THOUSAND OAKS : 9 Animal Control Positions May Be Cut

Nine animal control workers may lose their jobs as a result of a Thousand Oaks City Council decision to switch agencies that handle lost and injured dogs and cats as well as pet licensing, a county official said.

The council in a 4-1 vote decided Tuesday not to renew a $182,050 contract with the Ventura County Animal Regulation Department when it expires July 1. Councilwoman Elois Zeanah cast the lone dissenting vote.

Instead, the city decided to award the contract to Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Department, which operates a shelter in Agoura Hills, city management assistant Brenda Young said.

Thousand Oaks is the only city in Ventura County that will be covered by Los Angeles County animal control officers, she said.

Kathy Jenks, director of the Ventura County Animal Regulation Department, said the city’s decision could mean the loss of nine full-time jobs, including animal control and clerical positions.

Ventura County animal control officers are responsible for catching lost dogs and cats in Thousand Oaks and taking them to a shelter in Camarillo.

Young said she recommended the switch to Los Angeles County because the animal control shelter in Agoura Hills has promised to provide more services at lower costs to city residents. The city expects to save about $61,500 during the first year.

But some residents told the council that they would rather see their pets taken to a shelter in Ventura County because pet owners may not be able to track lost animals if they are moved to other shelters in Los Angeles County.