This document is a response from OC Animal Care to claims made by speakers at the March 22, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting regarding OC Animal Care's operations. It fact checks 14 claims, finding some partially true or false. For example, it confirms dogs were euthanized on intake but provides more context on reasons, and it finds false the claims that free shelter evaluations were offered and declined. The response aims to clarify OC Animal Care's data and processes with factual information.

1. 5/11/2016
Summer Parker
1727 N. Crescent Heights Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
RE: Public Records Act Request #16-0486
Dear Ms. Parker,
This letter is in response to the above-referenced Public Records Act request, which
OC Community Resources received on 5/10/2016. In your request, you requested a
copy of the response to the Board of Supervisors related to the OC Animal Care
Board item from the 3/22/2016 Board meeting.
OC Animal Care conducted a search for records responsive to your request. At this
time, we are prepared to produce responsive records. The attached records are the
only responsive records OC Animal Care possesses with regard to your request.
Sincerely,
David Kim
Custodian of Records

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Fact Checking Public Comments on Item #22 from March 22, 2016
OC Animal Care reviewed the comments and claims promoted by the speakers that have been actively
seeking to change the role of OC Animal Care. These groups have strongly held beliefs contrary to the
current role and scope of responsibility of the County animal shelter and systematically misrepresent of
OCAC data and processes. The following facts bring clarity to the claims that have been often repeated in
media, social media and at protests.
Source Claim Fact Check
Miriam Penna‐
Cathorall
Save More Kill Less protest group
Alarmed by October 2015 data
provided to Sharon Logan showing
725 animals euthanized
True
Report from October 2015 indicates 725 animals
were euthanized in October.
 35 Birds (majority for suffering)
 538 Cat (majority not likely to survive)
 102 Dog (majority suffering or
aggression)
 1 Livestock (reason was suffering)
 49 Other (majority for suffering)
OCAC documentation on file for each animal
euthanized.
Miriam Penna‐
Cathorall
From Oct 2015‐ Feb 2016
 233 dogs were killed on the
day of intake
 Average time from intake to
euthanasia was 43 minutes
 61 dogs euthanized were less
than 1 year old
Partially True
OCCR Budget analyzed data and reported the
following results:
 Number of owner requested dogs
euthanized by OCAC on day of intake
231. (OCAC excludes 2 euthanasia’s
performed by private veterinarians)
 Average time from intake to outcome
64.6 minutes for owner requested
euthanasia
 58 dogs euthanized under the age of 1.
 Some animals reported as under the age
of 1 were originally impounded as
puppies, adopted out and the
Chameleon record was not updated to
indicate the current age of the animal at
the time of euthanasia.
Miriam Penna‐
Cathorall
OCAC is not adhering to Logan
Settlement or the Hayden Law
False
Hayden Law refers to 1998 changes to California
Food & Agriculture code, Civil Code and Penal
Code sections related to handling of stray
animals.
The data being cited is provided to Ms. Logan
and her attorneys by OCAC in accordance with
the settlement.

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Source Claim Fact Check
Claims that Logan settlement imposed
additional retention time or restrictions on
euthanasia are inaccurate. OCAC adheres to
requirements to hold stray animals, offer
animals to rescues to promote adoption and
document outcomes.
Miriam Penna‐
Cathorall
Requests a moratorium on euthanasia and new leadership at OC Animal Care.
Dr. James Gardner Numerous blog posts and comments
accuse OC Animal Care of intentionally
under reporting euthanasia rates.
False
OCAC posts euthanasia rates online to be
transparent. There is no intent to manipulate or
hide true euthanasia rates.
Dr. James Gardner Dogs dead at intake are included in
the 2014 calculations.
True
This was a math error not intentional attempt to
lower euthanasia rate. OCAC updated the
numbers and posted corrections on January 12,
2016.
2014 Previously posted dog euthanasia rate=
9.86%
2014 Corrected dog euthanasia rate= 10.8%
Dr. James Gardner Excluding owner requests for
euthanasia from the overall all
euthanasia rate is improper
False
OCAC uses Shelter Animals Count method to
calculate euthanasia rate. This method is used
by numerous government and community
shelters. Owner requested euthanasia is NOT
included when calculating euthanasia rate.
Animal Control Services study by the City of Lake
Forest in 2006‐2007 reported that animals
surrendered for the purpose of euthanasia
should not be included in euthanasia statistics.
Owner requested euthanasia requires the owner
to submit proof that the animal is suffering or is
documented as dangerous.
Dr. James Gardner OC does not have owner requested
euthanasia. The surrender form says
owner surrender and the shelter staff
decide to kill the animal.
False
Pet owners may relinquish or surrender an
animal to OCAC for a variety of reasons.
 Healthy and adoptable animals may be
placed with rescues or offered for adoption.
 Owner requested euthanasia is a service
offered by OCAC. Owner is required to sign
Animal Relinquishment form and
specifically check a box to request

