CC 2017-11-28_06a PP_Debriefing_Grey Fox11/30/2017
Information Learned After The Euthanization Of A Grey Fox By The United States Department Of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services Department
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No City Involvement
The City, including staff, elected and appointed officials had no part in this activity.
The City was never contacted by any agency involved in the action.
The City has no expertise or jurisdiction over wild animals.
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Involved Agency
The action was undertaken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services department.
USDA employee confirmed their involvement in the action.
Utilized a federal trapper.
Consulted with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after the fact.
Their assertion is that they followed all laws, no permits were needed, and that euthanasia was appropriate and the only legal remedy available to them in this situation.
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Contact Information
USDA California Wildlife Services State Director
3419-A Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 979-2675
Toll Free: 1-866-4USDAWS
FAX: (916) 979-2680
State Director dennis.l.orthmeyer@aphis.usda.gov
Assistant State Director mark.ono@aphis.usda.gov
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Lesson - Keep Wild Animals Wild
First and foremost keep wild animals wild. Do not feed, shelter, interact, or aid them in anyway unless they are injured or abandoned as young. (Against California Law)
As a community, work together to avoid similar situations in the future:
People who live near wildlife habitat should reduce food opportunities for wildlife by keeping pet food inside, seal trash cans, and safely enclose pets and animals. Dissuade wildlife
from being on your property.
Advise people of these important lessons if they are not following them.
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Lesson - We Have It All
Arroyo Grande is a special place and our General Plan works to preserve wildlife habitat, human habitat, and local agriculture.
2/3 of our city’s boundary abuts to low density land uses.
The Arroyo Grande Creek is 3 linear miles of habitat and a corridor for animals.
This supports our unique community character, but also inherently sets-up a situation for conflicts in uses.
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Lesson – Many Agencies
County of San Luis Obispo - Provides domestic animal care and control services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo and within each of the seven incorporated cities.
Pacific Wildlife Care – Non-profit rehabilitation services for injured and sick wild animals only.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife – The Mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats
upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. Issues depredation permits if needed.
USDA Wildlife Services – Works to reduce conflicts between wild animals and agricultural land uses. Agreement with the County Agriculture Department.
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Lesson – Local Rules
The lack of knowledge of our local animal keeping regulations
Generally, the keeping of farm animals is regulated through our zoning code and are only allowed in limited areas of the City.
Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is online and is easily searchable.
Community Development staff is always available to assist and answer any questions.
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Lesson - Community Response
The concerning display of community anger
Frightening to see the power of people using social media to place blame on one person instead of recognizing a complicated series of events involving many actors.
Urge people to not continue the behavior.
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Lesson – Community Generosity
Aware of a vigil that is planned for December 11th. Since this is a non-coordinated gathering with no clear organizer we ask people to use good judgement and follow all rules.
Staff requests people refrain from placing stickers on publicly owned property.
GoFundMe campaign to produce informational signs about wildlife and how we should interact with it.
A project spokesperson should be identified to interact with the City to asses the appropriateness of signs requested to be placed on City Property.
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Conclusion
Staff is available to answer any questions.
Staff has and is prepared to further communicate with the USDA in order to serve as a conduit to relay official concerns and comments of the Council.
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