SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County's Department of Animal Services Tuesday released the results of an independent operational assessment intended to improve how the department runs, even as it reels from a management shakeup and ongoing lawsuit.
Dr. Brie Sarvis -- then the county's chief veterinarian and now director of the department -- commissioned national consulting firm Team Shelter USA in October of last year to evaluate shelter operations, staffing, animal care practices and overall service delivery.
"This report gives us a strategic roadmap," Sarvis said. "We're not just identifying improvements -- we're acting on them to deliver safer shelters, stronger field services and better outcomes for people and pets."
Where the department succeeds is the experience and care of its staff and volunteers, high-quality medical care, a live-release rate topping 90%, programs such as Dog Day Out and improved field services, the report found.
On the other hand, the department needs improvement in reaching out to owners to return lost pets, reducing the length of stay for animals, improving sanitation practices at the Bonita location, strengthening customer service and filling staff roles, the report said.
Sarvis said the report is timely, as the department prepares to open a new Santee shelter and continues improvements across the system.
"We're grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners," Sarvis said. "This assessment shows the strong foundation we already have and helps us focus on thoughtful improvements that benefit both animals and the community."
In January, the county fired Rachael Borrelli from her role as assistant director. She had been on leave since September, following a bizarre, profanity-laden voice message calling for more euthanasia for dogs in Animal Services' care.
"In Carlsbad, they don't euthanize anything -- even if the dog f--- ing bit a kid," Borrelli said in the voice message, KPBS reported. "So that's why I was like, `Euthanize the dog.' Like, I'm so sick of us keeping s___ dogs that aren't going to get adopted. That's why we're overcrowded. Call me heartless, but I'm also realistic."
Following her firing, then-director Vaughn Maurice resigned, allowing Sarvis to take over the head role.
The saga didn't end there, as Borrelli then filed suit against the county over alleged sexual harassment, defamation and whistleblower retaliation.
Her suit claims a shelter employee last year spread rumors she was hired by the department after having a sexual relationship with former interim director Steve Lujan. The lawsuit states the rumors were false.
Borrelli filed a claim against the county in January before the lawsuit, demanding $8.5 million for "damages, loss of reputation and loss of earnings," KPBS reported.
— City News Service
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