BUENA PARK : City OKs Change in Animal Control

To save money, the city plans to contract with La Habra instead of the county for animal control services.

The City Council on Monday approved entering into negotiation for an agreement with the neighboring city to provide the services at an annual cost of $105,000, a savings of about $20,000 over last year’s cost, officials said.

City Manager Kevin O’Rourke said the cost of the services through Orange County Animal Control has increased over the years.

“We decided to look at alternatives to save taxpayers money and improve the quality of service,” O’Rourke said.

O’Rourke said the city has had no complaints of the county’s service. But La Habra’s takeover is expected to improve service by making it more convenient for residents to pick up lost pets and providing an animal-control officer in the city on a more regular basis.

La Habra will provide license and shelter services, patrols and response to calls beginning Jan. 1, said Doug Brodowski, administrative analyst.

Stray and wounded animals will continue to be taken to the county shelter, Brodowski said. Those costs are included in the contract amount with La Habra.

The agreement includes a 90-day termination clause in order to provide the city with enough time to seek alternative services should there be dissatisfaction with La Habra.

Lost pets that can be identified will be taken to the La Habra’s kennels and remain there overnight. If unclaimed, the animals will be transferred to the county facility, Brodowski said.

Impound and licensing fees also will not change.