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Resident urges hiring two more animal control officers to aid pet rescues during wildfires
Summary
A resident proposed hiring two additional animal control officers and two vehicles, staged with the fire department and funded through a modest pet license fee increase, to improve rapid pet rescues during disasters.
During public comment the council heard a proposal from a Laguna Beach resident urging the city to hire two additional animal control officers and provide two more animal control vehicles to help rescue pets during wildfires and other disasters.
The speaker described instances from the recent Palisades fire in which homeowners were unable to reach pets and recounted a news crew that rescued three dogs from a burning home. The resident said Laguna Beach currently has two animal control vehicles and three officers and suggested an “embedded” approach with animal control personnel staged with Laguna Beach Fire Department in at‑risk neighborhoods to speed response during evacuations. The speaker proposed funding the expansion with a modest increase in pet licensing fees, noting Laguna Beach licensing fees are among the lowest in the county and that pet owners would accept a small increase to avoid future losses.
No council action was taken immediately; the item was presented as public comment. Council members acknowledged the concern and later introduced the city’s new Emergency Management Coordinator, who described prior work with neighboring jurisdictions and wildfire response planning.
