New System in Place for Animal Control
Residents no longer have to go all the way to the county animal shelter to retrieve their dogs from the pound or to obtain licenses for their pets.
Now they only have to travel a few miles to their local animal shelter in San Clemente, the South Orange County Animal Services Authority.
In July, the City Council approved a joint powers agreement with San Clemente to create the authority. This month, that agreement officially went into effect, with the council adopting a new animal control ordinance and new fees for animal control services Tuesday.
The authority will respond to animal-related emergencies, enforce local animal control laws, canvas for licenses and care for animals within its custody for the cities of Dana Point and San Clemente, said Mark R. Johnson, emergency services coordinator for Dana Point.
Currently, the animals are being held in temporary facilities in San Clemente while SOCASA waits for a new shelter to be completed, possibly in June, said Michael W. Parness, city manager for San Clemente.
The $500,000 shelter is being funded by both cities, with the Animal Rescue Foundation of Dana Point and Friends of San Clemente Animals also contributing.
The temporary animal shelter is at 224 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente. Information: (714) 361-8205.
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