2008 - A New Kern County Animal Control Director - Picture America - PictureAmerica's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Jun 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM : ...

Start 2008

Pup wrote: Do you know how long Kern County has been seeking a person to fill this position? I have heard that this position has been vacant for over a year now.

Yep. But the search is picking up again in June 2008

David Price is working on it now

Director of Kern County Resource Management Agency |

- directly oversees Kern County Animal Control |

Poster links:

Pup

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/Pup

siouxcityranch

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/siouxcityranch

NancyII

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/NancyII

Shwaine

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/Shwaine

sagefever

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/sagefever

CatherineBaker

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/CatherineBaker

bakoblue

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/User/bakoblue

That's It. Stay Tuned.

Jun 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM : ...

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG

is to get the Kern County officials and the Press interested in hearing from residents and others in an effort to get a terrific Animal Control Director selected - if that's possible. I hope so.

Jun 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM : Are you looking for...

Are you looking for one that is fair to everyone or just those that are pro Mandatory Spay and Neuter

Jun 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM : Hello...

Hello siouxcityranch:

Here we are seeking comments from Kern County residents and others. What sort of Animal Control Director would be acceptable to you?

Jun 23, 2008 at 09:06 PM : I want one that...

I want one that will vote aggressively towards low cost spay and neuter,,possibly setup a clinic here instead of Fresno because Ive spoken to people about transporting their animals to Fresno and they immediately said no they wouldn't send their animal in a truck with 100 other animals taking a chance on them getting in a fight or exposed to other animals and their health problems..

I don't think MSN is the answer for many reasons I will go into later if need be..

Jun 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM : PA, I've stated...

PA, I've stated my views ad nauseam on pups blogs and really have nothing new to offer. I doubt anyone else does either but for what it's worth, I'm completely against mandatory s/n and completely for low cost s/n clinics. I am a firm believer in adopting pets rather than buying from newspapers mostly because of the over crowding but also because a 2 year old dog is perfect to my way of thinking.

If I had the experience and the training, the position would be interesting. Hopefully they'll be able to find someone who can make a difference. However, the public will have to get behind any program if it's to be successful.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My only question is why we're going through this yet again? Do you know how many blogs there are on the animal issue?

Jun 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM : PA do you have any...

PA do you have any authority here or are you just trying to generate conversation?? If its the latter Im kind of all talked out like Nancy..but if this is a serious blog that could help the situation let us know..otherwise its past my bed time..

Jun 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM : Hello Nabcyll The...

Hello Nabcyll

The reason for another Kern County Animal blog is because a new Animal Control Director is about to be selected. Right now. June/July 2008. If this blog stays on topic it may be helpful to provide information to Kern County officials and the Press. That's all. That's the purpose.

This blog is specifically about selecting a new Animal Control Director.

Denise Haynes is seeking to be selected.

Are there other candidates?

What sort of Director do you want? What qualities should be sought? How about a person who cares about the lives of animals and understands how important animals are to the lives of Kern County residents?

Any comments?

Jun 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM : Hello...

Hello Siouxcityranch: I am interested in getting a talented Animal Control Director selected. Then the future could be better than what is described in this report: May 2008 UC Davis Report info.

We can get the Press to listen. We may get David Price to listen. There may be more than just Denise Haynes to choose from.

Your comments are worth the effort.

Jun 23, 2008 at 11:06 PM : Like Sioux and Nancy,...

Like Sioux and Nancy, I'm rather all talked out on the topic. One thing I haven't seen mentioned on this thread yet though is getting someone with a bit more tech saavy. The website is in desperate need of some TLC and I worry a non-techie director might not see why such an expense will pay off. As others have said on other threads, a better adoption website, along with a more streamlined adoption procedure, might just be the ticket to getting the adoption rates up. The education section of the website could use some help too. And low-cost spay/neuter options are not prominent on the homepage of either the city or county animal control websites.

Jun 24, 2008 at 06:06 AM : Ive been an advocate...

Ive been an advocate to revamp that website for awhile now..I and our friends have used other dog sites such as puppy.com to purchase or sale dogs on..Its proving to be a great resource for many many people in relocating pets..

