City of Denton Announces Independent Review of Animal Services Policies and Procedures

DENTON, TX, Sept. 17, 2024 - The City understands the loss experienced by Gunner's family and the concerns raised by our community regarding his euthanasia. We recognize the emotional impact this situation has caused and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and transparency in Animal Services.

The City Manager has commissioned an independent subject matter expert, Shelter Savvy, to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of the Animal Services Department's operating procedures. This review will provide an objective assessment of the procedures, policies, and processes and provide recommendations for areas of improvement and compliance with best practices. By examining the current operating procedures thoroughly and openly with the independent consultant, the City of Denton aims to ensure that our Animal Services Department meets the highest standards for animal welfare and identify areas for improvement.

Scope of the Review:

• Policy and Procedure Evaluation: The consultant will assess existing policies and procedures related to animal care euthanasia practices including hold times, to ensure they align with best practices and industry standards.
  
• Operational Assessment: The review will include an evaluation of the Department's operational practices, including staffing and on-call responsibilities, intake and adoption procedures, dispatch, and resource management.
  
• Stakeholder Feedback: The consultant will gather input from Department staff and management to gain a comprehensive understanding of current practices and concerns.
  
• Recommendations for Improvement: Based on the findings, the consultant will provide recommendations for enhancing all aspects of our shelter to improve overall effectiveness.

Timeline:

• Engaged Consultant: September 9, 2024
• Signed Agreement: September 11, 2024
• Review Commencement: September 30, 2024
• Initial Findings Staff Presentation: 30-day review
• Final Report and Recommendations: Two weeks following the review period with the results shared publicly.

The City of Denton remains committed to transparency and accountability. We will keep the community informed once the review has concluded and ensure that any necessary changes are implemented to better serve and protect our animal population.

Contact: Dustin Sternbeck, (940) 349-8251, [email protected]

(About Denton) Denton is a community like no other - we're welcoming, innovative, creative, diverse, unique and authentic. The City is a vibrant and growing community with many opportunities, no matter what your interest or passion. You're free to be whoever you are in a friendly atmosphere with a small-town vibe that's just a short drive away from the big city. And we invite your friends to discover Denton, too!

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Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.

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