30142 : SUPERVISOR V. MANUEL PEREZ AND SUPERVISOR YXSTIAN GUTIERREZ: Approve the Recommendation From The Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee For The Continuous Improvement of Animal Services to Reaffirm the Prohibition and Enforcement of Illegal Animal Dumping and Dogs Running at Large In. All Districts [$0]

The Board of Supervisors will reaffirm the prohibition and enforcement of illegal animal dumping and dogs running at large in all districts. This action, recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee for the Continuous Improvement of Animal Services, aims to address a concerning pattern of such incidents in unincorporated communities, particularly in the Coachella Valley.

Key Provisions:

• The Board will reaffirm that animal dumping and abandonment are illegal under state law and county ordinance, and that allowing dogs to run at large is prohibited by county ordinance.
• The Riverside County Department of Animal Services will be directed to prioritize investigation and enforcement of these cases.
• The Department of Animal Services will report back to the Board within 90 days with details on enforcement activities, including investigations, citations, criminal referrals, and geographic data on incident locations.

Enforcement:

• Criminal enforcement will continue under California Penal Code § 597s (willful abandonment) and § 597 (cruelty and neglect), and Riverside County Ordinance No. 6.08 (dogs running at large).
• Violators may face criminal prosecution, fines, restitution for costs, and potential imprisonment.
• Administrative citations with escalating penalties will be issued for repeat violations.
• Full cost recovery will be pursued for shelter intake, housing, veterinary care, microchipping, vaccinations, field investigation costs, and property damage.
• Coordination with the Sheriff’s Department, Code Enforcement, Agricultural Commissioner, and District Attorney’s Office will continue.

Public Awareness and Education:

• Signage will be posted in high-risk dumping locations.
• Bilingual outreach campaigns will promote legal surrender options, low-cost spay/neuter services, microchipping, criminal penalties, and assistance for keeping dogs confined.

Financial Details:

• There is $0 immediate fiscal impact, as enforcement will occur within existing departmental budgets. Cost recovery efforts may offset expenditures.