Not only can we promo shelter animals but they can also sale space too private individuals ..In my mind its a win win...and whats it hurt to just give it a shot..The biggest issue would be the right promotional people who will get the page out there..I have been building websites for years and I know it takes more than just slappin some pics and a few words online to get results..The paper could also help by giving some free space to advertise the websites existence but not on the back pages not at first anyway..

Jun 24, 2008 at 06:06 AM : Someone who can...

Someone who can inspire,who can unite,who can make decisions and implement them,someone who can think outside the box ,someone who can write grants,someone who has held a successful similar position~someone who does not polarize or talk down to folks and who realizes compromise is the only way to get to a goal. Good luck~ they should work cheap too.

Jun 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM : The problem is...

The problem is overpopulation. Without an effective low cost or free spay/neuter program, the county pound will continue to be a death camp for dogs and cats.

Jun 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM : Well missy Sage ya had...

Well missy Sage ya had me tll the last line..I know you were kidding but they shouldnt be expected to work cheap...this is a huge under taking and if the right person comes along they would be worth their weight in gold

Jun 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM : The Libertarian side...

The Libertarian side of me says there shouldn't be mandatory spay/neuter laws, but the realist in me says where children and animals are concerned (you know--those without political clout) we have to bend over backwards to protect them, since they can't protect themselves. We should put the interests of those most vulnerable above our own interests--even if that means sucking up our political beliefs. It's called chivalry, maturity, integrity.

So I'm for mandatory spay/neuter laws. I'm also for other laws that put children first, even if it violates what I consider my freedoms. It's part of a philosophy of considering others before you consider yourself.

Jun 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM : ;-) The work for cheap...

;-) The work for cheap part was a joke~ I was starting to sound like I was running for office~lol.

Jun 24, 2008 at 07:06 AM : Pup wrote above:...

Pup wrote above: "In answer to your question about candidates, I have talked to a couple of different people that applied; one had a degree in I think it was law enforcement, is a compassionate person and well qualified -- that person was blown off by Price and Haynes."

As I understand it - Denise Haynes wants the job.

Animal Control previously was a Division of some Department.

Animal Control was upgraded to a Department under Price.

As a Department - a Director will be selected.

Denise Haynes wants that title.

Has Denise Haynes done good work so far?

Here is a News Report on the topic:

Supervisors make animal control own county department

BY JAMES BURGER
Californian staff writer
e-mail: jburger@bakersfield.com | Tuesday, Oct 9 2007

Kern County Animal Control has been given department status, but will remain as a subsidiary department to the Resource Management Agency. Kern County Resource Management Agency |

Supervisors blessed the department's promotion Tuesday afternoon, and directed staff to start the process of hiring a director.

The creation of the separate department was recommended years ago as a way to hold the county accountable for improving care of animals.

Liz Keogh, an animal advocate who called for changes at the outset, hailed Tuesday’s decision as a good step toward the eventual independence of Animal Control.

“I felt that this ordinance would facilitate, rather than hinder, the establishment of a stand-alone agency,” she said. “I think that Mr. Price and Ms. Haynes (have a) sensible and sensitive commitment to animal control.”

Current Animal Control Division Chief Denise Haynes said changes to department operations won’t be immediate.

Once an animal control director is hired (she intends to apply, she said) there can be talk about expanding the structure of the department to do more animal law enforcement and other tasks.

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 AM : ahh CAT,,anyway MSN...

ahh CAT,,anyway MSN would not be considering others..a Low Cost clinic would.......MSN is cut and dry to heck with how others feel about it..Low cost clinic would create a reasonable alternative for everyone to live with...MSN will end up sending more animals to slaughter for economic reasons because the current price is too high for many low income family's and those on a fixed income..those that are creating this mess will continue to do so..you would be putting a financial strain on innocent people..I personally know people that would love to spy or neuter but the cost factor holds them back..how do you think making it mandatory would improve their world so they could afford it?? it wouldn't and both you and I know it....I have some one in mind and I just shot her off an email about it..shes at work so it might be later today b4 i get an answer..shes been working in animal control for a few years and shes very familiar with the politics...hopin that wont kill my suggestion to her about running

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 AM : Sioux-- let's do...

Sioux-- let's do both! I don't care.

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 AM : Pup - You are right...

Pup - You are right as usual. Now in June 2008 Kern County is seeking to select an Animal Control Director. Denise Haynes wants the position, the title of Director and the control. Is that a good idea?

Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06 AM : PUP - Your thoughtful...

PUP - Your thoughtful comments make sense to me.

Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06 AM : Shwaine wrote...

Shwaine wrote above: "... getting someone with a bit more tech saavy. The website is in desperate need of some TLC and I worry a non-techie dir... a better adoption website, along with a more streamlined adoption procedure, might just be the ticket to getting the adoption rates up. The education section of the website could use some help too. And low-cost spay/neuter options are not prominent on the homepage of either the city or county animal control websites."

That's the ticket. That's news. Bright Ideas. Way to go. I agree with you and NEVER thought about it before.

Thank you Shwaine.

Thank you siouxcityranch.

Here is the May 2008 UC Davis Report info. Comments anyone?

Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06 AM : PictureAmerica&nbs...

PictureAmerica You need to go read the back logs concerning this issue before you decide who the good/bad guys are..if you can handle the repetitiveness of it all....I would suggest working from Pups last blog backwards..no deleting now Pup and I might suggest this one too

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/28793

Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06 AM : ...

Pup wrote above: I understand, Haynes has a state-of-the-art computer program -- that has yet to be installed. So that program is sitting on a back shelf, just like the UC Davis Report did until Ms Stewart stepped up and brought it to the public.

So, has Denise Haynes shown leadership and professional experience to get the work done? Can she improve the website?

Is Denise Haynes a good choice as the New Animal Control Director in 2008? Is she the one we want?

Should we keep looking?

Should Kern County keep looking?

Do Kern County residents have a say?

========================================

Pup: Who is Ms. Stewart and what did she do?

Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM : If there were a free...

If there were a free spay/neuter program most of the unwanted animals would be gone. It should be our choice if we want to do this or not. With all of the money that has been spent on passing rules and regulations hundreds of animals could have been fixed and this problem could be already under control. Instead laws are being discussed that will make a lot of law abiding citizens criminals

Heres some URLs people need to view

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC_PP2gCxZY

http://www.nefga.org/forum/nebraska-hunting-forum/12315-santa-barbara-county-supervisors-put-mandatory-spay-neuter-ice.html

Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM : Denise...

Denise Haynes obviously IS NOT the person for the job. She has had her chance. Even though she "fills in" for the director position, she must apply for the position opening & go through the interview process as all others applying. HOPEFULLY, there are "OTHERS"!!! She has clearly not been beneficial to our pet or people commmunity. The whole animal services division needs to be revamped!! How many "reports" do we need to indicate so? As a taxpayer, avid animal lover AND "shelter pet adopter", I wish I had the qualifications to apply!! It's simply ridiculous........c'mon Kern County, we are known for our agriculture/livestock background, yet we are one of the highest "pet euthinizers" in the nation!! SAD!!! As I suggested in a survey I took a couple of years ago for animal control svcs.......has any of the agencies ever watched animal planet's pet rescue shows? Could get some great ideas for adoption services, vaccinations, licensing, etc. This problem has been in our news FOREVER..........please Mr. Price; let's make a change to move forward.

Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM : Free spay/neuter would...

Free spay/neuter would get the most response, but it is also the hardest to maintain economically. There are real costs associated with the procedures that would have to be underwritten by the sponsoring agency, even if the vet and techs worked for free. That being said, free really gets pets into the operating room. Look how quickly SPCA's free feral cat spay/neuter vouchers flew off the shelf last year when the program was first announced. And that program only had a handful of vets in town who would take the vouchers at the time.

As for the Denise Haynes issue, the cynic in me wonders if this is another "old boys club" situation in Bakersfield (which now is non-gender specific, woo for progression). This town does have a history of selecting people for positions based on criteria other than their qualifications.

Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM : Spay / Neuter Vouchers...

Spay / Neuter Vouchers - a good idea.

Killing homeless animals - bad.

Selecting a competent, compassionate, Animal Control Director who has a deep respect for Kern County residents and their love of animals - good idea.

Denise Haynes as part of theBakersfield "old boys club" - right on!

This town does have a history of selecting people for positions based on criteria other than their qualifications - Perfect!

Jun 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM : Well - let's find...

Well - let's find an Animal Control Director who has the willingness to seek Voucher and Low-Cost Spay / Neuter projects in Kern County.

That is one criteria for the new Animal Control Department Director.

Note: Off-Topic posts and no fun comments about other posters here ought to be deleted.

Jun 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM : ...

Kern County Supervisors all need to receive our e-mails protesting this entire situation:

board@co.kern.ca.us.

District 1 Jon McQuiston

District 2 Don Maben

District 3 Mike Maggard

District 4 Ray Watson

District 5 Michael Rubio

District Map: http://www.co.kern.ca.us/bos/kcmap.pdf

Bakersfield City Council all need to receive our e-mails protesting this entire situation:

City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us .

Tell them.

Tell them what you think about Kern County Animal Control.

Tell them what you think about the 2008 UC Davis Report that was received and then hidden away from view of Kern County residents.

And - tell them what you want to see in the new Animal Control Department Director who respects Kern County residents who care for the lives of animals - including homeless animals.

Jun 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM : Sage wrote...

Sage wrote above: "Someone who can inspire, who can unite, who can make decisions and implement them, someone who can think outside the box, someone who can write grants, someone who has held a successful similar position ~ someone who does not polarize or talk down to folks and who realizes compromise is the only way to get to a goal. Good luck."

Makes sense to me.

And someone who can get the Animal Control Department website up to date and useful.

Jun 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM : Sage wrote above:...

Sage wrote above: "Someone who can inspire, who can unite, who can make decisions and implement them, someone who can think outside the box,

I think Obama's going to have his hands full just running the country, Sage. Let's not saddle him with cleaning out *THIS* particular stable.

Jun 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM : WAY OFF TOPIC:...

WAY OFF TOPIC: Wouldn't it be something if Barack Obama is elected President!

Jun 24, 2008 at 01:06 PM : Pup - Okay. I'll...

Pup - Okay. I'll figure this comment / delete challenge out. You make sense. Picture America / PA

Jun 24, 2008 at 01:06 PM : The veterinarian at...

The veterinarian at the KCAC resigned to take a position at the San Francisco SPCA. Her last day was June 6. KCAC is currently exploring a number of options for filling the position and has a veterinarian acting in a temporary capacity.

Jun 24, 2008 at 03:06 PM : Kern County Shelter...

Kern County Shelter Vet - Dr. Jennifer McDougle

Dr. Jennifer McDougle, a very nice woman, may have accepted a position at the San Francisco SPCA - http://www.sfspca.org/home.... - veterinary medical facility. Typically she went to Dave Price, rather than Denise Haynes, when she needed something. Losing the shelter vet is really a blow because it is likely shelter sickness will go through the roof again. There are still two vet techs, but that doesn't make up for not having a vet.

Apparently Kern County is actively seeking another vet for the shelter

McDougle was an uncommonly nice, sweet woman, and some can't imagine anyone else putting up with Denise.

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 PM : The reality in this...

The reality in this situation is that Dave Price does not hire the Director - this is a personnel issue. There are several candidates for the job and Denise Haynes is not guaranteed the position.

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 PM : Dave Price does not do...

Dave Price does not do the hiring for this position and Denise Haynes must interview just like the other candidates.

Jun 24, 2008 at 08:06 PM : It is Trinity from the...

It is Trinity from the Matrix movies.

Jun 25, 2008 at 05:06 AM : Pup - Who is...

Pup - Who is Keeptrying? Where does he come from? Who are his co-horts? What are they seeking to accomplish?

Jun 25, 2008 at 05:06 AM : KeepTrying says:...

KeepTrying says: "the reality in this situation is that Dave Price does not hire the Director - this is a personnel issue. There are several candidates for the job and Denise Haynes is not guaranteed the position. Dave Price does not do the hiring for this position and Denise Haynes must interview just like the other candidates."

Okay. Now, imagine the future of Kern County if Denise Haynes gets the job. Denise Haynes: see the May 2008 UC Davis Report on Kern County Animal Control.

Aug 7, 2008 at 11:08 AM : Actually guys, Dave...

Actually guys, Dave Price does do the hiring for this position.

The Kern County Animal Control Department is one of many departments under the umbrella of the Kern County Resource Management Agency mega-department. Price runs RMA.

He has been interviewing for the position for more than a month. I'm currently trying to get an update on this situation from him.

Aug 7, 2008 at 01:08 PM : Good Info. Thanks!

Good Info. Thanks!