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Clearlake chief outlines city response to grand jury findings on animal shelter; council approves response
Summary
Council reviewed a 2023–24 grand jury report on Clearlake’s animal shelter. Chief Pouchy described the city’s responses—agreeing with some findings, disputing others about medical care—and council unanimously approved the response.
The Clearlake City Council reviewed proposed responses to the 2023–24 grand jury report on the city animal shelter and approved the city’s response after a presentation by Chief Pouchy. The grand jury’s report raised six findings, including overcrowding and concerns about contract terms and medical care.
Chief Pouchy summarized the report’s findings and the city’s position: the city agreed that overcrowding had occurred in the past and agreed that the 10‑year contract cited in the report lacks explicit prohibitions on annual increases; the city disputed the grand jury’s finding that timely medical care is not always provided, saying North Bay (the shelter operator) provides prompt care when needs are identified. The city also agreed there were communication shortfalls and said it has taken or begun steps to improve transparency, including monthly reports to council and plans for quarterly updates with more medical detail.
The proposed responses include maintaining a target population under 40–45 dogs when feasible, conducting annual contract review with North Bay as required by the contract, improving public communication channels and sourcing food from a local vendor to ensure timely deliveries. Chief Pouchy acknowledged limited local veterinary capacity and said the shelter supplements local services with providers in neighboring counties when necessary.
Council member Slooten moved to approve the chief’s response to the grand jury report; the motion was seconded by Council member Kramer and passed unanimously.
