Longcore Gets His Way; City Officially Ends Any TNR Support Today

MEMORANDUM

DATE: December 17, 2009

TO: Partnering Veterinarians and Rescue Organizations for LA Animal Services All Staff of the Department of Animal Services

FROM: Kathleen J. Davis, Interim General Manager

Department of Animal Services

SUBJECT: Compliance with December 4, 2009 Court Ruling – Los Angeles Superior Court

Case No. BS115483 (Lawsuit Regarding Trap, Neuter, and Return of Feral Cats)

A recent court ruling enjoined the City of Los Angeles from implementing a Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) program for feral cats until the City has completed an environmental review in

compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Under the December 4, 2009 ruling, the City is also prohibited from encouraging third parties to carry out TNR, by providing incentives for, or otherwise facilitating, the capture, sterilization, and release of feral cats, until the City complies with CEQA. After consultation with the City Attorney, the Department prepared this memorandum to inform you that the City is prohibited from carrying out the following activities by the court ruling:

Providing vouchers to subsidize the cost of sterilization of feral cats. For vouchers distributed before December 4, 2009, please note the City will not redeem the vouchers for payment by the Department for any sterilization of a feral cat performed after December 19, 2009. Effective immediately, the City will issue sterilization vouchers only to residents of the City for owned cats or dogs. No feral cat issuance, use, or redemption is allowed.

Providing waivers of trap permit fees or deposits for trap rentals for organizations that perform TNR.

Providing information about TNR programs sponsored by other entities on its website or providing cyberlinks to TNR programs sponsored by other entities. This includes referrals to TNR groups by Department staff.

Developing or distributing literature on the TNR program.

Conducting public outreach on TNR using press releases, fliers, or other media (except in conjunction with a CEQA public participation process.)

If you have any other questions at this time, please do not hesitate to contact me or Assistant General Manager Linda Barth at 213-482-9558.

cc: Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa

Honorable Members of the Los Angeles City Council

Carmen A. Trutanich, City Attorney

Board of Animal Services Commissioners