7. 3 | P a g e 6 A p r i l 2 0 1 6
Source Claim Fact Check
euthanasia. This services is also available
through a private veterinarian. Owner must
provide documentation that.
a. Demonstrate animal is untreatable,
or suffering or
b. Animal is dangerous (for example,
Involved in an attack on a person or
another animal)
Owner requested euthanasia is a legally
permitted humane service. The law permits
immediate euthanasia for animals with a history
of vicious or dangerous behavior, suffering or
newborn animals impounded without their
mothers. (CA Food & Ag Code § 31108.5 and
17006)
Dr. James Gardner County use of census population data
over estimates license compliance
rates.
Claims that County admitted being
wrong.
False:
OCAC used census population data to report
licensing compliance rate as this information is
readily available for all contract cities. OCAC
does not have any intent to mislead.
Based on input from Dr. Gardner requesting that
OCAC use California Department of Finance
population numbers which are updated
annually, OCAC elected to switch to this source
of population data for future reporting starting
with the 2015 report.
OCAC is transparent about source data and open
to input. Willingness to change is not an
indication of misconduct by OCAC. OCAC
flexibility is mischaracterized as admission of
wrongdoing.
Dr. James Gardner He received two bills for the same
dog, which proves OCAC is
incompetent.
Partially True
License #256351 was issued for White Maltese
named Tizzy. License was valid through 4/4/16
9/6/15 Rabies vaccination for Tizzy expired. Dr.
Gardner went to update vaccination for Tizzy.
10/27/15 vaccination provided by Alicia Pet Care
Clinic.
11/24/15 Alicia Pet Care Clinic electronically
filed rabies vaccine certificate. Alicia Pet Care
Clinic recorded certificate for Bichon mix named
Tizzie. The change in breed and name triggered

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Source Claim Fact Check
the computer system to generate “new” pet
letter for Dr. Gardner’s dog.
Dr. Gardner received a new pet notice in 2015
and subsequently a renewal notice for the
expiring 4/4/16 license.
2/23/16 Call received from a member of
Gardner household regarding error. OCAC
records updated to correct error and credit
renewal for current rabies certification. Second
renewal notice was canceled.
Dr. Gardener has consistently advocated for the City of Lake Forest to change service
models for animal control services.
Saskia Boisot OCAC euthanized A1441672 a 2 year
old female pit bull mix. OCAC will tell
you that the dog was aggressive and
not suitable for public adoption.
True
Intake date on this dog was 2/22/16. She
displayed aggression towards people at intake by
growling and charging at the kennel and later
displayed aggression toward other dogs.
A1441672 was promoted to rescues as she was
deemed not safe to adopt to the general public.
3/2/16 Adoption partner visited and elected not
to adopt this animal.
3/13/16 euthanasia date set but time extended
by OCAC
3/18/16 rescue indicated plan to visit. . OCAC
provided adoption information. Rescue did not
come.
3/20/16 Dog was humanely euthanized. No Kill
Shelter Alliance initiated social media rebuke of
OCAC.
Saskia Boisot Claims to have supplied countless
examples of staff’s incompetence at
OCAC in accurately ascertaining
animal behavior.
False
While the No Kill Shelter Alliance (NKSA) has
made numerous statements demanding the
removal of Dr. Hawkins and shelter staff, they
have not reported any substantiated instances
of employee misconduct in determining animal
behavior.
OCAC secured a behaviorist under contract to
assist OCAC staff.
Saskia Boisot Claim to have orchestrated
introductions with San Diego and
Austin animal shelters.
False
OCAC employees are active in professional
associations and have well established
relationships with many shelter directors
throughout the country. At the suggestion of

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Source Claim Fact Check
Chairwoman Bartlett’s staff, OCAC contacted
San Diego and Austin for additional information
on their service models.
Saskia Boisot County declined offers of free
evaluations by San Diego Humane
Society and Austin Animal Shelter
False
San Diego and Austin animal shelter directors
stated that shelters did not offer free evaluation
services to Orange County. County did not
receive any free offers; therefore did not decline
any offers.
Saskia Boisot County contracted with a $150,000
contract with JVR Shelter Associates
True
OCAC contract complied with Contract Policy
Manual and was approved at the 2/23/16 Board
meeting.
NKSA previously recommended JVR in a
presentation submitted to 5th
District on
11/30/15.
Saskia Boisot County completely ignored No Kill
Shelter Alliance objections to contract
False
3/15/16 Response from County Procurement
Officer is posted on the NKSA Facebook page
demonstrating that Ms. Boisot received a
response from the County.
Saskia Boisot Demands moratorium on euthanasia True
NKSA consistently advocates for an animal
sanctuary model without euthanasia.
OC Animal Care does not hold animals with poor
life quality or dangerous behaviors for extended
periods.
OCAC recognizes that animal welfare and
humane euthanasia are not mutually exclusive.
NKSA is very committed and passionate about seeking a ban on euthanasia at OCAC and
calls for removal of anyone perceived as an obstacle to the goal of having OCAC operate a
no‐kill animal sanctuary.
Summer Parker Using data provided to Sharon Logan
by OCAC, the Save more kill less group
presented alternative analysis of data
from October 2015 through February
2016. 233 dogs killed
61 less than 1 year old
Partially True
OCCR Budget analyzed data and reported the
following results:
 Number of owner requested dogs
euthanized by OCAC on day of intake
231. (OCAC excludes 2 euthanasia’s
performed by private veterinarians)
 58 dogs euthanized under the age of 1.
Some animals reported as under the age of 1
were originally impounded as puppies, adopted

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Source Claim Fact Check
out and the Chameleon record was not updated
to indicate the current age of the animal at the
time of euthanasia.
Summer Parker
3 yr old pit bull inappropriately
euthanized for head test which is an
unrecognized test in shelters.
18 month Lab mix euthanized
inappropriately for a head test
False
“Head Test” refers to the examination of brain
tissue for the rabies virus. This is a recognized
method of detecting rabies. Proper procedure
requires rabies testing on any dog that is
euthanized within 10 days of a documented bite.
California Rabies Compendium states, “The
biting dog or cat must be either
a) Observed daily for signs of rabies for ten
(10) days following the exposure date,
regardless of the animal's vaccination
status, or
b) Euthanized immediately and tested for
rabies in a public health laboratory.”
Head test is consistent with law.
A1436424 3 yr old PIT BULL
 Owner surrendered for euthanasia for
biting.
 Owner signed the request for
euthanasia slip.
 A bite report is on file verifying the
attack and skin break.
 Additionally, the owner and a witness
both completed sworn statements
documenting two separate bites/attacks
on two different individuals within a 14
day period.
 This dog was euthanized and processed
for rabies testing “Head Test”
A1435745 18 month LABRADOR RETR
 On 1/12/16 call from Anaheim Police
referencing a dog vs dog incident and
bite.
 01/12/16 23:37 Owner Victim bitten by
1yr 6 month old "Mastador" (Bull
Mastiff x Labrador) while trying to stop
it from attacking his other dog.

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Source Claim Fact Check
 Bite Victim received multiple punctures
and lacerations on both hands. Biting
dog "German," was impounded and
transported to Garden Grove E‐Clinic for
treatment of wounds sustained from
dog fight. Other dog needed treatment
for wounds sustained in fight.
 At time of impound Owner stated desire
to owner surrender dog for euthanasia
as he does not trust it anymore. Owner
went to the hospital to care for bite
wounds.
 Dog impounded for bite quarantine on
1/12/16 and a bite report was
completed. The bite report is on file
verifying the skin break and injuries.
 On 1/13/16, the dog owner surrendered
this dog for euthanasia.
 On 1/15/16, dog euthanized and
processed for Rabies testing “Head Test”
Records indicate that euthanasia is consistent
with law and Logan settlement. Ms. Logan could
have requested the record for this animal and
received this information.
Summer Parker
18 month old German Shephard
owner requested euthanasia was
complete within 10 minutes of intake.
Partially True
 A0549968 German Shephard mix, owner
requested euthanasia with intake on
1/16/16 15:49 and euthanasia time
1/16/16 15:59.
 This dog was adopted from OCAC in
2003. The animal ID number was
corresponds to the dog’s age in 2003
when record was created.
 Dog at time of surrender was aged 14.
 OCAC has notified intake staff to update
the age of the animal if it is returned to
the shelter to improve accuracy of the
reports.
 Surrendered to OCAC on 1/16/16 for
euthanasia
 Examination confirmed advanced age,
arthritis, tumor and poor quality of life
and supported humane euthanasia
The assertion that this was inappropriate or
illegal is false. OCAC records indicate euthanasia
in this case is consistent with law and Logan

12. 8 | P a g e 6 A p r i l 2 0 1 6
Source Claim Fact Check
settlement. This was a successful adoption
where the dog lived 13 years with a family.
Summer Parker Dogs euthanized on day of intake
violate the Logan settlement,
California law and community
expectations
False
Settlement agreement with Sharon Logan did
NOT establish new euthanasia restrictions or
retention periods beyond requirements of
California Law.
Settlement does not indicate OCAC euthanasia
practices failed to adhere to the law.
Settlement provided Ms. Logan with OCAC
polices and monthly euthanasia data from OCAC
and the ability to request additional
documentation on up to 5 animals a month.
CA Food & Agriculture Code § 17006
Animals that are irremediably suffering from a
serious illness or severe injury shall not be held
for owner redemption or adoption. Newborn
animals that need maternal care and have been
impounded without their mothers may be
euthanized without being held for owner
redemption or adoption.
CA Food & Agriculture Code § 31108.5 (b)
Upon relinquishment, the dog may be made
available for immediate euthanasia if it has a
history of vicious or dangerous behavior
documented by the agency charged with
enforcing state and local animal laws
Summer Parker Want housing and care to make them
adoptable.
OC Animal Care does not hold animals with poor
life quality or dangerous behaviors for extended
periods.
Save More Kill Less protest group frequently disputes the observations and decisions by
OCAC employees regarding special needs animals and advocates for keeping homeless
animals if the facility has empty kennels.
Save More Kill Less seeks to compel Orange County to hold animals indefinitely, house them
at taxpayer expense, train animals with behavior issues, and keep the kennels full while
advocating for cities to leave the County system, lower fees, replace the shelter and replace
the County employees.
Danielle Parker Female Pitbull posthumously named
Sia was euthanized during March 19‐
20 weekend adoption event
Partially True
 Intake date on this dog was 2/22/16.
She displayed aggression towards
people at intake by growling and

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Source Claim Fact Check
charging at the kennel and later
displayed aggression toward other dogs.
 A1441672 available to rescues as she
was deemed not safe to adopt to the
general public.
 3/2/16 an adoption partner visited the
dog and elected to not adopt.
 3/8/16 inter‐animal aggression was
observed.
 3/13/16 dog was set for euthanasia but
OCAC extended time.
 3/18/16 a non‐registered adoption
partner planned to visit the dog and was
provided detailed information on how to
adopt the dog. The rescue never came.
 3/20/16 dog was humanely euthanized
due to having demonstrated aggression
to both humans and animals.
Danielle Parker OCAC lies about promoting life and
adoption.
False
OCAC works very hard to promote life and
adoption via various programs such as:
 Diversion program—removes barriers to
facilitate keeping animals homed
 Hosts low cost spay/neuter services
 Holds low cost adoption events at least
monthly
 Works closely with 501c3 adoption
partners which adopt 30% of difficult‐to‐
place animals
 Medical Pets Program—works closely
with private vets to provide care for
special needs animals
 Animal Cruelty investigations—98%
conviction rate on cases submitted to
DA
Danielle Parker Snoopy 2 year old pit mix was mis‐
identified by OCAC. Rescue ID her as
Jack Russell‐Corgi mix. She did not
observe aggressive behavior.
Indicated that animal had swelling
behind the eye that was not noted by
OCAC.
Partially True
A1446465 Listed at Pitbull/Corgi mix. The dog is
a mix. Difference of opinion on breed is
reasonable.
2/29/16 turned in as stray. Vet staff unable to
perform full examination as it was resistant to
restraint and growling at staff. Scanned for
microchip. Dog held thru retention and
monitored for behavior.

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Source Claim Fact Check
3/4/16 reporting party contacted and advised
dog would not be available for public adoption
due to behavior.
3/5/16 Dog lunged and tried to bite kennel staff
during morning cleaning.
3/5/16 Place on euthanasia list.
3/6/16 Removed from euthanasia list and
extended to 3/9/16
3/9/16 Rescue took dog.
Save More Kill Less protest group frequently disputes the observations and decisions by
OCAC employees regarding special needs animals and advocates for keeping homeless
animals if the facility has empty kennels.
Save More Kill Less seeks to compel Orange County to hold animals indefinitely, house
them at taxpayer expense, train animals with behavior issues, and keep the kennels full
while advocating for cities to leave the County system, lower fees, replace the shelter and
replace the County employees.
Rose Tingle The 20 year delay in replacing the
animal shelter is caused by the Board
of Supervisors and Financial Oversight
Advisory Board.
False
County of Orange has never stopped working on
plans to replace the animal shelter. Many of the
delays were related to environmental issues
with the property and talks the Navy. The Board
supported and encouraged efforts of County
staff.
Rose Tingle Steve Franks was wrong in stating that
the contract cities had not expressed a
desire for multiple shelters in the
County.
False
The contract cities have not approached county
asking for multiple shelters.
The County is open to having satellite adoption
centers. RFI for adoption centers is pending.
Rose Tingle Orange County is the only county that
requires contract cities to share the
cost of the animal shelter.
OCAC is unable to comment on the funding
practices of other Counties.
As Citizens for Animal Shelter, Orange County, Ms. Tingle is a longtime local advocate
seeking a replacement for the 1941 OC Animal Shelter. She would like to see the County
build multiple shelters at county expense and also encourages cities to withdraw from the
County system.
Sharon Logan Claimed the October 2015 report from
OC Animal care erroneously reported
that in October OCAC euthanized 491
animals
False
OCAC provided Sharon Logan with a list of
animal ID numbers for euthanized animals.
The settlement allows her to request up to five
(5) files a month for detailed review.

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Source Claim Fact Check
If a litter is euthanized, the entire litter is
assigned one ID number because the records
are contained in one file.
The records will contain an accurate count of the
number on animals in the litter.
Sharon Logan Voice of OC reporter Nick Gerda
obtained a different number from
Katie Ingram for October 2015 of 725
animals.
True
Voice of OC requested the number of animals
euthanized not the number of records. The
information provided to Voice of OC was
responsive to the question and represented
each animal euthanized.
Sharon Logan OCAC accused of concealing the real
total from Ms. Logan.
False
Information provided to Ms. Logan pursuant to
settlement agreement is different from the total
count. OCAC gave her information with animal
ID numbers to help her request details on any 5
cases she wished to see.
A former OC Adoption Partner, Ms. Logan operates the Paw Protectors Rescue. The
adoption partner status for the rescue was suspended following an incident where Ms.
Logan filmed and challenged a member of the public seeking services at OCAC.
Ms. Logan often reports that she is not allowed on shelter property and not allowed to
adopt animals. That is not accurate. She has the same access and rights as any member
of the public. Her organization no longer receives discounted adoptions but does continue
to receive special needs e‐mails. She adopted at least one dog from OCAC last summer.
Ms. Logan filed suit against OCAC claiming euthanasia and intake procedures violated the
law. OCAC practices did not violate any laws. Settlement with OCAC allows her to receive
monthly euthanasia data, request 5 detailed records a month and see OCAC euthanasia
policies. The information provided to her and her attorney are also available to the public
through the Public Records Act.
Logan settlement did not create new restrictions on euthanasia or extend holding time for
animals beyond requirements in California law.
Brenda Calvillo Wants to know how OC Animal Care
staff have time to monitor the circus
or rodeo.
OCAC has employees assigned to inspect animal
related businesses with in our service area.
Brenda Calvillo Submitted a records request on the
circus that showed OCAC saw the
show and nothing happened.
False
OCAC has responded to three Public Records
Requests from the speaker for information
related inspections for the circus.
Request #14‐0122
3/14/14 requestor was provided with
approximately 400 pages of documents related
to a circus permit.

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Source Claim Fact Check
Request# 14‐0495
7/31/14 requestor received 16 pages of records
related to the circus.
Request #14‐0609
Requestor received a field inspection record for
the circus.
Ms. Calvillo appears to be most concerned with the welfare of animal performers
associated with the circus, rodeo and other animal related shows.