Hello

I emailed these people today and launched a huge email campaign on Facebook and Care 2- and I just received this-

Hello:

Thank you for your message regarding TaraSun Rescue. Our office has received many e-mails and phone calls regarding our Animal Care and Control Department and their efforts to enforce a County Ordinance regarding limitations on the number of animals kept at residential properties.

TaraSun rescue was first notified that their operation was not in compliance with land use regulations over 6 months ago following a citizen complaint about conditions at the rescue. ACC staff worked with the rescue operator and gave repeated extensions of time to the shelter applicant, including the most recent and final extension of 90 days. Our office has worked with another humane organization, who attempted to assist TaraSun in placing some cats at their rescue in an attempt to reduce their number - which does exceed those allowed by our County ordinance. A local attorney also offered pro bono legal assistance to the shelter operator. Though assistance was offered, the operator did not accept assistance and asked that no one from the County contact her prior to the end of the 90 day extension granted to her.

I have received confirmation from ACC today that the operator of the rescue may be subject to civil sanctions under the ordinance if the cat population has not been reduced at the end of the 90 day period. At the current time, these sanctions will not involve seizure of the animals at the facility, but may involve a financial penalty if the facility has not been brought into compliance as required by current law. Further actions may result if additional complaints are received about the facility.

The County of Sonoma is committed to policy revision of ordinances involving pets, which have not been reviewed in the last decade. As part of the current work plan for the department, the standards relating to animal rescue groups - as a compliment to our animal shelter goals of finding good homes for adoptable animals - will be factored when we look at applicable ordinances as they apply to land use guidelines and rescue work.

Thank you for your concern for animal welfare, and your advocacy for a reasonable resolution to this situation.

Best regards,

Susan Upchurch
District Director for
Supervisor Efren Carrillo
Fifth District Representative
County of Sonoma
575 Administration Drive Room 100a
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

phone: 707-565-2241
fax: 707-565-3778
e-mail: [email protected]
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