularly exercise and socialize all adoptable or long term animals;
• Work experience opportunities for students;
• Close proximity to an animal hospital in case of emergency (Elk Lake Veterinary Hospital);
• Veterinary services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week;
• Close proximity to parks to exercise dogs (Elk Lake);
• Animal Shelter staff very experienced in emergency animal care;
• Fences, fields and outbuildings available to house large animals and large numbers of animals in an emergency or natural disaster.

BUDGET:

The renewed contract will realize a modest increase in fees of 2.5% per year. In consideration of the performance by the CRD of the Services, View Royal shall pay monthly, on invoice, to the CRD, one twelfth (1/12) of the annual costs as follows:

2019 - $45,000 2020 - $46,200 2021 - $47,400 2022 - $48,600

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Animal Control Contract be renewed with the Capital Regional District for a period of four years substantially in the form attached to the Director of Protective Services January 2, 2019 report.

SUBMITTED BY: Paul Hurst, Fire Chief/Director of Protective Services

REVIEWED BY: Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer