In light of recent requests for more funding to the West Valley Humane Society, the concern for fiscal stewardship has prompted an important and needed conversation about the cost of servicing animal care/control/sheltering. I believe that this community conversation should be chanelled into a a formal advisory committee that advises on best practices for animal-related policy, associated costs, public outreach, and helps develop a future-looking master plan on how the city can best meet its moral and statutory obligations. By establishing a dedicated Animal Advisory Committee, the mayor and city council can benefit from invaluable guidance and recommendations on how best to care for animals within the city. As Nampa continues to grow as the largest city within the county and the third-largest city in the state, I believe due diligence and input from a qualified committee will guide how Nampa can best steward its policy and resources, both ethically and statutorily.
Vision
To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all animals in Nampa, promote responsible pet ownership, and foster a compassionate community that values its animal residents.
Objectives
- Establish a Dedicated Committee: Create a formal Animal Advisory Committee composed of diverse stakeholders to provide oversight, guidance, and expertise.
- Review Ordinance and Policy: Review existing ordinance and recommend changes and amendments.
- Review Shelter Operations: Review standards of care, facility management, and operational efficiencies. Advise on the best arrangements for the city.
- Promote Community Engagement: Foster greater public involvement in animal welfare initiatives, spay/neuter programs, and volunteerism.
- Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Establish mechanisms for public reporting, performance metrics, and financial transparency related to animal control/shelter operations.
Proposed Animal Shelter Committee Structure
The Nampa Animal Committee will be an advisory group appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. It will consist of 7-9 members, as well as the mayor or designee:
- City Council Liaison: One City Council member.
- Animal Control Representative: A representative from Nampa PD/Animal Control.
- Veterinarian: A licensed veterinarian practicing in Nampa.
- Northwest Nazarene Pre-Veterinary Faculty Representative: A member of NNU’s faculty in the Pre-Vet program..
- College of Western Idaho Animal Science Faculty Representative: A member of CWI’s faculty in the Animal Science program.
- Community Members: 2-4 at-large community members with an interest in animal welfare. All but one must reside within city limits.
Committee Responsibilities:
- Review and recommend updates to animal welfare policies and ordinances.
- Monitor shelter performance and recommend operational improvements.
- Advise on budget allocation.
- Facilitate public education and outreach initiatives.
Key Policy Areas to Address
The animal welfare policy will cover, but not be limited to, the following areas:
- Intake and Impoundment:
- Clear procedures for animal intake (stray, surrendered, seized).
- Holding periods for stray animals, ensuring adequate time for owner reclamation.
- Protocols for emergency intake and injured animals.
- Animal Care Standards:
- Minimum standards for housing, sanitation, nutrition, and veterinary care.
- Protocols for disease prevention and control.
- Adoption and Rehoming:
- Transparent and accessible adoption processes.
- Spay/neuter requirements for all adopted animals.
- Partnerships with rescue organizations for transfer and rehoming.
- Euthanasia Policy:
- Strict criteria for euthanasia, prioritizing adoption and rehoming.
- Humane methods of euthanasia, if a last resort, as administered by trained personnel.
- Data collection and reporting on euthanasia rates.
- Responsible Pet Ownership:
- Education campaigns on spay/neuter, microchipping, and basic animal care.
- Public Safety and Animal Control:
- Procedures for handling dangerous or aggressive animals.
- Response protocols for animal cruelty and neglect cases.
- Collaboration with law enforcement.
- Volunteer and Foster Programs:
- Development of robust volunteer and foster networks.
- Training and support for volunteers and foster families.
- Facility Management and Infrastructure:
- Regular assessment of shelter facility needs and maintenance.
- Planning for future expansion or improvements to meet community demand.
- Emergency preparedness plans for the shelter.
Implementation Plan
- Phase 1: Committee Establishment (2-3 Months)
- City Council resolution to establish the Animal Shelter Committee.
- Public call for committee member applications.
- Appointment of committee members.
- Initial committee meetings to establish bylaws.
- Phase 2: Policy Development (4-6 Months)
- Committee research and review of existing ordinance and best practices in animal welfare policy.
- Revisions and final recommendation to City Council for any proposed changes to existing ordinance and recommendations on sheltering resources.
- Phase 3: Operational Integration & Outreach (Ongoing)
- Development of public education campaigns.
- Establishment of performance metrics and regular reporting.
- Ongoing review and adaptation of policies based on effectiveness and community needs.
- Budgetary recommendations involving sheltering, etc.
Conclusion
By taking these decisive steps, the City of Nampa will demonstrate its commitment to public input and animal welfare to ensure best practices and the wise stewardship of taxpayer resources to ensure that the city maintains its goals of supporting good policy and an effective animal sheltering system. If elected, I will quickly set up this committee to ensure the best guidance on future decisions for the city.
