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Councilmember Kepple remarked that the proposed adoption fees are still generous, as they do <br />not cover the full costs of animal care. <br />Officer Crawford acknowledged that the fees are very reasonable, yet there are people who try to <br />negotiate discounts. The Animal Shelter is looking to meet the needs of people at all income <br />levels. <br />In response to a question, Officer Crawford explained that the length of stay for an animal ranges <br />broadly. The Shelter will keep a cat without any time limit if it is friendly and healthy. <br />Erin MacDonald, Chair of LASWAB addressed Council and summarized discussion from <br />LASWAB’s recent meeting on this proposed resolution. She noted that currently, Animal Control <br />Officers are afforded flexibility to offer discounts under certain conditions. LASWAB would like <br />to ensure that the proposed resolution maintains this existing flexibility. She relayed questions <br />from LASWAB about where the shelter fees go and if they go back to directly assist the shelter. <br />Director Rancatore responded that the shelter operates at a deficit. Any fees it collects go into the <br />General Fund and are co-mingled with other funds. Director Rancatore expressed interest in <br />ensuring that the shelter’s financial needs are met and explained how this can be done during the <br />budget process. <br />Ms. MacDonald remarked that if the fees are being raised to support the shelter, then it would be <br />nice for the shelter to receive a corresponding budget increase to reap the benefits of the <br />increase. She also added that although other shelters charge higher fees, that those fees may also <br />include additional services. <br />Councilmember Bullock expressed support for the suggestions made by Chair MacDonald and <br />requested that the City provide a budget increase to the animal shelter that corresponds to the <br />increase in fees. He questioned if an increase in adoption fees will impact adoption rates. <br />s. MacDonald expressed support for the increase, noting that pet-owners should be willing and <br />M <br />able to make an investment in pet ownership and that giving away animals for free or a very low <br />cost is problematic. <br />Animal Control Officer Crawford speculated that adoption rates could go down if fees are raised <br />above what is proposed. He compared Lakewood’s adoption fees to those at the Animal <br />Protective League, noting that APL’s are higher. <br />Councilmember Kepple questioned whether the adoption fee for kittens ought to be increased <br />due to the higher demand. <br />Officer Crawford maintained that $75 for a cat or kitten is a fair price. He suggested that raising <br />prices further could discourage adoptions. <br />2 <br /> <br />