HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Item No. 10REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: ROBERT A. BRADY, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MARCH 8, 2011
SUBJECT: ANIMAL LICENSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Background
Approximately 9,600 dogs and 11,700 cats live in the City of Lake Elsinore.
Dog & Cat Demographics for City of Lake Elsinore:
• Citizen Population = 50,983
• Number of Households in City = 14,478
• *Dog Population Estimate = 9,600
• *Cat Population Estimate = 11,700
*Dog & Cat Population Estimates extrapolated based upon the statistics compiled from the
American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey.
Licensing data from 2009 shows 5,076 dogs and 856 cats were licensed in the
City. Therefore, the estimated compliance rate for dog and cat licensing is 52%
and 7%, respectively.
In 2009, there were 1,450 dogs and 911 cats housed at the local animal shelter
and attributed to the City of Lake Elsinore. The City's total number of dogs and
cats housed at the old animal shelter in 2009 was 2,361 animals, which represents
about 25% of the animals housed at the facility. Eighty-one (81%) of dogs and
99% of cats were unclaimed by their owners, ultimately resulting in 596 dogs and
712 cats being euthanized. This is a sad and costly situation.
The City's share of the cost to house animals at the new Southwest Communities
Financing Authority (SCFA) animal shelter facility will vary each year in proportion
to the number of animals housed at the new facility during the previous calendar
year. Based upon the number of animals housed at the old animal shelter facility
in 2009 and assuming no change in the percentage rate for the housing of animals
at the new SCFA animal shelter facility, then the City's annual cost share for
housing 25% of the total number of animals is estimated at $504,000. This cost of
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10
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Animal Licensing Incentive Program March 8, 2011
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animal sheltering is disproportionate to the City's population relative to other SCFA
member cities.
Given the City's population is 50,983 people, then the City's estimated annual
variable costs per capita equals $9.88 per person for use of the SCFA animal
shelter. In contrast, the cities of Murrieta and Temecula's annual variable costs
per capita are $3.33 and $2.97, respectively. Assuming all things being equal, the
average annual variable costs per capita for all cities equals $4.80 per person.
Therefore, if the City of Lake Elsinore can reduce the number of animals housed at
the SCFA animal shelter facility on an annual basis equivalent to the average
annual variable costs per capita for all SCAF member cities, then the City's
potential annual cost savings would equal $259,000.
City Staff is in the process of developing an "Animal Licensing Incentive Program"
to increase the animal licensing compliance rate. The program is premised on the
belief that licensed pets are less likely to be unclaimed by pet owners. In addition,
licensed pets are more likely to be spayed or neutered, which reduces the
population of unwanted animals and the number of animals euthanized.
Discussion
The proposed "Animal Licensing Incentive Program" includes publicizing
information, door-to-door canvassing utilizing the Citizens Activity Team (CAT)
volunteers and offering a temporary discount coupon for animal licensing.
The City is currently recruiting volunteers to canvass households in the City to
encourage residents to license their pet. The volunteers will receive orientation
from Animal Friends of the Valleys and the City's Human Resources Division prior
to being sent into the field. The canvasser's will carry door hangers that contain
information, in both English and Spanish, on the importance of licensing their pet.
In addition, the door hanger will offer a coupon for new animal licensing and a
temporary waiver of late fees. The coupon will contain a 60-day expiration date to
persuade pet owners to act sooner, rather than later.
Proposed New Animal Licensing Discount Coupon:
• $5 off the 1-Year Altered Dog License Fee of $20.
• $2 off the 1-Year Altered Cat License Fee of $8.
• Temporary waiver from $20 Late Fee for Animal Licensing.
Coupon expiration - Date specific with maximum 60-days redemption.
Staff estimates it will require ten (10) volunteers working five hours per week for
twelve (12) weeks to complete the canvassing. The expiration date on the
discount coupon will be adjusted frequently, so that citizens will have a minimum
30 day redemption.
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Animal Licensing Incentive Program March 8, 2011
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Fiscal Impact
Approval of this item will result in direct costs for printing material and providing
identifying T-shirts for volunteers in an amount estimated at $2,500. City Staff
intends to use low cost methods for publicizing information, including the City
website, City Activity Guide, cable TV and press releases.
Staff anticipates no fiscal impact on City revenue from offering the discount
coupon for new animal licensing, as the fees collected from the new licensing will
offset this discount.
It's unknown if the "Animal Licensing Incentive Program" will decrease the number
of animals housed at the SCFA Animal Shelter in coming years; however, the
potential savings could be substantial. For example, every 10% reduction in the
number of animals housed at the SCFA Animal Shelter could result in an annual
savings of $50,000.
Recommendations
Approve the City offering a temporary discount coupon for new animal licensing
based on the following criteria:
• $5 off the 1-Year Altered Dog License Fee of $20.
$2 off the 1-Year Altered Cat License Fee of $8.
• Temporary waiver from $20 Late Fee for Animal Licensing.
• Coupon expiration - Date specific with maximum 60-day redemption.
Prepared by: Pat Kilroy, Director ~
Lake, Parks and Recreation Department
Approved by: Robert A. Brady, City Manager
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