SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF THE SHELBY COUNTY ANIMAL CARE COALITION (SCACC) to increase the number of adoptions of companion animals at the Shelby County Animal Shelter.  Furthermore, support the implementation of animal care policies that reflect national animal shelter best practice standards.  Animal welfare will be enhanced when:

• Animal care officers are accountable to approved policies and procedures
• Shelter animals are provided humane treatment including, but not limited to:  Food, medical treatment, clean living conditions, daily exercise outside of their cage or kennel, and positive human interaction

Lack of proper oversight at the Shelby County Animal Shelter and practices that have led to neglect and/or abuse of animals must change.

These goals and objectives have been set forth by SCACC:

Goals of SCACC: 

(1)   To insure that all animals entering and exiting the Shelby County Animal Shelter receive a high standard of consistent quality care, as defined by industry best practices

(2)   To propose new guidelines at the Shelby County Animal Shelter

(3)   To be an advocate for change management regarding Shelby County Animal Shelter Leadership

(4)   To alleviate practices that can directly--or indirectly--lead to the abuse and neglect of animals at our local animal shelter

(5)   To eliminate wasteful use of taxpayer money.

 General Objectives

(1)  To facilitate compliance with the  administration of best practices for animal welfare in a shelter environment, according to the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters published by The Association of Shelter Veterinarians. This is to safeguard the medical health and physical wellbeing of the animals, as well as to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff.

(2)    To train staff and volunteers to adhere to best practice methodologies as they pertain to the shelter environment.

(3)     To create and implement policy and procedure manuals for all aspects of shelter operations in accordance with any and all local, state and federal laws while meeting or exceeding industry standards.

(4)     To ensure exemplary record keeping and documentation for all animals that enter and leave the shelter.

(5)     To facilitate recruitment and retention of volunteers by creating and implementing an extensive volunteer program.