Answer: In the past, we have worked with about 15 local groups. Of those groups approximately 50% of them are not legitimate 501(c)3 organizations and therefore have issues with signing the PPA.
 

Answer: The list of those groups that have willingly signed the agreement are on our website at ccspca.com, We are still getting many agreements in and the list will continue to grow. We have had an outstanding response by other organizations that understand business agreements. Some of those that have signed are organizations that the “local” rescues have transported our animals to.
 

Answer: Many of the rescues have asked for written policies and we are pleased to inform them that we now have a document which clearly defines the relationship between the Central California SPCA and our rescue groups. This document, called the Pet Placement Organization Agreement, establishes protocols, roles, and responsibilities for both parties. Many Humane Societies and Animal Control agencies have implemented similar industry standard type agreements with their rescue groups. We also had recent knowledge that not all rescues were operating with a current non-profit status, which is required by law. We cannot afford to lose our non-profit status and therefore, must have all rescues comply with all applicable laws.

Question: The PPA from CCSPCA states that rescue groups “shall pay applicable fees [including] cost recovery for surgical alteration and/or procedures, microchipping, medications, diagnostics and vaccinations if these procedures have been performed at CCSPCA’s expense” and that the CCSPCA may charge “full adoption fees for any animal available for adoption.” Have rescues been asked to pay some or all of these fees in the past? If not, why not? Why now? 

Answer: Yes, this policy is the same as before the written agreement. 

Answer: It appears that many of the state and local laws were not addressed in the submission, in particular the requirement that the rescue be a legitimate 501(c)(3) organization. Our attorney will be reviewing the last minute requests by certain groups and preparing a response. For now, the agreement remains as is.
 

Answer: We have not allowed rescue groups to pull animals without a signed agreement.  Currently these groups are upset and are harassing our visitors / customers and affecting our ability to find homes for these animals.
 

Answer:  No, this agreement has been requested by many organizations to help clearly define the responsibilities of the CCSPCA and the organizations that we work with. This addresses all state laws and is an industry standard business agreement that we and the rescues must comply with. 
 

Answer: There are no additional animals estimated to be subject to euthanasia stemming from this agreement. Many other organizations have stepped in and are willing to take the animals that those who refuse to sign the agreement may have taken. We are always actively seeking legitimate local, state and national organizations to work with. Prior to this agreement many local non-legitimate groups often took animals from our facility and transported them to other legitimate organizations – organizations willing to sign the agreement.
 

Answer: There will be no increase in the number of animals euthanized as a result of the reduced rescue access. Our organization continually strives to increase adoptions through promotions, fostering and other programs within the capabilities of our staff and volunteers.  An example of this promotion is currently being offered for large breed dogs.  Of the total number of animals brought to the CCSPCA, all rescue groups transferred less than 6%  in 2009-2010. The media is misrepresenting this impact by grossly exaggerating  the number of animals affected by the few groups who will not sign the agreement. The dissenting groups are an even smaller portion of the 6%. 

Our adoption rates are posted on our website http://ccspca.com/support-the-ccspca/adopt/new-adoption-rates/ and have a list of items included in the adoption fee. These rates do not cover all costs of the animals’ care.

Yellow journalism coupled with the irate rescue groups disseminated inaccurate information through the media to the public. The public misrepresentation by these media sources, has created a hostile work environment and CCSPCA staff are receiving death threats. Unfortunately, we have not seen any calls to action to help the animals, such as spaying/neutering and adopting, by these media outlets. Instead we’ve seen attacks and childish antics. 

We appreciate everyone’s efforts to legitimately and humanely help rehome animals. We are proud to work with other businesses that are following state laws and local ordinances. Our Pet Placement Organization Agreement will strengthen the ties with legitimate rescues to provide a stable environment to help our community’s homeless pets.