Discontinuance of Animal Control Services by the S.P.C.A. (R. Noce)

Recommendation:
That the following report be received for information.

Report Summary

This report provides a response to an administrative inquiry regarding the discontinuance of animal control services by the Edmonton S.P.C.A.

Previous Council/Committee Action

At the City Council meeting of November 15, 1999, Councillor R. Noce made the following inquiry:

“On November 12, 1999, the Edmonton S.P.C.A. announced that, beginning in 2000, it would discontinue animal control services for the City of Edmonton. I would be obliged if the City Manager would answer the following questions:

  1. What does the Edmonton S.P.C.A.’s decision with respect to animal control mean for the City of Edmonton?
  2. Are there budget implications for the City of Edmonton as a result of the decision of the Edmonton S.P.C.A.?
  3. Will the City have to construct additional facilities or hire additional staff to handle stray animals; and furthermore, are there other courses of action the City might take, such as, contracting the operation to a non-profit agency or private-sector company as opposed to doing it itself?

I would appreciate a response for the January 10, 2000, Community Services Committee meeting.”

Report

  1. Although it is registered as a humane society, the Edmonton S.P.C.A. has indicated its intention to discontinue providing shelter to stray animals found within the City. As a result, it will be necessary for the City to decide whether it will provide these shelter services. At present the City does provide shelter to the majority of stray dogs, however, the decision of the Edmonton S.P.C.A. will result in an increase to this number. The City does not presently provide shelter services for stray cats.
  2. The extent of the budget implications for the City of Edmonton depends on what shelter services the City decides to provide. The current pound shelter facilities can handle the expected increase in the number of stray dogs. If a decision is made to provide shelter services for stray cats, it would be necessary to expand the pound facilities. Again, depending on what decisions are made, there may also be the need for additional staff for the Animal Control Section.
  3. At present, there are no non-profit agencies (other than the Edmonton S.P.C.A.) or private sector companies with the ability to contract for the provision of animal shelter services to the City.
    As discussed above, if a decision is made to provide shelter services for stray cats, it would be necessary to expand the pound facilities. There may also be the need for additional staff for the Animal Control/Pound Section. The number of additional staff would depend directly on the extent of services to be provided.
    Further, the current pound facilities have limited space for waiting areas, counter service, viewing and adoption areas, administration offices, and medical facilities. It is likely that an expansion of these areas will eventually be required regardless of what decision is made with respect to the provision of shelter services to cats.

Budget / Financial Implications

  • The sum of $153,000 has been approved in the 2000 Bylaw Services budget, to pay for shelter services provided by the Edmonton S.P.C.A. Approximately 2/3rds of this amount, or $102,000, will be available for other purposes if the Edmonton S.P.C.A. does in fact discontinue providing shelter to stray animals on May 1, 2000.
  • There is no provision in the 2000 Bylaw Services budget for expansion of the pound facilities.
  • If shelter services are to be provided for stray cats effective May 1, 2000, additional operating funds of $200,000 to $300,000 will be required for the 2000 budget year.
  • The ongoing annual operating cost for the provision of such shelter services is estimated at between $350,000 and $450,000.
  • Depending on the extent of shelter services to be provided, eventual expansion of the pound facilities are estimated at up to $800,000.
  • Due to the increased volume of animals to be handled, potential sources of revenue to offset these additional expenses exist. These include:
    a)increased license sales;
    b)increased fine revenues; and
    c)increased adoption revenues.

It is difficult at this time to estimate the amount of such increased revenue with any degree of accuracy.

  • If the current pound facilities are expanded in an appropriate manner, the possibility also exists for the provision of animal sheltering services to surrounding municipalities.

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