Council to Discuss Animal Control Pact

Simi Valley’s contentious contract with Ventura County’s Animal Regulation Department could draw more fire from council members when they discuss the contract at their meeting Monday.

Council members postponed a vote on whether to renew the contract last month until animal control officials could hear their concerns and respond to questions concerning the department’s quality of service.

The Animal Regulation Department has been criticized by city officials and residents who say that the service has been substandard, particularly in light of the more than $226,000 the city spends annually to maintain it.

“There have been some concerns about the amount of time it takes animal control to respond to calls, particularly at night,” said Diane Jones, director of the Department of Community Services. “But it’s something I think can be worked out. . . . [Animal control officials] have been willing to discuss this with us and other cities that have expressed a concern.”

Before the contract is renewed, council members would like animal regulation officials to abide by a list of standards that will ensure that the community receives adequate and timely service.

Council members will take no action Monday on whether to renew the contract, which expires in May. They are expected to make that decision by mid-April.