DATE: October 1, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Mendheim, Animal Care and Adoption Division
PHONE: 954-359-1010
EMAIL: lmendheim@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Animal Care ends the 2015 fiscal year with many major accomplishments including an increased live release rate, decreased animal intake, and increased license sales. "The Division is working hard to achieve the Board of County Commissioners' intent to become a No Kill Community. By effectively managing programs and reducing the number of pets in our community we can make this a reality," said Thomas Adair, Assistant Director, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division.
Thanks to the support of the County Commission, implementation of new programs and continued engagement within the community, the live release rate rose 6% this fiscal year, at the same time shelter intake decreased. "Our goal for 2015 was to reduce intake by 3%. Staff did an amazing job implementing strategies set forth and as a result intake fell an incredible 15% from last year," said Adair.
In addition to the life-saving accomplishments, this year marks the achievement of a licensing goal as well. In 2013, the Board of County Commissioners, approved the use of license sales in excess of 100,000, to fund low-to-no-cost sterilization programs. The 2015 fiscal year ended with more than 108,000 licenses sold, meaning the Division also realized an increase of almost 20,000 licenses sold annually when compared to last year's sales. The increased license sales sum rose to approximately $200,000 additional revenue that will be transferred into the newly created Sterilization Trust Fund for fiscal year 2016.
Adair says the Animal Care Division identified ways to fully utilize technology and staff to accomplish these goals previously mentioned. The result was increased efficiencies and productivity. "Staff has been enthusiastically resolute knowing that increased sales allow for more sterilizations as well as pets being identified in order to be returned home expeditiously."
It's just the beginning! "With continued Commission support and the changes we are making, there's no doubt that big things are coming and we expect an even better 2016!" said Adair.
About Animal Care
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption is dedicated to providing shelter for lost and homeless animals. The agency provides access to hundreds of shelter pets hoping for a new home. Please prevent unwanted animals and have your pet spayed or neutered. For more information about the agency, visit our website, or "like us" on Facebook.com/BrowardPets.
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